The Young Creatives Summit
Young talent is leaving the region and it is hurting the area’s ability to grow economically. Calculated using census data for the Dayton-Springfield MSA, the region has a 0.8 rating on the Richard Florida Brain Drain Index, meaning too many of our college graduates are leaving the region. We fundamentally believe that if the Miami Valley’s young people feel engaged civically (i.e. part of the solution) then they will be more likely to stay in the region.
We know that several unique organizations are engaging with the area’s young talent, and the Young Creatives Summit initiative seeks to identify the common goals of these organizations in an increased collaborative effort. We believe a shared vision for the region’s future– realized in collaboration with the Miami Valley’s diverse young people, business leaders, government, universities and non-profits– will ultimately improve the economic health of the region.
We propose the first annual Young Creatives Summit, which will bring together diverse young talent, business leaders, non-profits, universities and elected officials, to address the flight of young talent from the region. Modeled after the very successful Syracuse 40 Below (http://www.40belowsummit.com), the Young Creatives Summit will air the concerns of young people, engage them in the region’s decision making process, and help build a shared vision of how the Miami Valley can be improved. The summit will also provide an opportunity for professional development and career networking. This will be an annual event, maintaining a constant focus on attracting and retaining young talent in the region. We hope the summit will foster cooperation between the many regional stakeholders who all want young talent to stay in the region.
Team Catalysts:
Tokunbo Awoshakin
Linda Burrs
Katy Crosby
Drew Fuller
Marilyn Klaben
Scott Murphy
Ryan Shapiro
Next Steps:
1) Develop project plan
2) Organize committees
3) Identify potential partners
4) Identify potential funders
5) Engage volunteers
Volunteers and potential partners are encouraged to contact Scott Murphy at 937.643.0691 or murphyjs@woh.rr.com.
“This Is Dayton” Initiative
The “This Is Dayton” Initiative is focused on rebuilding community pride. The initiative will highlight the region’s many unique assets and diverse population through billboard advertising, kiosks, bus signage, and window signage throughout the region. By rebuilding community pride, residents will become ambassadors promoting the area’s strengths- thus making the region attractive to non-residents and employers considering relocating.
Team Catalysts:
Sally Struthers
Carol Sampson
David Seyer
Bing Davis
Susan Byrnes
Theresa A. Gasper
Next Steps:
1) Research and Development of the community service advertising campaign.
2) Develop fundraising strategy.
3) Build committees.
The “This Is Dayton” group meets every Wednesday, 3:00 p.m., at Bing Davis Studios, 1135 W. Third Street, Dayton.
Volunteers and interested parties are encouraged to attend, and can contact Dave Seyer for more information: 937.222.2787 or dseyer@cultureworks.org.
The Innovation Collaborative Initiative
The area’s rich concentration of artists, engineers and skilled workers are unique regional assets. Our mission is to integrate these talented groups into synergistic relationships to stimulate a stronger economy and promote job creation through innovative collaboration.
To initiate this collaborative discussion, our group will issue an annual challenge to collaborative teams of artists, engineers and skilled workers. This challenge will culminate in a celebration open to the community where these teams will unveil their innovative solutions. The first challenge will be to “Walk on Water.”
The Innovation Collaborative Team hopes to partner with local universities and businesses, civic organizations and government, as well as interested artists, engineers, skilled workers and entrepreneurs. The first challenge will likely be issued in the Fall of 2008, and the community event is anticipated to take place in Spring of 2009.
Team Members:
Sarah Ammar
Patrick Martin
Larry Jenkins
Ojustwin Naik
Art Williams
Sharon Williamson
Next Steps:
1) Research event logistics.
2) Formulate rules and requirements of challenge.
3) Develop collaborative partnerships with individuals and organizations.
4) Explore potential directions for seed-funding and “re-invent” programs.
The first public meeting will be held in mid-April. Volunteers and potential partners are encouraged to contact Sarah Ammar (sammar86@gmail.com).
The Film Dayton Initiative
The Film Dayton Initiative is concerned with supporting, retaining, and attracting local creative talent, a key indicator of the region’s ability to achieve economic competitiveness in a creative economy. Film Dayton will leverage existing assets of regional filmmakers, cast and crew, institutional programs, and related technology in order to grow the existing industry and to export the region’s film product. This will raise awareness of the region and it’s strengths.
The goals of Film Dayton are to establish an endowment that will fund grants to local filmmakers who are making films in the region, and to host an annual film festival- beginning in 2009- eventually featuring films funded by Film Dayton.
Team Members:
Debra Wilburn
Ron Rollins
Andy Snow
Matt Joseph
Drew Fuller
Current Steps:
1) Research creation of film festival.
2) Develop a business plan.
3) Identify donors, establish endowment.
The first major volunteer meeting is expected to be held in April- check back for more information soon!
The Dayton Creative Incubator Initiative
The Dayton Creative Incubator Initiative is conceived as a project to bring life back to one or several of our vacant downtown spaces by working with building owners to allow local artists to use the spaces for creating and displaying art- as well as providing community spaces where artists, musicians and other creatives can hang out, network and simply exchange creative ideas.
Team Catalysts:
Kate Ervin
Anne Rasmussen
Bob Parks
Tom Thickel
Bill Pote
Team Members:
Kristen Wicker
Eva Makstutis
Tess Cortes
Next Steps:
1) Identify volunteers to join the team.
2) Survey potential users (artists, musicians, etc.) and gather information on their specific needs and wants.
3) Identify current examples of community spaces similar to the team’s ideas.
4) Talk to developers and and building managers for input; identify potential partners.
5) Develop marketing materials and an outreach program, both to artists, building owners/managers, and the public.
Volunteers or potential partners are encouraged to contact Kate Ervin: 937.554.8865 or kate.ervin@cityofdayton.org