On November 12, the creative cream of Durham Region gathered at the Ajax Convention Centre for the sold-out Art of Transition Symposium. The main goal of this Symposium was to connect the creative class and inspire creative solutions to spur sustainable economic prosperity. This event started long before the actual day with one question being asked, What is your definition of the art of transition? People fired back answers. During the symposium itself, the same social media platforms put an end to traditional one-sided communication by encouraging real-time blogging of attendees’ ideas, questions and comments, which were posted on huge screens at the event.

Dr. Richard Florida author of The Risk of the Creative Class and Who’s Your City? Was the keynote speaker that night, “where he explained that we are living through the greatest economic transformation in history, from the industrial to a creative economy. To promote a sustainable economy, cities must entice, not big business, but the talented, creative employees that these companies seek out.”  Dr. Florida pointed out the importance of the four T’s.

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  • Technology – encompasses science and technology, research and development and proximity to Universities.
  • Talent – refers to a vibrant, creative pool of human resources.
  • Tolerance – includes and welcomes diversity.
  • Territory – assets give residents quality of place and quality of life (“an organizing glue”)

Their new challenge now is to think of new ways to keep this movement going and to get more people involved. The public is invited to share their creative views on the local economy by visiting The Art of Transition  and/or join their discussions on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. These groups will be uploaded with videos and presentations from the symposium.

If you would like more information on The Art of Transition  please visit their website and get involved.