In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our region faced a critical challenge: how to rebuild and revitalize our economy. The answer may lie in an often-overlooked sector that's both the heart of our community and a powerful economic engine – the creative economy.

Prior to the pandemic, the arts and culture sector was an $876.7 billion industry nationwide, supporting 4.6 million jobs and representing 4.2% of the nation's economy. However, this vibrant sector was among the hardest hit by the pandemic, with arts and culture organizations losing $18 billion due to canceled events and reduced audience spending.

The impact of this downturn extends far beyond galleries and theaters. A thriving creative economy fuels innovation, attracts visitors, grows local businesses, and builds more livable communities. From designers and artists to chefs, performers, and software engineers, creatives are the lifeblood of any dynamic, prosperous region.

Recognizing this crucial link between creativity and economic recovery, the Inland Northwest is taking bold steps to prioritize its creative sector. In a highly competitive process, Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI), in partnership with the Coeur d’Alene EDC was selected as host organizations earlier this year by the International Economic Development Council to host an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow. This selection, chosen from 500 community applicants and 1,400 fellow applicants, signals a strong commitment to leveraging our creative assets for economic revival.

I am honored to fill that role and am focused on growing and sustaining our post-pandemic creative economy. Over the next two years, I’ll be working on three initiatives: establishing creative districts, supporting creative placemaking efforts, and connecting creatives to vital resources.

These strategies are part of a larger community plan to grow the economy called THRIVE Spokane or the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Creative districts, such as those planned for Garland, Hillyard, Post Falls, and Coeur d'Alene, aim to promote our community's creative identity, grow jobs, increase tourism, attract artists and creative businesses, and boost overall livability. These districts serve as hubs of innovation and cultural expression, driving economic growth while preserving our unique local character.

Creative placemaking initiatives, another focus of the fellowship, will integrate arts, culture, and design into community development efforts. By fostering partnerships across sectors and deeply engaging the community, these projects lay the groundwork for lasting positive change.

Already, we're seeing exciting developments across the region. In Garland, the historic theater owners are rallying businesses and creatives to boost visitation and expand opportunities to bring visitors and locals to the district. West Central is connecting creatives to projects that celebrate neighborhood assets and improve livability. In Kellogg, Idaho, the community is breathing new life into historic buildings, creating vital "third places" for youth and creatives alike.

Supporting our creative economy is not just about preserving our cultural heritage – it's a strategic investment in our region's future. By focusing on this sector, we're building a more resilient, innovative, and attractive community that can weather future economic challenges.

As we emerge from the pandemic, let's recognize the power of creativity to drive our recovery. With initiatives like the Economic Recovery Corps fellowship, we're not just rebuilding – we're reimagining a more vibrant, prosperous future for all.

Darya Pilram is an Economic Recovery Corps Fellow with host organization Greater Spokane Inc.

“This article is an excerpt from the Connect Magazine. See the full publication here.”