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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.

Want to join? It's easy, just subscribe to our Creative Economy e-newsletter and you'll receive notification of upcoming events and networking opportunities. There's no fee or obligation. Just attend the events that work for you. Membership is open to all Arlington-based businesses. 

Arlington Art Walk

Arlington Art Walk 

Artwalk Map.png The "Arlington Art Walk" is a short, self-guided tour that gives you a small taste of some of Arlington's award-winning public art, local galleries and artist studios. Use this curated tour as an introduction to Arlington's vibrant art community. 

Learn More About Tour Stops    Download Map

Upcoming Events

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  • Arlington PARK(ing) Day is a community collaboration to temporarily transform drab parking spaces into small parks to elicit reconsideration of the term "public space." The event started in San Francisco in 2005, evolving into annual PARK(ing) Day around the world on the third Friday of September.
    Sept. 20, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Corners of 12th and South Fern Streets, Arlington, VA 22202
  • George Mason International Day on the Mason Plaza in Arlington, VA aims to showcase different countries and cultures through art, jewelry, clothing, food and much more.
    Sept. 26, 2024 | 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
  • Clarendon Day 2024 is a traditional fall festival that’s been an Arlington tradition for more than 20 years, featuring food, music, vendors of all kinds, and fun for the whole family! 
    Sept. 28, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
  • Art Walk Market at MoCA is a free public event to experience various arts of Arlington featuring local artists and exhibitions in several different venues!
    Oct. 5, 2024 | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. | 3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201

And, don't forget, Arlington's Open Rewards app gives you 5% cash back for shopping local! Download the app, upload your receipts and collect your rewards. Find your favorite shopping stops on Arlington's newest Directory.

Spotlight on today’s creative economy

In partnership with the Agile World, Arlington Economic Development’s Return on Creativity taps speakers, leaders in government and technology, creatives and educators in lively conversation.

Top Stories

Public Art and the Future of Place with Angela Anderson Adams

February 28, 2023

Arlington public art projects are synonymous with civic design and involve a wholistic approach of working alongside architecture, landscape design, wayfinding design, urban forestry, historic preservation and community input
Return on Creativity Looks at Nonprofits

August 18, 2022

Arlington is home to more than 300 nonprofit organizations employing nearly 8500 people; a key industry sector in Arlington.
Area 2 Farms Brings New Indoor Vertical Farm to Arlington

April 18, 2022

Area 2 Farms uses proprietary indoor growing technology that incorporates micro-robotics, and more efficiently manages heat and humidity, allowing the facility to produce hundreds of different crops —   while using 25% fewer LED lights than typical indoor farms.

More News

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