This concentration of creativity is part of what defines the Midcoast.

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The creative economy is both a big part of what Midcoast residents love about the region and a big reason that visitors stop, shop, and stay in our communities.

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One of the goals of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is to grow several key target industries. One of those target industries is the “creative economy.” The CEDS identifies some specific strategies for growing targeted industries. One such strategy is to “develop regional trails…including arts and culture trails,” while another strategy is to “work with communities to create growth in the emerging Energy economy, Natural Resource economy, Outdoor economy, and Creative economy.”​ To implement the CEDS, MCOG is gathering information and stakeholder input related to the region’s creative economy. 

 

MCOG is approaching the project with two purposes in mind:

 

• To help highlight and grow the creative economy of the region through convening and collaborating with stakeholders

• To identify common themes among the stated priorities of Midcoast communities (as articulated in their comprehensive plans) that relate to the creative economy and to develop a toolkit of resources that will help Midcoast communities implement their priorities.

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Through the early stages of this project, MCOG has focused on:

• Assembling an inventory of economic data related to the creative economy, the visitor economy, and the connections between these two.

• Assembling an inventory of arts and culture related businesses and institutions across the Midcoast region.

• Reviewing the comprehensive plans of Midcoast communities for action items related to the creative economy.

• Talking to a wide range of stakeholders and experts to identify best practices and case studies applicable to the creative economy of the Midcoast, as well as to understand trends, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to this important sector in our economy.

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