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Vision: Creative enterprises succeed in a diverse, equitable, connected, & collaborative environment
We envision a Vermont where all creative people, entrepreneurs, small businesses, facilities and organizations have the connections, resources and support they need to thrive. This means acknowledging the discriminatory failures of many systems both past and present and creating new, inclusive ones to promote, connect, and support the entire creative sector, including those who are non-heteronormative, new Americans, migrant workers, people with disabilities, and other groups. It also requires us to proactively develop resources, systems and channels that allow creatives to grow and thrive: business support programs, technical assistance, peer support networks, and statewide promotion to amplify creative sector offerings.
The following goals list recommended strategies for achieving the goals. Recommendations are just that—there are many potential ways to implement the plan. The best approaches and actions will vary with different groups and communities, with time and changing conditions, and with stage of implementation.
Goals & Strategies
goal 7 | SUPPORT
Creative people and enterprises have abundant access to the resources they need to succeed.
7.1 Connect creative enterprises to business and technical support resources
7.2 Support statewide advocacy efforts for livability, affordability and accessibility
7.3 Provide COVID-19 recovery assistance and resources and support continuing creative sector disaster resilience
goal 8 | NETWORKS
Vibrant networks support creative people, industries, and communities of practice.
8.1 Define and promote VCN membership and participation to diverse creatives
8.2 Cultivate and support existing networks of support for people who identify with traditionally underrepresented groups
8.3 Expand and publicize creative networking events
8.4 Assess and strengthen accessible, user-friendly communication and networking channels for the creative sector
goal 9 | PROMOTION
Vermont is promoted as a hub for creative talent, experiences and communities.
9.1 Promote creative content and offerings that reflect the diversity of the state and elevate the culture and creativity of traditionally underrepresented groups
9.2 Develop solutions and partnerships to expand market reach of creative sector businesses, in-state and beyond
9.3 Integrate creative offerings into statewide marketing and incentives for tourists, investors, residents and businesses
Learn more about this vision’s goals and strategies.
Progress Thus Far
Vermont African American Heritage Trail | Statewide
Black heritage and history run deep in Vermont, if not always visibly. The statewide African American Heritage Trail aims to change that by promoting the museums, historic sites, exhibits and cultural hotspots that reveal Vermont’s Black history through the stories of teachers, activists, ministers and legislators who lived here. Connecting these sites and stories through a statewide trail and promoting in partnership with Vermont’s Department of Tourism and Marketing draws visitors, attention, and revenue to these essential historic sites. Adding layers like spoken word poetry connects Black history to Vermont’s vibrant Black culture today.
Photo: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
The Abenaki Land Link Project | Statewide
For the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki Nation, growing traditional crops is a cultural, economic and health imperative. With tribal land limited, the Nulhegan Band, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) and the Vermont Farm to Plate Network created the Abenaki Land Link project. It provides Indigenous seeds to gardeners, homesteaders and commercial growers across Vermont, who grow and harvest food for Abenaki citizens. Specialty food producers like Vermont Bean Crafters and Running Stone Bread have partnered to help process and preserve the harvest. The project provides sustenance to the Abenaki community and educational opportunity for growers to explore land access, food sovereignty and Indigenous crop resilience. The Abenaki Land Link Project is a small but powerful step toward building resilience, meeting basic needs, and bridging cultures.
Photo: Livy Bulger, NOFA-VT
NEK Tri-Sector Action Plan | Northeast Kingdom
Good things happen when you mix food, art and fun, but it’s rare to find these sectors planning together. The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative did just that when it developed a Trisector Task Force and created an action plan for “advancing economic development through the intersection of the creative, recreational and food sectors.” Shared plans and priorities for three sectors means more power and efficiency for implementation. It’s already paying off with cross-sector events and festivals that attract bigger audiences, more resources and greater benefits than any sector could garner on its own.
Photo: Catamount Arts
September 8, 2021