Artpreneur, Ottawa’s premiere conference for creative entrepreneurs, is just around the corner and this year’s edition is going to be better than ever. With a new film studio on the horizon and a music strategy in full effect, the creative industries are as important as ever in the capital.
Here are four reasons to be excited about Artpreneur 2019.
1. New location
After being located at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans for the past five years, Artpreneur is moving downtown to the Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards. Why the change? First, to make the event as accessible as possible to a lot more people. Having the event in a more central location will allow more people to access the conference by foot and public transit.
Second, having the event at the Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards helps to tie the creative industries to economic development. In the past, the economic viability of art and creativity were often overlooked, but in recent years industries like music, film & television, digital media and design have become increasingly important for cities.
Third, the move downtown sends a clear message. Artpreneur and the creative industries are no longer on the fringes when it comes to the growth of Ottawa; they are central to where the city is going.
2. Networking opportunities across creative disciplines
Artpreneur is opportunity for creative entrepreneurs across different disciplines, from music and film to digital media and the visual arts, to meet and potentially collaborate. It’s also an opportunity for creators to browse the expo hall and discover businesses in the city that are actively serving creators. SHIFTER will be there so come by and say hello.
3. Insightful speakers
The roster of speakers at this year’s edition of Artpreneur are very impressive. You’ll be able to hear from Bruce Harvey, the city’s film commissioner, Jon Bartlett of Kelp Music, Mark Sutcliffe, Kwende Kefentse, our team from SHIFTER, and many more creative entrepreneurs. The speakers touch a variety of industries and creative disciplines in the city.
4. The city is changing
The last reason to get excited about Artpreneur 2019 is the theme Creative Infrastructure. This is the first edition of the conference since the approval of the new film studio and the creation of the new music strategy. Ottawa is at a turning point where significant investments are being made in creative infrastructure and there appears to be an appetite among decision makers to invest in the spaces and strategies necessary to position Ottawa as a creative city. Artpreneur 2019 comes at an important time in Ottawa’s growth.
For more information or to buy tickets visit artpreneurottawa.com.
