Ithaca College

What is the “Creative Economy”? Who are the members of the “Creative Class”? What do Paducah, KY, North Adams, MA and Houston, TX have in common? Are you interested in linking arts-associated activities with economic and community development objectives? This course uses an experiential learning design and combines readings of reports from the field, discussion of case studies and visits from practitioners in the field in order to unpack the “Creative Economy” concept.

Introduction to the Creative Economy    THPA 29500-01    #43137
3 credits     Spring Semester, 2012     T, TH 9:25-10:40 Dillingham 8

The distinctiveness of the creative economy approach is that it links the arts and the creative process to a wide range of economic activities including education, technological innovation, and local and regional marketing.
It originates in the understanding that people, quality of place, and innovation are central to economic development and has led to a focus on cultural resources as key elements in regional economic development.

The student will undertake a semester long relationship with a “creative economy” participant of their choice. This may be a leader of an arts organization or arts-related business. Via interviews and research, the student will create a case study of an issue central to the enterprise’s practice.

Special attention will be paid so that the student will gain experience in:
• effective public presentation skills
• effective written communication skills
• understanding and applying effective interview techniques.
• understanding and applying skills of qualitative data analysis.
• creating a formal case study

Instructor:
Susan Monagan
Manager of Audience Development and Special Projects
Department of Theatre Arts
26 Dillingham
Phone 274-3915 (office)
susiemonagan@gmail.com