Launched in January 2011, 2 Degrees Portland is a growing, free referral and networking program of Creative Portland that proactively welcomes, via online tools and in-person events, potential entrepreneurs and skilled professionals “from away” who are attracted to lively creative communities.

“We are delighted that the Maine Technology Institute and Kepware recognize the power of 2 Degrees to help motivate skilled entrepreneurs and workers to consider moving to this area,” said Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of Creative Portland. “One reason people love this community is because it’s two degrees of separation not six. 2 Degrees Portland finds friendly, helpful connections between people who are interested in living and working here with those who already do.”

“As the economy is starting its recovery, more Maine companies, particularly in specialized industries such as information technology and manufacturing, are growing and looking to fill new positions with skilled workers from Maine and from away,” noted Betsy Biemann, MTI president. “ Events like this can make it easier for Maine entrepreneurs to secure the talent they need and build their workforce so they can accelerate their growth.”

The 2 Degrees event on February 16 will provide newcomers to Portland a chance to connect with the creative community as well as a chance for the existing community to get to know each other better. There will also be a presentation about how people can participate in the program.  This is one of many events taking place across Maine during National Entrepreneurs Week.

The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is an industry-led, publicly-funded, nonprofit corporation that offers early-stage capital and commercialization assistance in the form of competitive grants, loans and equity investment for the development of new technology products, processes and services, generating high-quality jobs across Maine.  MTI works with start-ups, established businesses and institutions to accelerate their progress to the market, leverage additional private and public investment, and ultimately, support their success while expanding their economic impact in Maine. 

Creative Portland was founded in 2008 by Portland City Council to support the City’s efforts to grow and support the creative economy. More information about 2 Degrees Portland can be found online at www.liveworkportland.org.

The 30-45 minute interactive presentation will include information about Artspace’s model for developing artist live/work space and examples of their projects throughout the country. Following the presentation, attendees will be invited ask questions, provide feedback and contribute their views on community needs and interest in such a project in Portland.

This meeting is part of a two-day visit by representatives from Artspace to provide a preliminary assessment for the development of artist live/work space in the city. During their visit, Artspace will meet with a variety of stakeholders, including developers, city officials, community members, funders, artists and cultural institutions to ascertain the needs, issues and interest in this type of project.

While in Portland, Artspace will visit potential development sites, including the St. Lawrence Arts Center on Munjoy Hill, the Portland Public Works garage at 55 Portland Street, and several properties at the corners of Hampshire and Federal Streets in the India Street neighborhood. They will also participate in a driving tour of the city to view properties in the Bayside neighborhood and along Commercial Street.

If you have ideas for a Creative Conversation, or would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you! Email jhutchins@portlandarts.org.

Portland, Maine—The Creative Portland Corporation and the Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance (PACA) announce the appointment of Jennifer Hutchins as full-time executive director, serving both organizations as of December 1, 2010. The hire follows several years of planning by Portland businesses, cultural institutions, artists and city officials to invest in the development and promotion of the city’s creative economy.

“This announcement caps a very successful year for both organizations,” said Andy Graham, Creative Portland board president and owner of Portland Color. “By combining our resources, we want to promote and expand Portland’s creative community and attract talented, motivated people who want to live, work, and set up shop in this exciting, beautiful coastal city.”

Hutchins is currently the director of communications and external affairs for the USM Muskie School and is a co-author of the seminal study, “Maine’s Creative Economy: Measurement and Analysis,” conducted by the Muskie School for Governor John Baldacci’s inaugural Blaine House Summit on the Creative Economy in 2004. Previously, she has been marketing director of Portland Stage Company and an Artsave representative for People For the American Way in Washington D.C.

Since its start in 2008, Creative Portland—made up of representatives of Portland businesses, arts organizations, and independent artists—has raised private financial support from over 20 individuals, corporations, and foundations, won a “Bright Idea” award from Harvard’s Kennedy School for its Creative Economy Tax Increment Financing, and launched two websites — LiveWorkPortland.org and CreativePortland.me — designed to lure highly-skilled people and creative businesses to the city.

Now a subsidiary of Creative Portland, PACA organizes Portland’s nationally-recognized First Friday Art Walk and this year inaugurated summertime trolleys shuttling attendees to art spaces throughout the city. PACA has organized and supported many programs during its 25-year history, including Creative Conversations in collaboration with SPACE Gallery, and research initiatives with the Maine Arts Commission and Americans for the Arts.

“Hiring Jennifer really takes us to the next level,” said Alice Kornhauser, PACA board president and director of marketing and communications at the Portland Symphony Orchestra. “Volunteer support from artists, businesses, community members and organizations continues to be critically important, but a full-time executive director will allow us to focus our combined efforts in a whole new way.”

Creative Portland is a non-profit established by the City of Portland in 2008 to capitalize upon and grow Portland’s creative economy. More information is available at www.liveworkportland.com. In 1997, PACA was designated Portland’s local arts agency by City Council resolution. Its mission is to strengthen Portland by strengthening the arts. More information is available at www.portlandarts.org.

The Board of Directors shall consist of thirteen individuals, two of which shall be ex officio members (the Mayor or City Council member, and the City Manager or designee associated with the Economic Development Division). Qualifications: three representatives from each private creative category (creative enterprises, creative organizations, and artists), and two members representing higher education and real estate. All Directors, with the exception of the ex officio members, must be either residents of, own a business located in, or work in the City of Portland.

Additional information is available in the City Clerk’s office, on the City’s website at www.portlandmaine.gov or at 874-8677. Deadline for submission is September 17, 2010. Please send a resume and cover letter to Appointments Committee Chairman, c/o Linda C. Cohen, City Clerk, 389 Congress Street, Portland ME 04101 or lcc@portlandmaine.gov. Applicants will be contacted for interviews.