“Creative Economy of Northwest Ohio,” a 30-minute documentary on the connection between the arts industries and regional economic stability, premieres March 31 on WBGU-TV.

The documentary explores results from a 2007 study by the Bowling Green State University Center for Regional Development. The study showed that the creative economy — artists, designers, publishers, historical societies and more — produces $2.4 billion in annual impact, said Katerina Ruedi Ray, director of the BGSU School of Art.

Individuals and organizations within the arts industries also create and maintain 33,000 jobs and generate $250 million in federal, state and local taxes each year.

Ray approached WBGU-TV about making the documentary “to actually breathe life into the data and show how the creative economy attracts other kinds of business, builds community and enhances preparation of young people for the 21st century workforce,” she said.

In Northwest Ohio, there are 400 businesses that can be considered arts-related, Tony Howard, director/producer of WBGU-TV and the film, said.

“If the arts industry wasn’t there, that money might not be around this region,” he said.

Representatives from the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo School for the Arts, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Lima Veterans Memorial Civic Center and Madhouse Creative, LLC are included, as well as Sauder Village in Archbold.

“Creative individuals have revived entire neighborhoods through attracting artists and designers,” Ray said.

Historical societies are considered part of the creative sector because not only do they teach young people how to communicate with the public, Ray said, but they also usually have arts involved, such as the hot glass studio at Sauder Village.

The documentary also features Mike Thaman, CEO of Owens Corning, to discuss the role the arts and cultural community has in attracting new employees and new businesses.

Howard produced, directed, wrote and edited “Creative Economy of Northwest Ohio.” It was shot by Matthew Blinn, videographer at WBGU-TV, and narrated by Dr. F. Scott Regan, BGSU professor emeritus of theater and film.

“Creative Economy of Northwest Ohio” premieres at 10 p.m. March 31 with additional airings in April and May. For more information and to see a trailer, visit arts.bgsu.edu.

Tags: arts, BGSU, Star, Television, WGBU

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 at 7:52 pm and is filed under Arts and Life, Star, Television.
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