Economy of Art Week begins on September 11, 2021
The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is excited to announce an updated series of events aimed to celebrate and recognize the impact that the Chippewa Valley art scene has on business development.
The Economy of Art Week kicks off Saturday, September 11 with Pablo Center re-opening (after 18 long months) their doors for a Chamber Orchestra and OAR concert (11 & 12th respectively), then on Sunday, September 12 with River Prairie Celebration of Art festival, and concludes with Forge Fest, featuring an artist market and live concert series, at Artisan Forge Studios on September 18, 2021.
People often think that creative businesses simply just happen and are present to make life interesting and enjoyable. More than that, the Chippewa Valley has a thriving artist/entertainment environment, which converts into tourism dollars, increased local spending, plus a positive quality of life for our community.
As quoted by Jason Jon Anderson, Executive Director of Pablo Center, “For every $1 spent on a ticket at an independent entertainment venue it equates to $12 of additional spend by the patron in surrounding businesses.”
The focus of these events is to appreciate the impact that Eau Claire’s creative economy has on all sectors of business life. “Eau Claire is often compared to other mid-size, mid-west cities when expanding businesses or new employees are considering re-locating. Our community has an advantage that makes us stand out, a vibrant arts scene where people want to live, work and play.” states Luke Hanson, Executive Director at the Eau Claire Area EDC.
Additionally, the mission of the Economy of Art Week events aims to give local artists, entertainers and other creatives a sales platform to help recover after the pandemic shut down most sales channels.
Summary of Events:
- September 11 & 12, 2021 – Chamber Orchestra Concert – September 11, 7:30pm OAR – September 12, 7:30pm Pablo Center at the Confluence
- September 12, 2021 – River Prairie Celebration of Art, River Prairie Park, Altoona, 10am-4pm, Local art vendors, food trucks, kids art projects and live music and performances. Free
- September 18, 2021 – Forge Fest at Artisan Forge Studios, Art Festival 10am-4pm, Live Concert Series starting at 5pm featuring Peter Wolf Crier and many more.
The Economy of Art Week’s events are generously sponsored by Prevail Bank, Pablo Center, Visit Eau Claire, Eau Claire Area EDC, Art of the Valley, Xcel Energy, and Bakke Norman.
