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.
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.
The series is offered at no cost, and participants are encouraged to attend all three workshops.
Registration is required and limited to forty participants, on a first-come basis.
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.