ncIMPACT Town Hall: Constructing North Carolina’s Creative Placemaking Economy
North Carolina’s creative industries are responsible for more than 417,000 jobs, representing 7 percent of the state’s workforce.
The ncIMPACT Initiative at the UNC School of Government partnered with UNC-Charlotte’s Urban Institute, Destination Cleveland County, UNC-TV, and Civic Federal Credit Union to highlight efforts in the Shelby region to leverage cultural resources for economic development. The broadcast will offer a great way to help leaders in other regions of the state better understand how communities like Shelby are using creative placemaking strategies to strengthen their local economy.
“Creative placemaking is a process where community members, artists, arts and culture organizations, community developers, and other stakeholders use arts and cultural strategies to implement community-led change. This approach aims to increase vibrancy, improve economic conditions, and build capacity among residents to take ownership of their communities.” American Planning Association
According to the NC Arts Council, North Carolina’s creative industries are responsible for more than 417,000 jobs, representing 7 percent of the state’s workforce. These jobs generate $18 billion in wages, salaries and benefits. Creative Industries produce $29 billion in revenues and attract arts travelers who stay longer and spend more money while visiting various places.
Panelists for the ncIMPACT Town Hall filmed at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby include:
- Stan Anthony, Mayor, City of Shelby
- David Dear, Co-Owner, Newgrass Brewing
- Melanie Graham, Owner, Morgan and Wells Bed and Breakfast
- Jeff Michael, Director, UNC-Charlotte Urban Institute
- Brownie Plaster, Destination Cleveland County
- Audrey Whetten, Executive Director, Uptown Shelby Association
These ongoing statewide ncIMPACT Town Hall events enhance the weekly ncIMPACT series. Just as we take ncIMPACT into communities, tackling problems head on by meeting with bold, positive change agents, the ncIMPACT town halls serve as a convening for a region’s residents, businesses, non-profits and government organizations to share their stories, ideas and solutions.
ncIMPACT is designed to get North Carolinians excited about these opportunities for creating positive change in their communities and in North Carolina. In addition to over-the-air broadcasts, the ncIMPACT series website features individual episodes, segments and web extras. Explore and access it anytime via unctv.org/ncIMPACT.