University System Required to Support Maine's Creative Economy
by Michael J. Shaughnessy, chair and professor of art
at the University of Southern Maine.
May 3, 2004
There is much discussion in Maine about the creative economy,
which has become the focus of a major state initiative, and
the subject of "A Blaine House Conference: Maine's Creative
Economy," taking place in Lewiston May 6-7.
To understand the creative economy, I like to make an analogy
with the giant mushroom found in northern Michigan. Discovered
just outside of Crystal Falls, many believe it to be the largest
living organism on earth. It is projected to weigh more than
a hundred tons, thought to be between 1,500 to 10,000 years
old, and covers over 38 acres! In spite of its vastness, it
is very hard to see. In fact, one could stand on it and not
notice it. However, it is an integral part of the forest ecosystem
in which is exists. In 1987, a few researchers noticed that
a plethora of small mushrooms existed in one area, and as
they looked closely, they found that all these mushrooms shared
the same root system. Further, the quality of the soil, and
the very health of the forest were dependent on this giant
organism. While obscure, it held a key role in the process
of the soil's conditioning, thus allowing other plants the
ability to thrive. Crystal Falls, seeing an opportunity for
a bit of marketing, has since developed its own economic and
tourism related initiatives around the mushroom, and hosts
the annual "Humungus Fungus Festival."
In many regards, our creative sector plays much the same
role in our economy as this mushroom does in that forest.
It is all pervasive, yet relatively invisible, seemingly disparate,
but connected; and it is integral to our economic ecosystem.
Maine is beginning to recognize how creative artists, entrepreneurs,
scientists, designers, architects, writers, performers, crafts
people, marketers, and a host of others all have the same
root system. They are fundamentally connected by the role
that the ability to create plays in their lives and work.
They are idea centered, industrious, and rooted in their Maine
communities by a love of place and a fascination with ideas.
They are often working as individuals, or within small businesses.
Many are clustered in and around non-profit cultural institutions,
colleges and universities. These creatively driven individuals
work in ways that are both local and global. They are attracted
to, and inspired by, the tremendous natural beauty of Maine.
Although the urban areas have had the largest creative clusters
and cultural vibrancy, those associated with the creative
economy can be found throughout the state. In many regards,
the creative economy may have its most profound impact in
smaller communities like Harrison, home of the Deertrees Theater
and Cultural Center; Rockland, home of the Farnsworth Art
Museum; or Deer Isle, with the Haystack Mountain School of
Crafts. Near my home in Windham, there is a village where
a ceramicist, instrument maker and scientist all work within
a stone's throw of each other. Places like Westbrook's Dana
Warp Mill, by offering space for a mix of small businesses,
artists' and artisans' studios, have given new options to
an old mill and a city that is moving away from the grip of
singular industrial dependency.
If the creative economy is like that big mushroom, then there
is little question that the nature of the soil is of utmost
importance. In order to survive, the creative economy needs
a fertile cultural context of ideas. It is such a context
that the arts affects most directly. It is a culture built
on the belief that creativity creates a more satisfying environment
and is a central ingredient to excellence in every endeavor.
If there is a single institution in our state critical to
the development of the creative sector in Maine, it is our
university system. It is within the university that the depth
and breadth of expressive, analytical and experimental pursuits
converge. Our contemporary culture requires more and more
diversified and interwoven understanding and conceptual abilities
than ever before. It necessitates a broad understanding and
appreciation of the various aspects of multiple cultures and
diverse fields of inquiry. In the creative areas it is the
university that allows an intertwining of intellectual streams.
It is the university that can meet this demand with opportunities
for cross-disciplinary and integrated studies.
Using the Department of Art at the University of Southern
Maine as an example, there is a bachelor's degree in art and
entrepreneurial studies that blends small business development
courses with those in studio art. We also have a course of
study in digital arts that exists through a partnership between
our Department of Art and USM's School of Applied Science,
Engineering and Technology, allowing students to cross curricular
boundaries and build an artistic vision in Web design and
computer imaging. Many students have developed dual majors
within the art studies. This allows students to -integrate
studio art with a broad range of subjects, such as history,
philosophy, education, environmental studies, technology and
the sciences. Further, a creative culture is centered on an
ability for thoughtful critical thinking. It must make connections
across fields of study and through time. It is through a solid
foundation in our liberal studies that this occurs and which
is critical to having well-educated citizens.
Central to the idea of a creative economy is the collective
value that is placed on an acceptance of diversity and the
pursuit of innovation. The arts are crucial to creating a
cultural climate that emphasizes and nurtures creativity within
a community and its economic enterprises. The arts are idea
centered. It is our universities that are poised to offer
the most powerful means for the development of a culture of
innovation. Our creative economy must stand on more than the
fact that Maine is attractive to those responsive to creative
pursuits. It must have a commitment to develop and expand
these creative communities and enterprises. It should seek
to create a broad culture that appreciates and thrives on
individual and collective creativity and values new ideas
and diverse perspectives.
I can not help but believe that the creative economy initiative
offers a real and powerful re-envisioning of our economic
foundation and for the quality of our communities. However,
the long-term health of the creative economy resides in large
measure within our state university system. The ability for
the public universities to develop the kind of individual
talent in the arts, business, humanities, sciences and policy
areas are crucial to such an initiative. A well-supported,
broadly accessible public university system that hold creativity
as a principle value is the most fertile context for such
an economic and cultural shift to take place. The people of
Maine have long been known for their work ethic and skills.
Now, their ability to nurture and allow for innovation must
be recognized as equally important.
>more news releases
|
