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Positively Creative Summit Provides Creative Boost for Artists, Makers, Entrepreneurs

If there’s one thing that has always flourished in Memphis over the years, it’s innovation. Among its rich history and grit, there is also drive, passion, and ideas that have transformed the city into a hub of creative success. From events and organizations that support the arts community to thriving local businesses and entrepreneurs, Memphis has certainly made its mark in the creative landscape.

This Saturday, September 21, the Bluff City’s movers and shakers are invited to gather for the second annual Positively Creative Summit at Memphis College of Art. Powered by Arrow, a one-roof creative district in the heart of Memphis, this one-day business event will feature professional panels and breakout sessions, as well as both local and non-local keynote speakers and moderators who will share their expertise and provide direct feedback on attendees’ business growth. Guests will also be able to choose from a selection of panel discussions they’d like to attend in the afternoon.

We spoke with Dorothy Collier, Director of Creatives, and Abby Phillips, Executive Director, to get a better look behind the scenes.

The Positively Creative Summit started by answering to the local creatives’ ask for more business education resources,” they said. “Teaming up with the Positively Creative Podcast, the Summit highlights local and regional creative entrepreneurs to share their paths to success, including those lessons learned along the way.”

The Summit is not only for the small business owner or entrepreneur either. According to Collier, “art lovers will enjoy hearing a behind-the-scenes take from some of their favorite local companies [Rachael Boer Photography, Bluff City Soap, and The Hive Collective, to name a few]. Arrow hopes these inspiring stories will encourage all to be reminded of how impactful supporting local businesses really is.”

SPEAKERS

Sara Trail with Social Justice Sewing Academy
Thomas Evans of I am Detour presented by Epicenter Memphis
Rachael Boer with Rachael Boer Photography
Shelda Edwards and Allie Mounce from The Hive Collective
Brad Kellum with Buff City Soap, presented by Paradigm Marketing and Creative

PANELS

“Is There Such a Thing as Work/Art Balance?” – Ziggy Mack of Fomoloop – Nuha Abuduhair 17Berkshire – Mia Ariana Saine with New Memphis – Amy-Beth Rice

“​Applying to Galleries, Grants, & High-End Juried Shows” presented by RiverArtsFest – Tangie Patrice Seay -Tracy Lauritzen-Wright with ArtsMemphis – Michel Allen – Jessica Tinsley

“Craft Fairs and Market Booths” presented by Find Vendor Booths -Gina Davis “Getting a Handle on Taxes and Finances for Creatives” presented by Allegiant Financial Planning, LLC Lauren Estes Carly Crawford

This year’s event serves as a prelude to the Positively Creative Fall Workshop Series, a series of community education classes to ignite creativity in all.

During the Summit, Arrow founders will also be hosting a Q&A session to discuss their plans for the new concept shop, located at 2535 Broad Avenue, which will open early October – studio applications open now online – as well as 2020 plans for building a one-roof creative district.

“Arrow seeks to make art more accessible in order to inspire the creative spirit in all Memphians. We strive to be a premier source of creative entrepreneur enrichment, arts education, and art immersion for the entire community.”

Whether you are an artistic hobbyist, enthusiast or a full-time business owner, this event is full of inspiration, motivation, resources and thought leadership that can shape and drive our local arts and business culture.

“The Memphis creative economy is growing like never before,” said Collier. “The Positively Creative Summit is an exciting launching pad and event for these creatives to really dive in and grow as a community.”

The event kicks off this Saturday at 9 a.m. (registration at 8:30), and tickets can be purchased here for $35. You can also follow Arrow on Instagram (@arrowcreativememphis) for more updates on how to invest in the local arts community and Keep Memphis Creative.

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