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 Development
Explore 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 Projects
Dive 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. - Wednesday, July 22 | 11 AM – 4:30 PM CT
At The YES! House, 726 Prentice Street, Granite Falls, MN (Lunch provided)
Workshop 3 (Virtual)
- Refining and Sustaining Your Work
Reconnect with peers to reflect on progress, strengthen your project plan, and explore strategies for sustaining and resourcing your work moving forward. - Tuesday, August 18 | 12 – 1 PM CT
Who Should Attend:
- Economic Development Professionals
- Chamber of Commerce Leaders
- Tourism / CVB Staff
- City & County Staff
- Nonprofit and Community Development Professionals
- Community Development Champions (Elected Officials, Volunteers, Board Members)
This workshop series is open to folks working in small towns and rural communities across the 18-county Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation region.
What You’ll Gain:
- A deeper understanding of creative economic development strategies
- Tools for activating spaces and engaging community members
- Examples from rural communities doing this work successfully
- A peer network of fellow community leaders
- An action plan for a project in your community
- Optional 1:1 coaching support with DoPT staff
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.