Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series: Workshop 2

Strengthening rural economies through creativity and connection

The Creative Economic Development Summer Workshop Series is a three-part learning experience designed for economic development professionals, chamber leaders, tourism staff, and community champions across Southwest Minnesota.

Participants will leave with practical tools, rural-focused examples, and an action plan and resources for designing and implementing a creative economic development project in their own community. 

Registration for this series is closed. Keep an eye on our events calendar and news page to learn about future opportunities.

Join a cohort of Southwest Minnesota community leaders for a combination of virtual sessions and an in-person workshop exploring how arts-based, asset-based, and community-driven strategies can:

Activate underutilized spaces and downtowns

Support local businesses and entrepreneurs

Attract and retain residents

Increase community engagement and participation

Strengthen creative capital and a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem

Build stronger, more resilient local economies

Enhance community health and strengthen quality life

The Creative Economic Development Workshop Series is offered by Department of Public Transformation, in partnership with Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

Series Overview:

Workshop 1 (Virtual)

Introduction to Creative Economic DevelopmentExplore the foundations of creative economic development, including arts-based and asset-based approaches, the role of arts and culture in local economies, and strategies for increasing community engagement and quality of life.

Tuesday, June 16 | 12 – 1 PM CT

Workshop 2 (In-Person Deep Dive)

From Ideas to Action: Designing Creative Economic Development ProjectsDive deeper into creative strategies for economic development through hands-on exercises, examples, and peer learning. Participants will begin developing a creative economic development project or initiative tailored to their community. Participants will conclude the workshop with conversation and networking at Bluenose Gopher Public House.