Photo by Nick Wallace
A thriving creative economy strengthens and drives multiple sectors, including business development and tourism. Supporting this vision is Joseph L. Lewis III, a dynamic force in marketing and economic development.
Joseph brings over 25 years of experience as a non-profit marketing expert and award-winning television producer to his work at the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP). Since joining as Director of Marketing and External Relations in 2023, he’s leveraged his expertise to elevate Delaware’s economic appeal and cultural vibrancy.
Joseph’s passion for connection shines through in his vision for Delaware. He envisions a revitalized state transformed into a hub of creativity and innovation, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. This vision centers around a robust creative ecosystem – a space where artists, organizations, and enterprises can flourish, share ideas, and collaborate.
Joseph shares his thoughts on Delaware’s creative economy:
What does the creative economy mean to you? And in what ways does your work contribute to or support Delaware’s creative economy?
“The creative economy means a robust creative ecosystem where artists, artistic organizations and creative enterprises present; thrive and share ideas and insights to the point where collectively they produce a recognizable creative “place” or destination in the minds of other people outside and inside of Delaware. It also means revenue for hotels, restaurants, parking lots and municipalities. And lastly, it means positive energy. My organization supports all businesses in the State of Delaware by bringing in new businesses, capital investment and jobs to the diamond State. We also support existing businesses to expand and retain jobs. So, we bring prosperity to the state which trickles down to the creative organizations.”
Why is a strong creative economy important for Delaware?
“A strong creative economy is important because it creates identity. It generates revenue. It provides atmosphere, and it makes Delaware an ideal place to live, work and play.”
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the creative economy in Delaware? How can we work together to address these challenges?
“I am new to the state. But what I’ve noticed is, we need more! We need more connectivity. We need to attract more artists and artistic organizations just like we try to attract new business to the state via grants, tax incentives and retention support initiatives.”
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the creative economy in Delaware? Is there a specific change you’d like to see implemented?
“I think this initiative by the Delaware Arts Alliance is exciting. If we don’t connect and have a plan nothing will happen.”