Thursday, December 3, 2009

Wifi & a latte: The birth of Creative North

Nothing seems more appropriate for the first Creative North blog entry than writing it while sipping a latte and using wifi from Frontside Grind in North Conway.

Why?

Because as a member and vocal advocate of the 21st century workforce, who moved to Northern New Hampshire in pursuit of the new American dream, I find myself constantly looking for creative centers with a wifi connection and a great latte.

I left a full-time job with benefits in Portland, Maine, 18 months ago. I had two goals in moving to New Hampshire. The first was to start my own business, contracting with nonprofit organizations to build sustainable marketing, fundraising and organizational development strategies. The second was to pursue a passion for the mountains – rock-climbing, running and skiing.

The key to realizing this dream of balancing work I love and time to enjoy the outdoors isn’t unique in this region. Ask people who live here and you will quickly see a pattern of ambitious, creative, entrepreneurial people who left better paying jobs and a more fast paced lifestyle to live in this incredible place and pursue their dreams.

The greatest challenge to living in Northern New Hampshire is that you have to create your own connectivity. This blog was born out of a simple conundrum: Where can people go in the region to get connected with what is happening locally (music, arts and culture), access the internet and get a great cup of coffee.

The Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire and I are thrilled to launch the Creative North blog.

Think of this blog as your go-to resource for accessing the creative economy in northern New Hampshire. With your help -- thoughtful comments, emails and suggestions -- this site can be a hub for connecting artists, businesses and visitors with dynamic opportunities in New Hampshire’s North Country. This project is malleable, organic, adaptable and ready to be a well used resource for promoting, supporting and sustaining the creative economy.

Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts!

5 comments:

Mary Emma Allen said...

This is a great idea and a wonderful way for those of us living and having businesses in the North Country to keep connected. I shall become a regular visitor. I was just working a new blog of my own to get my learning activities business off the ground. This is a nice snowy day for organizing a new venture!

Janet Moriarty said...

I commend any new avenue to get the people to come and enjoy the Arts of the North Country. As a member of the Arts Gallery in Lisbon and President of the Ammonoosuc Region Arts Council, it is great to have more interest. Saturday, December 12 10-4 come to our Annual Cookie Walk. Why Bake? Shop and munch. Support the Arts. The Arts Gallery, 28 S Main St, Lisbon.

Mary Emma Allen said...

MaryEmma Allen to Janet
show details 9:03 PM (0 minutes ago)

Hi Janet,
Unfortunately I shall be in the southern part of the state on Sat. However, your Cookie Walk sounds like fun. Since I also write travel articles, as well as cooking articles, for blogs and newspapers, I'll have to research your Cookie Walk some more and learn how it's organized.

Eric said...

Sasha - what a great blog! All of us at the Nashua Symphony are excited that the Kennett High School Choir from Conway will join our orchestra and chorus when we perform at the Silver Series in Plymouth in February. I hope some people from further north will venture down to hear some great symphonic music.

Eileen Alexander said...

Thanks for all the great comments.
I hope the cookie walk was a huge success - do tell what was your favorite cookie?

Eric - keep the me posted with the date of the performance or email it to office@aannh.org and we will included it in our e-bulletin.

Cheers.