Photo credit: THE Magazine

 IF: Imagined Futures

Imagined Futures is a series of events and workshops culminating in an international annual conference that will explore the important role of culture in city economies worldwide.

The initial IF events, beginning in May 2012, called The Santa Fe Series, will focus specifically on issues important to Santa Fe. Local, national and international experts will be invited to Santa Fe to discuss urban growth and development, focussing on how culture, creativity, and innovation can influence the way cities evolve.

The Imagined Futures conference, scheduled for fall of 2013, will be designed to attract national and international attendees interested in the topic of cultural influence on worldwide urban economies. A festival of cultural events coinciding with the conference will showcase the food, architecture, urban innovations, music, art, and other aspects that make Santa Fe and partner cities culturally stimulating destinations. Read more.

The Santa Fe Series

Save the Date:

May 12, 2012

Our inaugural event, Evolve or Die?, is scheduled for May 12, 2012. We are bringing in cultural leaders from other cities that have used arts and culture to reinvigorate their communities.

Save the Date and plan to join us from 5 to 6:30 pm.

Congratulations to the Reporter for highlighting ways to jump-start the Santa Fe economy.

Arts and culture provide one of every six jobs for Santa Fe. Increasingly, arts and culture are linked with scientific innovation in a global creative economy. Santa Fe may be small, but it is rich in assets for competing in this new arena, and has the advantage of being one of the most attractive places in the world to live.

To single out a few ideas: Vickie Pozzebon highlights the role of young entrepreneurs, and David Grey notes the need for affordable workspaces for young artists. Tom Aageson proposes a "cultural corridor" from Albuquerque to Taos, with Santa Fe at its center. Aaron Stern advocates creativity, courage and innovation in education, and Luis Bettencourt points to the role of colleges and universities in economic development.

These ideas alone form a challenging agenda. Now is the time-while the economic recovery is young-to have frank discussions about needed change, while preserving what we cherish about Santa Fe. Creative Santa Fe hopes to spotlight bold ideas and the best within our community. We are committed to building the necessary partnerships to ensure that Santa Fe maintains its place as a world leader in arts and culture.

What one idea do you have to improve Santa Fe's cultural and creative economy? Contact us.

Learn about our programs and keep up with our activities. Let us know what's on your mind as we move forward with Imagined Futures.

"In order to get it right, we need -- and actively seek -- your ideas and participation, along with your support."

-- Creative Santa Fe Chairman Bill Miller