The Future of Pattern : From Creative Hub To Economic Engine
BY POLINA OSHEROV
The journey of Pattern has been nothing short of a wild adventure. From its inception, Pattern has been a catalyst for the creative community in Indy, fostering talent and providing a platform for creatives to shine. But here’s the raw truth: being a beacon for creativity in central Indiana has its challenges. Our most promising artists, designers, writers, and musicians tend to leave for bigger markets. It’s often not because they want to, but because they feel they have to in order to fulfill their potential.
The Talent Conundrum
I’ve seen it countless times: young creatives join Pattern, doubting Indiana’s potential. Yet, through our community, they discover the possibility of fulfilling their career dreams without leaving the state. However, in fields like film, music, design, and fashion, professional growth and opportunities often hit a low ceiling. Talented and ambitious creatives quickly outgrow the small pond, feeling compelled to relocate within a few years. This cycle stifles Indiana’s creative potential.
Why the Shift?
After years of building a talent pipeline with limited impact, it’s clear our professional creative community needs more than exposure and camaraderie. We need diverse growth opportunities, professional mentorship, economic incentives and strategic and sustainable investment.
That’s why Pattern is evolving. No longer just an arts and culture organization, we’re becoming an economic development engine for creative industries across Indiana. Our creative sectors are an under-appreciated and underinvested superpower. 2022 data shows Indiana’s Creative Economy output is $9.3B. Creativity is big business! Imagine the possibilities with intentional public and private investment.
We need timely data insights, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and a robust ecosystem of champions, patrons, and investors who recognize the power of the creative economy. This should create the momentum for a statewide economic development strategy. Inspired by the success of the sports strategy, we aim to strategically embrace Indiana’s most promising creative sectors.
The Pattern Solution
Our goal is to address some of Indiana’s most pressing challenges by leveraging the growth of creative sectors. We aim to ensure that all Hoosiers, not just those in Central Indiana but also in rural areas and smaller towns, can benefit from the creative economy. These benefits span economic, cultural, and social dimensions, enhancing quality of life, attracting and retaining talent, bolstering tourism and fostering community engagement throughout the state. Long-term, we aspire for Indiana to become known as one of the country’s most creative states. We have the talent, the business-friendly environment and the collective spirit to make this dream a reality.
I’m so proud of Pattern’s grassroots efforts, but now, it’s time to kick it up a notch. We are uniquely positioned to lead the charge, partnering with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, the Indiana Arts Commission and others.
The Call to Action
Here’s where you come in. Pattern—and the creative community it serves— needs your help to make this vision a reality.
You can start by using your voice and social networks to amplify all of the economic success made possible by creatives. If you’re a successful creative who is ready to mentor, you can email or call us. If you’re an investor looking to support the next big innovation, we have some ideas and know some great creative entrepreneurs. Or if you’re just a neighbor who knows the power of creativity in brightening lives and community, you can make a donation that supports, empowers, and grows the creative economy.
Join us in committing our state to be a place that not only births creative talent but grows it, nurtures it, and keeps it thriving. Let’s become THE place that magnetizes the best and brightest from all over the world and that is recognized as a leader in creativity and innovation.
There’s a new Pattern emerging. Let’s build it together.
