Creative Class Set to Unite at March Conference 

For Immediate Release
2/11/2010 
Contact: Astero Kalogeropoulos 
Phone: 519-751-9900 

Creative thinkers from the business community, not-for-profit sector and arts community will come together next month to explore the role of the creative/cultural sector in the transformation of Brantford into a vibrant and thriving community. 

Turning Ideas Into Practice, a two day conference on March 5 and 6, 2010 will explore innovative business models, develop new networking opportunities, build the capacity of local creative/cultural sector organizations and generate practical ideas and projects to assist in this transformation.

“There is a growing understanding of the essential role the creative sector plays in developing local economics,” Josh Bean, one of the event organizers said.  “Now is the time for the community to come together not only to explore the benefits of the creative economy but to develop strategies to make it work in Brantford.”

Keynote Kevin Stolarick, Research Director of the Marin Prosperity Institute, will kick off the event on March 5. Dubbed the “Official Statistician of the Creative Class”, Stolarick combines a depth of knowledge with an appreciation of the importance of finding and sharing the knowledge or “pearls of wisdom” gained from his comprehensive understanding of the Creative Class and the Creative Economy.

Keynote speaker Gord Hume will lead the second day of the conference.  Hume is recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts on Municipal Cultural Planning and Creative Cities and is the author of two important books on municipal government. “Cultural Planning for Creative Communities,” published in 2009, is already in its third printing and is in eight countries around the world.

Both speakers will provide sparks of inspiration for our growing cultural sector.  Workshops and brainstorming sessions throughout the two days are set to provide participants with practical tools for becoming agents of change.

Turning Ideas Into Practice is made possible thanks to funding provided by the Government of Ontario as well as a grant from Enterprise Brant (a Community Futures Development Corporation) through the Community Adjustment Fund Program.  The conference is also sponsored by Unnormal Media and Design and Millard Rouse and Rosebrugh LLP.

For more information, please click here to be directed to the Brantford Arts Block official website, or call Jan at 519-753-9400 to register.