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Fostering A Creative Economy

What is the Creative Economy?

Over the last decade, cities and countries worldwide have studied how creative industries like design, media, film, theater, architecture and more influence technology, workforce and economies.

In Arlington, VA the creative economy has a significant impact – Americans for the Arts calculates the direct economic impact of our nonprofit arts industry at more than $97 million.

Return on Creativity

Creativity: An Arlington Asset

Arlington Economic Development’s Return on Creativity series features professionals and educators who are spearheading business and workforce growth through the application of creativity. Driving this program is the belief that art is good for business — encouraging creativity leads to a more productive and engaged workforce.

Return on Creativity programs offer networking opportunities, first-hand insights and compelling evidence that Arlington is an accelerator to personal and organizational growth and prosperity. Watch the events calendar or subscribe to our newsletter to find out about up-coming events.

Made in Arlington

Locally Created by Arlington Artisans and Makers

Made in Arlington pop-up markets are a signature program of Arlington Economic Development’s Creative Economy program. These pop-up retail markets showcase the beautiful, wearable and edible items created by innovators and artisans right here in Arlington, VA.

In partnership with Arlington Public Library, locally made Arlington items are frequently sold at the Plaza Library location in the Courthouse neighborhood. You can find Made in Arlington vendors in the Small Business Directory and view many of their products on the Made in Arlington Instagram page.

Small Business Directory

Find a Made in Arlington Vendor

Support Arlington's most creative small businesses, our Made in Arlington artisans, makers and crafts vendors. Locally crafted products are available directly from the artisans, many of whom offer shipping and special delivery options. Contact information for each Made in Arlington vendor is provided in the Small Business Directory.

Submit your information to be included in our directory. If your services or information changes, send us an email and we will update your listing.

Upcoming Events

Earth Day Market

Join makers and artisans at Langston Boulevard᾽s Earth Day Every Day event on April 23, 2023. Register now for a booth at this celebration of the environment and the community.

Earth Day, Every Day logo

Date and Time
Sunday, April 23, 2023
11:00 — 5:00 pm

Location
Lee Heights Shops

Cost
Fees vary, see Registration Form

Learn more and Register

Cyber Arts and Design

Virginia artists and designers are invited to apply their talents to cybersecurity and show how this crucial technology is part of our lives, often in surprising ways. Call for proposals by April 1, 2023

Apply Now

2023 Night Market Vendor registration is now open!

The Arlington County Fair Arts and Crafts Night Market is a one-night-only outdoor market that allows arts and crafts vendors to showcase their products to thousands of area residents. Questions about the Night Market can be directed to vendors@arlingtoncountyfair.us.

Please read our Night Market Guidelines and complete the registration form by Friday, July 28.

Night Market Registration

P.L.A.C.E. Grant

Arlington᾽s new grant, Promoting Local Arts and Community Equity, supports community-initiated projects related to Arlington᾽s history, built environment and/or cultural heritage. Apply by April 28, 2023.

Apply Now

Contact Us

Susan Soroko

Director, Creative Economy

Susan oversees Arlington’s creative economy program, facilitating collaborations between creative industries and the local community. Reach out for more information on Arlington’s resources for the creative economy.

Get In Touch