Vermont: CreateVT Action Plan

A growing body of research demonstrates the power of the creative economy as a catalyst for growth and change, particularly in rural places and in times of crisis and recovery. To harness this power for the benefit of the entire state, the Vermont Creative Network—a collective of organizations, businesses and individuals that is backed by the Vermont Arts Council—has developed a new statewide vision and creative economy action plan. Although the CreateVT Action Plan is timely for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the product of a longer three-year effort to shape the future of the state’s creative sector into the next decade.

Informed by a major research study in 2019 that assessed Vermont’s creative sector, the complete action plan provides a road map for critical investment in Vermont artists, creative entrepreneurs, businesses and community cultural facilities. At the heart of the action plan is a recognition that—like roads and bridges—Vermont’s creativity and innovation are part of the state’s vital infrastructure for its communities’ recovery and future. With broad community input, the plan commits to a creative sector that is inclusive and accessible, and that reflects the creative expression of people of all races, genders, sexualities, religions, backgrounds, ages and abilities.

The implementation plan consists of three agendas to direct and prioritize actions: a statewide policy agenda to secure creative-sector resources, a network agenda to connect and empower creatives, and a local agenda to guide regional and local action. The plan articulates specific actions relating to resource development, advocacy, workforce development, communications, collaborations and more.

The project was funded by Jane’s Trust and The Windham Foundation as well as the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the National Life Group Foundation, and the Ruth and Peter Metz Family Foundation. To learn more, contact Vermont Arts Council Deputy Director Amy Cunningham.