Literature Brief: This document provides an overview of how the creative economy has been generally understood to this point. It outlines some of the defining characteristics and prominent models used to describe and measure a creative economy. There is also discussion around some of the challenges in how to most effectively define, measure, and promote the creative economy. Finally, it ends with suggestions on how to use the brief to inform a Duluth-specific understanding of the creative economy. The timeline on the left briefly shows creative economy concepts and models that were discussed in the literature brief.

Preparation Resources: This section provides links to studies of the creative economy at international, national, regional, and local levels for further exploration. There are also links to the extensive Duluth story-mapping that was done by the University of Minnesota Duluth's Cultural Entrepreneurship program. Considerations for preparing for the community conversation are provided along with facilitation tips.

Meeting Guide (Day 1 & Day 2): The purpose of this section is to provide resources and suggestions to have an effective stakeholder meeting on the creative economy. The meeting is scheduled over the course of two half-day sessions. You will find suggestions and considerations for the planning of the event, important questions to answer, helpful activities to foster discussion, and suggested agendas for both days. We encourage this section be interpreted less as a step-by-step process and more as a guiding document on how to hold a meaningful and impactful meeting that is relevant for Duluth.