New Bedford Creative Releases First-Ever Comprehensive Creative Economy Report

New Bedford Creative Releases First-Ever Comprehensive Creative Economy Report

NEW BEDFORD, MA – New Bedford Creative at the New Bedford Economic Development Council released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, the groundbreaking creative economy report, The Composition of the New Bedford Creative Economy and Economic Impacts, 2018–2022. Report findings include that in 2022, the New Bedford creative economy accounted for 7.2% of the city’s workforce, representing 599 establishments, over $300 million in direct revenue, and 3,370 direct jobs.

“This new report validates what we’ve long known; the arts and culture scene is not only integral to Greater New Bedford’s economy, it is woven into the fabric of the City,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “Our investments over the years to energize the creative economy are bearing fruit, and there’s so much more to come.”

The report utilizes and expands upon a research methodology for classifying creative economy activity developed by the New England Foundation for the Arts. Dr. Laurie Zapalac of Zapalac Advisors, who compiled the report, remarked, “The diversity within New Bedford’s creative economy is a testament to the city’s thriving creative and entrepreneurial spirit. This report sheds light on the wealth of talent and generative drive present in this community.”

The report combines three novel approaches for examining a creative economy at the city level. First is its use of subscription data sets plus other data sources, rather than U.S. Census data. This approach enables data to be field verified and updated incrementally over time, rather than timed to the release of new Census data.

Second is the inclusion of industry classification codes that go beyond the traditional sectors like visual and performing arts, design, heritage, and literary arts, – this report includes culinary arts, hair and body arts, the manufacturing of artistic tools, and more. This inclusive approach offers a more equitable view of the individuals and enterprises driving New Bedford’s creative landscape.

Third is its approach to visualizing data, which sheds light on the overall composition of New Bedford’s creative economy, as well as the composition and character of twenty subsets of creative activity. Together these provide a clearer picture of the economic impact and potential for growth within the creative sector.

It’s why New Bedford Creative chose to release this creative economy report at a press conference at Poyant Signs in the New Bedford Business Park. The company, established in the 1930s, personifies the confluence of industry and creativity. From its beginning as a storefront in New Bedford’s north end, it has grown over the years into New England’s largest fabricator of award-winning signage and become a branding specialist. They are renowned as a “Best in Class” visual branding company, and have achieved this through equal parts superior craftsmanship, exemplary customer service, and an unrivaled flair for inspiration in their field.

Report findings expand understanding about the role arts, culture, and creativity play in New Bedford – not only where creative production helps drive other forms of economic activity, but also how it is contributing to education, public health, infrastructure, equity, and other goals.

New Bedford’s rich heritage as an urban port city plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and collaboration, Zapalac found. The legacy of industries such as whaling and textile production laid the groundwork for a culture of patronage and much more.

It highlights the city’s vibrant creative spaces and events, revealing the creative economy’s catalytic impact on the adaptive use of New Bedford real estate. They include but are not limited to venues like Hatch Street Studios, Kilburn Mill, and Co-Creative Center. Plus, recurring events like AHA! (Art, History, Architecture), offerings at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford Whaling Museum, free public art exhibitions through DATMA, and a host of various festivals, such as the Cape Verdean Recognition Week, 3rd EyE Open, and Festival Tipico Guatemalteco de New Bedford. These gathering points serve as hubs for cross-pollination of ideas, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring new creative ventures.

“This report not only quantifies the economic impact of creativity but also celebrates the social and cultural fabric it weaves within our community,” says New Bedford Economic Development Council President Anthony Sapienza. “We invite everyone to explore the Creative Economy Report and discover the depth and diversity of New Bedford’s creative spirit.”

Click here to download The Composition of the New Bedford Creative Economy and Economic Impacts, 2018–2022.

Photo description: Dr. Laurie Zapalac presents her research on New Bedford’s creative economy at Poyant Signs on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Photo credit: MacRamos Photography