Creative communities are integral components to any city. When artists and makers feel supported and are given the opportunity to thrive, the aesthetics of a city aren’t the only thing that reap the benefits. In fact, cities report a rise in overall economic impact as a result of a flourishing creative center. For Lynchburg alone, the nonprofit arts community alone supports roughly 251 jobs annually and generates around $10.8 million in economic activity.
That’s why Create Virginia exists. A two day event, Create Virginia will focus on educating artists and makers on how to create a grow a sustainable, small creative business. This statewide event will bring regional and national experts to the stage to provide real life examples on how to make it in the creative industry.
About the Event
Originally Create Lynchburg, the event is expanding in 2019 to serve artists and makers across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The conference equips, connects and inspires creative businesses and individuals so they can be successful in their communities. The conference was originally created in part because city and community leaders realized there was a need for a learning and networking experience for creatives, and they also realized that artists and makers needed more opportunity to connect with one another.
This year, speakers from around the country will be in attendance. Among them is keynote speaker and Peabody-Award winner Lulu Miller of the acclaimed NPR podcast Invisibilia. Speakers will cover every topic needed for a creative business to thrive, including:
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Planning a marketing calendar
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Bridging the communication gap between creatives and businesses
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Social listening
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Pricing
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Creative mental health checks
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And more
For a full schedule listing, click here.
For a limited number of early ticket holders, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts will offer open studio tours as a pre-conference activity. Each year, more than 400 artists from around the world come to the VCCA to work. VCCA artists have received every major artistic and literary award, such as the MacArthur Fellowship, Pulitzer Prize, Guggenheim, NEA and National Book Award.
How to Attend
Tickets are available now for the Create Virginia event, which will take place on March 29 and 30 at the Academy Center of the Arts. Early bird tickets are $45 for general admission and Group Rates start at just $20 per person.