Listening, Learning, Leveraging: Shaping Our Region’s Creative Ecosystem

Join the Conversation: Strengthening Our Creative Economy

Thursday, May 15th | 6 PM
Fischman Gallery | 133 North Commerce Street, Johnson City, TN 37604

Free Admission | Registration Required
Seating is limited—reserve your spot today!

Create Appalachia, in partnership with EAT/ART Space and Fischman Gallery, invites you to this essential Arts@Work professional development session. This event is partially sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone passionate about the creative economy! Whether you’re an artist, digital maker, chef, musician, filmmaker, artisan, photographer, florist, or architect, this discussion is for you. If your work is rooted in creativity—or you’re curious about how to support and grow our region’s creative ecosystem—join us.

What’s This About?

We’re bringing together creatives and public officials for a vital conversation about how to strengthen and expand the creative sector. Your work is essential to our region’s economy and quality of life—let’s talk about how to sustain and grow its impact.

What to Expect

Panel Discussion – Hear from regional public officials on why creativity is crucial for economic development and community well-being.

Listening Session – A facilitated discussion where you can share your insights, needs, and ideas for expanding the creative sector. We’ll document these ideas and share them with attendees and on our websites.

Can’t Make It in Person?

We’d still love your input! If you can’t attend, you can submit your thoughts via our survey.

Questions?

Contact Katie Hoffman, Executive Director, Create Appalachia at katie@createappalachia.org.

Panelists

• Steven Bower – Economic Development Director, City of Kingsport
• Jon Luttrell – Community Relations Director, City of Bristol, TN
• Michael Bruni-Fowler – Chair, Johnson City Public Art Committee
• Kristy Dunn – Executive Director, Johnson County Center for the Arts

Event Partners

Create Appalachia | EAT/ART Space | Fischman Gallery

Sponsored by

Tennessee Arts Commission | Arts Build Community Grant