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Fostering the Creative Economy in Western Massachusetts

Through its leadership of a multifaceted communitybased coalition, Greenfield Community College (GCC) strives to help develop artists’ businesses and the creative economy in western Massachusetts. Other goals of the project, called the Fostering the Arts and Culture Partnership, are to increase income to artists and arts-related businesses, and to increase tourism and tourism-related income in the region. Project activities thus far have included website creation, artist business consulting and training, artist database development, strategic planning, the planning and execution of summit conferences on the creative economy, and the building of artist-run committees to develop and host artist events.

With an annual fall enrollment of just over 3,000 students, GCC is the smallest of the 15 community colleges in the Massachusetts higher education system. It serves an academically, economically, and culturally diverse student population primarily from Franklin and Hampshire counties in Massachusetts, and from southern Vermont and New Hampshire. GCC offers associate degrees for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges as well as associate degrees and certificates to prepare students to enter the knowledge-based workforce. Community education and technical skills workshops provide continuing education and work-related skills training for a variety of professions and vocations, including visual arts and crafts.

When asked why Greenfield Community College would lead a cultural economic development project, Dr. Robert Pura, GCC’s president, replied, “The development of arts and culture as an economic engine is a great fit for our region and for our College’s excellent visual and performing arts departments. We counted 800 of our alumni who are making their living as visual artists in the region. We take a lead around the college and the region’s three strengths: sustainable energy, healthcare, and the creative economy.”