Boone County as a Creative Catalyst

Unleashing the Power of the Creative Economy in Indiana

In the heart of Indiana, Boone County has a unique opportunity to emerge as a leader in a powerful, yet underleveraged, sector of the economy—the creative economy. The 2024 Indiana Creative Economy Summit in Indianapolis was a vibrant showcase of innovation, artistic talent, and forward-thinking leadership, all aimed at strengthening our state’s cultural and economic vitality. Hosted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Pattern, the summit emphasized one key message: creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s a critical asset for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.

As Boone County grows, embracing the creative economy can drive local prosperity, boost innovation, and enhance the quality of life for residents. And the data makes it clear—Indiana, and Boone County specifically, have room to grow in this transformative space.

What is the Creative Economy—and Why It Matters for Boone County

The creative economy encompasses businesses and individuals who transform artistic and cultural skills into economically productive goods, services, and experiences. This includes not only obvious fields like visual arts, music, and design, but also software development, culinary arts, storytelling, architecture, and marketing. Creative thinkers power new ideas in sectors from education to tech to manufacturing.

In 2022, Indiana’s arts and cultural industries added $9.3 billion to the economy—just 2.0% of Indiana’s GSP, ranking the state 47th nationally. Boone County, with its strong manufacturing base, rapid population growth, and community-oriented leadership, is well-positioned to reverse this trend by intentionally fostering creativity across industries.

The Economic Edge: How Creativity Powers Innovation and Growth

Nationally, arts and cultural industries contribute 4.3% to GDP—more than construction or education. States with robust creative economies also boast $22,000 higher average wages and higher educational attainment. Indiana’s current average wage sits at $58,052—nearly $12,000 below the national average. Boosting creative activity is one of the few strategies that can lift wages across sectors.

In Boone County, forward-thinking employers can tap into this “creativity flywheel” by integrating creative practices into everything from branding to product development. For example:

• Lebanon’s mural project and downtown revitalization have become a case study in creative placemaking, enhancing both visual appeal and business foot traffic.
• Zionsville’s arts community—including local galleries and makers—draws tourists and supports small businesses while shaping a distinct cultural identity.
• The Boone County Economic Development Corporation could integrate storytelling, design, and placemaking more deeply into its talent retention and attraction strategies, particularly for young professionals who prioritize cultural vibrancy.

Creative Economy in Practice: Boone County Success Stories

Boone County is already home to creative trailblazers:

• Four Fingers Distillery blends live events, local craft spirits, and art—creating a space that supports musicians and designers while strengthening community ties.
• SullivanMunce Cultural Center is a cultural anchor that can serve as platforms for collaborative community storytelling and workforce education initiatives.
• Local food entrepreneurs such as those at the Zionsville, Lebanon and Whitestown Farmers Market, Indiana Owned, My Sugar Pie and more are part of the creative economy too—leveraging culinary arts, branding, and sustainability practices to build customer loyalty.

By championing these efforts and connecting them to Boone County’s broader economic development goals, we can spark ripple effects across tourism, talent retention, and entrepreneurship.

Why Boone County Should Lead the Charge

Boone County has a number of advantages that uniquely position it to lead the state’s creative renaissance:

• Proximity to Indianapolis provides access to regional arts assets and talent pools.
• Robust population growth offers an expanding consumer base for creative goods and experiences.
• Civic and private leadership capacity can mobilize public-private partnerships to implement creative placemaking and entrepreneurial initiatives.

According to the 2024 report, one of the most significant findings is that creative economies rebound faster from economic downturns and support resilient, future-ready communities.

How Boone County Businesses Can Join the Movement

To cultivate Boone County’s creative economy, businesses, nonprofits, and governments can:

1. Host Creative Events – Partner with local artists and musicians for in-office exhibits, pop-ups, or public installations.
2. Support Skill-Building – Offer workshops on storytelling, branding, and design thinking for employees and entrepreneurs.
3. Reimagine Spaces – Activate underutilized buildings or public areas as maker spaces or rotating art galleries.
4. Invest in Talent – Provide internships and fellowships for creatives in fields like digital media, culinary innovation, or experience design.
5. Engage Youth Creatively – Integrate arts education into local STEM programming to foster the next generation of innovative thinkers.

Call to Action: Boone’s Creative Future Starts Now

The creative economy is not just a cultural initiative—it’s an economic imperative. Boone County has the tools, talent, and momentum to become a regional creative hub. By investing in creativity, we can raise wages, retain talent, and revitalize our communities.

Let’s build a Boone County where innovation, inclusion, and imagination power our prosperity.

Note: Download the Indiana Creative Economy Summary Here.