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Description

This research program hypothesizes that viable arts and agriculture co-development also demonstrates pathways to further address the statewide concerns about the loss of small and family farms in Maine and regionally over the last century. Developed over 10 years, especially in Hancock, Knox, Cumberland and York Counties - which are also unceded Wabanaki territories, it explores innovation across agriculture, food systems and arts economies in Maine. It tracks performing arts stages and relative infrastructure and workforce development in rural communities, and their emergence and co-development among innovative food system businesses. Outcomes show trends that may improve the viability of both, but can also stifle sustainability and career advancement if not well planned, capitalized, and executed. Successful co-development frames an often overlooked statistic of what Maine Department Economic and Community Developent (DECD) "10 Year Strategy" loosely referred to as ‘makers’ and the gig economy, as vital components of leading and/or contributing to the emergence of ‘hubs of excellence’ - DECD's term for anchors of Maine's economy. This program’s outcomes lead to the hypothesis that investment into co-development of art and agriculture sub-sectors of Maine’s economy are underfunded relative to Maine Technology Institute’s “seven technology sectors” despite their deep talent pools, willing workforce, and resourceful early, mid- and late stage professionals extant and embedded within Maine rural and urban centers.

Publication Date

10-28-2024

Co-Development of Maine's Rural Arts and Agriculture Economy

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