In partnership with the Creative Economy Association of the North Shore (CEANS), the City of Lynn has opened a dialogue on the Creative economy, what it is, who is in it, and most importantly how we can help make it grow.

Here is info on CEANS: http://www.ceans.org/

We had our first meeting of September 25 at the Lynn Museum, and met a lot of new faces. Joining us were Mayor Clancy, Representative Walsh, and some experts in the field, Dan Hunter of MAASH and Jason Schupbach who is the Creative Industry director for the Office of Business development, who was appointed by the Governor. Each spoke briefly about the industry, but the main purpose of the meeting was an opportunity to meet and network with other creative people in Lynn.

As a way to evaluate what we have started, we asked participants to complete a short survey to tell us more about how we can help foster the creative economy in our community. We will post the feedback shortly.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_ ... zFrQ_3d_3d

We welcome your comments, suggestions on next steps and questions. And forward this on to others, who are creative people but have not been identified yet (For the initial meeting we used NAICS tax code info, which is by no means a complete list). Thanks to Lynnhappens.com to the opportunity to continue this conversation. More details to follow soon.

Speaking of the creative economy, I'm really excited to have live theatre at Lynn Arts.

"October 30 - Nov 1 - Imaginary Beasts Present, "Sorry, Wrong
Number" at the Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, LynnArts
For tickets and info, (978) 500-5553 or
imaginarybeasts@gmail.com"

They also have bands in that space, ranging from the very loud to folk coffee houses. I really like the idea of a broad range of attractions when it comes to the arts. And with shows happening at the Lynn Auditorium as well, I think it would be a good idea to have "Dinner and a show" packages where patrons are presented with coupons to area establishments.

Entertainment thrived during the great depression. Whether or not we really are entering a new 'great depression,' I believe we can be poised to weather the storm through the arts.

I agree with Seth wholeheartedly.

And just a shameless plug, come support the Auditorium on November 15, 2008 at "Shore Blues" with Marty Rowen and the Last Call for Blues, and the 12:01 Blues band. Its $10 admission, and CHEAP cash bar. We realize how much the economy affects our good times, so we are really trying to keep this entertaining evening as affordable as possible. In the past we have worked with our local restaurants, and whole number of places offer a discount, free app or dessert with your ticket. As soon as we work out the details on that, I will post it. If you have any questions, suggestions or thoughts on this show or others, please email me at events@cityoflynn.net.

On another note, sadly the governor's cuts last week included a substantial one to the Creative Economy of the North Shore of $37,500. Which makes the challenge of promoting the creative economy more difficult. We just need to continue to think outside the box on this one.

I can see Lynn as a place where stuff is being made. Display and distribution though...It's hard to say what's going on there.