Business
MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series
As cities move increasingly into a knowledge-based economy, attracting talented workers is becoming more essential than ever. Economists nationwide are predicting a substantial workforce shortage over the next 20 years – the number of young adults entering the workforce is declining, while the growth of traded-sector industries is generating more demand for creative workers and innovative thinking. Cities and companies that develop strategies for attracting and retaining writers, designers, engineers, architects, researchers, and other creative talent will come out ahead in the new economy of ideas.
There is an opportunity for the Portland metropolitan area to capitalize on a key competitive advantage – Portland is experiencing one of the highest domestic in-migration rates among 25 to 34 year olds nationally. Research conducted by local economist Joseph Cortright has demonstrated that these workers choose to live in communities that protect their natural resources, that are easy to travel in, are culturally diverse, and artistically vibrant. Places that have unique character. Cites that endeavor to be The Best at something.
Through the 2007 MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series, local thought leaders will explore the essential role that arts and creativity play in fostering workplace innovation, and will help develop resources for more companies in every industry to be more successful in attracting and retraining creative workers.
Specifically, organizers will:
- Conduct research on the subject, including the launch of an Innovation Survey to locate successful examples of workplace innovation and creativity, and call out best practices.
- Convene two community forums (March 8 and April 12, 2007) at part of the MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series as a way to discuss the role the arts and creativity play in cultivating a strong and innovative workforce.
- Produce a web-based resource for prospective workers and local companies alike to learn about what’s being done in the Portland metropolitan area to foster creativity and innovation in the workplace.
The first forum was held on March 8, 2007 at the Doug Fir Lounge. The
Innovator Next Door: How arts, creativity and ideas build a creative
workforce uncovered and explored
inspired examples of innovation in the business community. Participants
received the results of a recent "Innovation Survey" that describes how
local businesses are fostering innovation at their companies, and shared
best practices for attracting creative workers and cultivating new ideas
in the workplace. Speakers included Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams;
Andrew McGough, Executive Director of Worksystems, Inc.; Lani Hayward,
SVP of Marketing at Umpqua Bank; Claudia Knotek, Community Relations
Manager at New Seasons Market; and Anne Schopf, Principal, Mahlem Architects.
To read the summary of the March 8th forum, click here.
The second forum, Fostering Innovation: Creative Methods to Cultivate a Competitive Advantage was a a follow-up on April 12, 2007 to the "The
Innovator Next Door" (March 8, 2007) and was held at the Antoinette Hatfield Hall. This was a hands-on workshop designed for corporate
leaders who want to develop a culture that fosters innovation within their
company, and for Organizational Development and Human Resource managers who
are looking to develop programs and practices that support a company's commitment
to creativity.These forums are being presented locally by the Regional
Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and Northwest Business for Culture & the
Arts (NWBCA).
To read the summary of the April 12th forum, click here.
About the Series. This forum is presented as part of the MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series. Forums will take place in 20 cities nationwide and will investigate themes related to the arts and workforce development, a topic that allows for an exploration of the central role the arts can play in creating a workforce capable of achieving corporate and citizenship objectives. Excerpts from each forum will be posted on our website, www.AmericansForTheArts.org, and a culminating forum will take place in June at the Americans for the Arts 2007 Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Forums are produced by program partners of Arts & Business Council of Americans for the Arts, which is focused on developing private-sector support for the arts within the organization's broader mission of advancing the arts in America.
About MetLife Foundation. MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants are made to support health, educational, civic and cultural organizations and programs. Recognizing the vital role the arts play in building communities and educating young people, MetLife Foundation provides grants to cultural organizations throughout the country. Support is emphasized for opportunities to bring cultural experiences to wider audiences and for projects with large and diverse audiences that help promote greater understanding among different cultures and bring communities together. For more information about the Foundation, please visit its website at www.metlife.org.
RACC Staff to Contact
Jeff Hawthorne
Director of Community Affairs
503.823.5258
jhawthorne@racc.org
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