CreateHere Launches to Research Creative Economic and Cultural Growth in Chattanooga
The first week of July 2007 will bring the launch of a new research and planning project in Chattanooga, focused on the engagement of creative, innovative and entrepreneurial Chattanoogans in the life of the city. Called CreateHere, the project will begin with three months of in-depth discovery, research and planning facilitated by Helen Johnson and Josh McManus.
"Chattanooga is fertile ground for young creative companies to become economic drivers and community leaders," said Johnson. "An economic development study conducted in Chattanooga last summer reported that for our city to thrive, we need to encourage creative communities. We have already seen the beginnings of a wonderful, dynamic, diverse movement, but there has not been any central plan for pulling young professionals together and helping them plug into Chattanooga for everyone's benefit."
From July to October, CreateHere will focus on collecting input from individuals, businesses and agencies to learn from creative organizations in Chattanooga and around the country. Through charrettes, interviews, investigation of successes and challenges that other cities have experienced, and research into the needs of creative companies, CreateHere will develop an overarching plan. Recommendations will include how to leverage Chattanooga's existing cultural, social, business and government resources, as well as plan for infrastructure that will encourage the attraction and retention of new creative individuals and businesses to the city.
"CreateHere is looking to build upon the success stories that are happening all around us, because we believe that a rising tide raises all boats," said McManus. "By learning from people who are already making a difference we can participate in our city becoming known as a place where new ideas and strong communities develop. It is a great time in Chattanooga's history, and CreateHere is all ears to listen about what is working, and what is possible."
The research is supported by The Lyndhurst Foundation, long known for aiding innovative and progressive projects on behalf of Chattanooga.
For more information on the project and how Chattanooga citizens can become involved, visit www.createhere.org and take the survey.
"In recent years we have seen a remarkable number of ventures spring up around industries like graphic design, the arts and fine dining," said Jack Murrah, President of Lyndhurst Foundation. "These are companies that have a 21st century look and feel, with a strong emphasis on design, technology and local sustainable development. We're delighted that the CreateHere project will help build the creative community in town, because the creative community in turn builds a better city for us all."
The influence of creative professionals is already being demonstrated in neighborhoods such as Cowart Place, Downtown, Jefferson Heights, ML King District, Fort Negley, Main Street, North Shore, the Southside, & St. Elmo where companies built around design and technology are bringing economic and cultural development.
Posted by CreateHere