By Marshall Latimore
SOTG Executive Editor
Metro Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has signed a proclamation officially declaring Saturday, Oct. 22 as Creatives’ Day in Nashville. Several events have been planned to commemorate the designation, including a proclamation ceremony, a panel discussion, and a networking mixer.
According to its organizers, Creatives’ Day is a day of recognition dedicated to individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation. It includes, but is not limited, to “songwriters, visual artists, filmmakers, creative entrepreneurs, journalists, photographers, dancers, jewelry designers, and musicians living and working in Nashville,” a release for the day’s festivities read.
“Creatives who live and work in Davidson County have assisted in Nashville’s thriving economic vitality,” explained Brian Sexton, one of the organizers of the holiday. “Thanks in part to our creative community, Nashville is attracting approximately 82 people a day.
“However, there still remains a lack of appreciation for visual artists, entrepreneurs, film art professionals, writers, and independent musicians who can be found playing live music, creating inspiring stories, starting businesses, or curating live art experiences,” he added.
A major goal of the Creatives’ Day holiday is to shed light on the creatives in the community, the obstacles they face, and move towards a community that works together, Sexton explained. “Creatives’ Day designates Nashville as a city that values community, where each creative is esteemed in their own unique realm”
Though more events are in development, what follows is a list of confirmed events:
• Proclamation Ceremony – Fisk University Carl Van Vechten Gallery, 11 a.m
• Panel: “Nashville’s Creatives: Past, Present & Future” – Carl Van Vechten Gallery, Noon
• Networking Mixer – WKND Nashville, 7 p.m.
Discussion