Creative Summit Fosters Growing Creative Economy

Congratulations to Fitchburg resident Derek Craig and a member of the NewVue Board of Trustees for organizing a successful North Central Massachusetts Creative Network Summit 2025.

As chief visionary officer of CoFF33Corp., Derek organized this collaborative event that brought together 125 artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to network and share ideas on how to build lasting partnerships and strengthen our regional creative economy.

The Creative Network Summit was facilitated by CoFF33 Corp. and was funded by MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation as part of the “TDI Creative Cities” initiative. NewVue Communities also supported this project through our partnership with NeighborWorks America. Derek was part of a NewVue group that attended the NeighborWorks America Community Leadership Institute in 2023 and received a grant to organize an event or a project that creates impact in their local community.

The group used its grant to help organize the Creative Network Summit. The two-day summit included a networking event at the Fitchburg Art Museum followed by a day of guest speakers and breakout sessions at the Fitchburg Senior Center related to creative leadership and vision; creative pathways; and creative action.

“My goal was for the local creative economy to have an opportunity to connect with one another and learn from one another and break down the silos of how we work, especially with how it effects the economics of the region,’’ Derek said.

And while the event was a tremendous first step, Derek said he learned a lot and has more work ahead of him to bring the creative sectors together.

“I can’t wait to do this again,” he said.

For a YouTube playlist of the panels held at the Fitchburg Senior Center, visit: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6c53SB5xmg5nE8J37kWXGkRtsvvz-Lj