The Sept. 22 event, organized by Creative Portland at the University of Southern Maine’s campus, will shine a light on how the arts are an economic engine for the state.
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A gathering of Maine arts and culture leaders in Portland later this month aims to shine a light on the sector’s economic impact statewide.
The sixth biennial Portland Arts & Culture Summit, organized by Creative Portland on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the University of Southern Maine campus, will also include an update on the city's cultural plan. The event is held every other year.
“This is our Super Bowl,” said Herb Ivy, president of Creative Portland and regional director of content at Townsquare Media. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the arts community and network with artists, potential partners, patrons and funders.”
The day-long gathering will include a report on the economic impact of the arts in Portland and throughout Maine.
Other planned topics include sustainable solutions for supporting opportunities for artists to live and work in Maine as well as collaboratives and partnerships, creative problem-solving and community resources, accessibility practices and AI tools.
The event will also feature a “speed-dating” series for artists, including visual artists, musicians, performing artists and writers.
"Our purpose for convening is all about relationship-building and community-building,” said Dinah Minot, executive director of Creative Portland. “Once people connect, they can make personal arrangements to continue discussions throughout the year for a deep dive into problem-solving."
Minot told Mainebiz that with more than 225 people already registered to attend, registration has been closed. The summit will take place at venues across USM's Portland campus.
