What is all the buzz about the Creative Economy? Can it do anything for my community? The arts are increasingly recognized as a valued community resource with the potential to stimulate economic growth and build social capital. It is important to understand the possibilities as well as the pitfalls. his class will demystify the term, uncover why the creative economy is a major force in stimulating communities across the country, and explore how each community is unique. You will examine the key community assets in your case study; determine its creative and culture strengths and potential; discuss the important role in establishing and building lasting partnerships with artists, business leaders and government officials; strategize on how to attract investment and diversify an economy; learn to build social capital, and much more. Course participants will leave with a Creative Economy plan unique to your case study. Please see GENRL-ST 397J to take this course for undergraduate credit. Note, this course requires two additional text books. Maximum: 15 students. All course work is applied to a case study community, which may be your own or one where you work or volunteer. Call the Arts Extension Service at 413-545-2360 if you have any questions, or visit our web site at: www.umass.edu/aes and click on Courses and Workshops for detailed information about the class.