VCN Jamboree to be Held December 15

Vermont Creative Network action planning process culminates with daylong “Jamboree” on December 15 

From stagehands to sushi makers, potters to poetry professors, creative people and businesses help to power Vermont’s economy, workforce, communities and culture. On December 15, the Vermont Creative Network will host a day-long virtual “Jamboree” to help connect and empower this critical sector and to shine a light on the importance of creativity to Vermont’s future.

A noontime Action Summit will anchor the day in which the Vermont Creative Network, after completing its first statewide action plan, will share results and next steps from a series of planning events it held this fall. The Network will also share its draft vision and framework for strengthening creativity in Vermont’s communities, sustainability for creative enterprises and individuals, and making arts and creativity “essential infrastructure” in Vermont. 

The Jamboree event will spotlight five critical action areas identified by creative sector members and research efforts, while providing artists and members of the creative sector with resources for strengthening their businesses and communities. It will also include a celebration of art and artists, with a surprise musical performance and the official release of original artwork created to document the vision for Vermont’s creative sector, by the Brandon-based collective Juniper Creative Arts. 

Speakers will include Amy Cunningham of the Vermont Arts Council; Gwen Pokalo and Monique Priestley of the Center for Women and Enterprise; Xusana Davis, Vermont’s first Director of Racial Equity; and Jon Copans of the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Following their talks, participants can join speakers for brown bag lunches to further explore resources and action ideas. Throughout the day, participants can join informal “meet-up” sessions on Zoom to connect with other creatives in business, advocacy, community building, placemaking and more.

James Lockridge, Executive Director of Big Heavy World and VCN Zone Agent to Chittenden County, said, "Creatives across Vermont have been working together to strengthen this sector and highlight how important creativity is to Vermont's character and identity. I hope everyone will participate in this special event, meeting new friends and allies in the arts and strengthening our regional networks. Everyone is welcome as we work to bring the people of Vermont's creative regions together."

The Jamboree concludes a series of action planning events this fall hosted by the Vermont Creative Network and attended by hundreds of creative sector members across the state, along with critical research by Mt. Auburn Associates quantifying the impact of Vermont’s creative sector and critical interventions needed to strengthen it. In 2021, the project will incorporate final feedback and will work with statewide partners to prioritize action and policy changes needed to support creative enterprises and individuals and to increase their impact on Vermont’s economy and communities. 

Registration is free and open to all at createvt.org/events.