Creative Economy


Photo courtesy of the Tuscaloosa News

Creative Economy, as a concept, means adapting to changes in the economic environment and applying new ideas to old standards of economic practice. Creative Campus Initiative is working to encourage creative economy on campus and in the surrounding community in a variety of ways.

During the Fall 2007 semester, Director Scott Bridges and intern Michael Emery attended the National Conference on the Creative Economy in Fairfax County, Virginia. Business, government, academic and community development leaders shared ideas on topics such as attracting and retaining the creative class, fostering a culture of creativity in the workplace, and improving communities and the economy through creative companies.

Members of Creative Campus also are conversing with community members about ideas related to creative economy through the Culture Builds! program. Spearheaded by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Culture Builds! partners community and University entities in an effort to stimulate economic development through culture.

2007-2008 Creative Economy Activities

Creative Campus sponsored the visit of Sir Ken Robinson, who delivered a powerful message on "How Creativity, Education, and the Arts Shape a Modern Economy."

Creative Campus launched a partnership with the College of Commerce & Business Administration to award MBA students who meet certain criteria with a Letter of Recognition in the Cultural Arts.

Creative Campus hosted a reception for world renowned business leader Charles Handy and his wife, portrait photographer Elizabeth Handy, whose work was exhibited at the event.

Creative Campus partnered with the Career Center to host a two-day visit by Gregg Levoy, who conducted workshops that connected students and faculty to creative and critical thinking activities in order to initiate innovative thinking regarding career planning.

Through its monthly Pasta Presentations, Creative Campus is providing a forum for scholars to exchange ideas on topics such as social entrepreneurship and the new work.