community development in the new era of distributed creative production

Community Development in the New Era of

DISTRIBUTED CREATIVE PRODUCTION

Presentation to the Vermont Community Development Association

MBO Partners 2015

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES

The independent workforce, frequently referred to as the gig economy, is a growing and important part of the US economy. Less frequently discussed is that this workforce doesn’t just consist of on-demand workers (like Uber drivers), or tech workers in Silicon Valley. Self-employment represents a major structural change in the way America works, in every industry and in every part of the country.

The Hill, April 2016


Thanks in large measure to innovation in recent decades there, the American workforce is experiencing profound changes. It’s not just the growth of new technologies, but also the rise of entirely new industries and new job structures. That’s why I’m excited to announce that our Bureau of Labor Statistics is working with the Census Bureau to rerun the Contingent Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey. It will give us reliable, credible insight into what’s going on across a range of work arrangements – from independent contractors to temporary employees to workers holding multiple jobs at the same time.

U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez, January 2016


US WORKFORCE

158,000,000INDEPENDENT WORKFORCE

12%

ART, DESIGN, MEDIA

30%MANAGEMENT

24%LEGAL

21%

+ MAKERS, MAKERSPACES+ FREELANCERS, COWORKING


OMB 2016

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESCoworking alone, together.

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESFive characteristics of coworking spaces.

Membership Community Openness Informal Connected

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESFive reasons to think twice about coworking.

Lifestyle Productivity Connection Cost share Learn

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESA growing network of coworking spaces in Vermont.

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESMaking in the new economy.

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESFive characteristics of makerspaces.

Membership Community Active learning Participation Do It Yourself

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESFive reasons to think twice about making.

Creativity Community Education Innovation Entrepreneurship

In the same way that the Internet and cloud computing have lowered the barriers to entry for digital startups, the democratization of the tools need to design and prototype physical products can support entrepreneurship and a renaissance of American manufacturing. As the maker movement grows, I continue to call on all Americans to help unlock the potential of our Nation and ensure these opportunities reach all our young people, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

President Barack Obama


A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESA growing community of makers in Vermont.


225 Members

17 Businesses

30 Volunteers

18 Studios

7 Workshops

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESA sample of products brought to market.

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESFeatures of success for Generator

Dedicated board City support Rain makers Community partners Low-cost real estate Numerous donors Earned income Community ethos

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESSurvival principles.

Measure everything Build platforms Culture, creativity, connection Seek risk Experimental mindset Document Share


1. ACTIVATE DOWNTOWN PROPERTY

2. CONCENTRATE WORKERS DOWNTOWN

4. STIMULATE LEARNING AND TRAINING

3. CREATE NEW BUSINESS REVENUE

6. CREATE JOBS AND NEW EMPLOYMENT

5. FOSTER INNOVATION DOWNTOWN

7. A VISIBLE CREATIVE CLIMATE

8. GENERATE POWERFULMARKETING

9. ENHANCE VIBRANTCOMMUNITIES

Nine supports for community development goals.

A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVESHow to unlock creative potential in communities.

Connect leadership Convene creatives Seek out champions Take risks Facilitate markets Communicate Celebrate Pool resources

Community Development in the New Era of

DISTRIBUTED CREATIVE PRODUCTION

Presentation to the Vermont Community Development Association

THANK YOU. Special thanks to references, including:

MBO Partners The Hill

U.S. Department of Labor Office of Management and Budget

The White House DeskMagazine

Global Coworking Unconference The Grommet

MAKE Magazine

Lars Hasselblad Torres www.generatorvt.com

802-540-0761 | [email protected]

community development in the new era of distributed creative production

Small Business & Entrepreneurship