The Creative Economy Collective (CEC), a group of 65+ entrepreneurs, business and research leaders, academics and government officials working at the convergence of art and technology, met at Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) on Friday, November 14 for their first in person meeting. “This group has formed over the past six months,” said John Avery, Executive Director of ATDC, “and we are meeting every other Thursday on a one hour Zoom call to share ideas and collaborate on projects.”
“Georgia’s creative economy continues to expand as a force for innovation, cultural vitality, and economic growth,” said Corrine Sukiennik, Executive Director of the Georgia Intellectual Property Alliance (GIPA). That momentum was unmistakable at this first in-person meeting. “We reaffirmed our commitment to our mission of “Unlocking the full potential of Georgia’s creative economy by connecting the arts, technology, and entrepreneurship into a statewide ecosystem”, Sukiennik said.
The group spent the morning working with the leadership and staff of the Accenture Innovation Hub (AIH) to define needs and programming priorities to assist Gerogia’s creators to take advantage of the onslaught of enabling as well as game changing technologies. “Accenture is honored to collaborate with the Creative Economy Collective in advancing Georgia’s creative economy,” said Dana Christmon, Innovation Services Lead at the Atlanta AIH, “By connecting arts, technology, and entrepreneurship, we can foster an ecosystem that transforms ideas into innovation. Our Atlanta Innovation Center is committed to building structures, operating models, and cultures that enable organizations and creative communities to thrive.”
The insights shared will shape CEC’s priorities for 2026 and beyond. As David Sutherland, CEC Co-Founder and Senior Lecturer at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business put it, “Georgia is known for its prowess in both technology and its Creative Economy, and we are engaging organizations whose partnership and vision continue to energize and elevate this statewide effort to combine forces for economic growth and quality of life.”
Brennen Dicker, Executive Director at the Creative Media Industries Institute (Georgia State University) put it this way, “There was Incredible brainstorming and meaningful discussions throughout the day about how educators and industry can continue moving this vibrant community forward in the years to come. I was grateful to collaborate with such passionate, forward-thinking leaders who care deeply about the future of Georgia’s creative economy.”
To learn more about CEC or to join the movement, go to www.cecga.com and leave a message, or contact David Sutherland at desuth@uga.edu .
