The Creative Community Survey, with 160 participants from the Tri-Cities region and beyond, reveals a clear priority: building accessible, affordable creative infrastructure. Artists identified the greatest needs as studio and exhibition space, shared equipment, professional development opportunities, and financial accessibility. These concerns highlight systemic barriers that limit growth, collaboration, and visibility for the creative sector. At the same time, respondents voiced enthusiasm for solutions such as community-centered creative hubs, expanded support for existing organizations, and regional collaboration. Addressing these needs offers not only cultural enrichment but also economic opportunity—revitalizing vacant spaces, nurturing local talent, and positioning the region as a vibrant center for creative enterprise.
We gratefully acknowledge the Tennessee Arts Commission, Fischman Gallery, and EatArt for their support in facilitating this survey, and extend special thanks to Jocelyn Mathewes for compiling and analyzing the data.
