The Department of Commerce designated the month of March as Creative Economy and Arts in Education Month in Philadelphia in 2023, emphasizing our commitment to supporting Philadelphia creatives with entrepreneurial education while promoting our growth-filled arts, culture, and creative industries.
Artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative businesses produce cultural goods and services that generate jobs, revenue, and quality of life in our great city. Our world-class arts also enhance our nighttime economy, which we are excited to highlight this year.
Join upcoming events from partner organizations as we then close the month of March with our third annual celebration that will include panel discussions, food, networking, activities and more.
Upcoming events
Tools of the Trade
Join CraftNOW and NextFab for their third annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focused on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This three-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success however they choose to define them. Tools of the Trades delivers a variety of programming and materials – lectures, resource directories, and a collaborative event – to address the needs voiced by our creatives running small businesses. The conference strives to emphasize approachability, affordability, and a supportive environment where everyone can come together, and no question goes unanswered.
When: March 19-21, 2025
Philly Festival Mixer
Philly Festival Mixer highlights the creative event productions in the region highlighting Festival producers, talent, vendors and city services that contribute to this vibrant display of our local creative economy. The mixer is designed to inspire aspiring event producers, showcase upcoming festivals, provide resources and a platform for contemporary festival producers, and offer tips and access for those planning a parade, block party or street festival over the next 2 years leading up to 2026 and Philadelphia’s Semiquincentennial.
When: March 28, 2025
The Disruptors Conference
Immortal Vision Studio presents the premier annual gathering for visionary women leading creative industries, business, and advocacy. This dynamic conference empowers women challenging the status quo, driving innovation, and redefining leadership. The Disruptors Conference brings together women leaders, change-makers, and industry pioneers shaping the future. Through powerful panels, immersive workshops, and discussions, we explore how these women transform their industries.
When: March 29, 2025
Third Annual Creative Economy and Arts in Education Celebration
Hosted by the Department of Commerce, Creative Philadelphia, and the Mayor’s Office of Education, this event honors Philadelphia’s vibrant creative and nighttime economies and arts in education. Join us for a day of networking, resource sharing, creative activities, panel discussions, and food!
- Network with creatives, business assistance providers, and government officials.
- Explore business and creative resources available in Philadelphia.
- Celebrate young entrepreneurs and makers shaping the city’s creative economy.
- Gain insights from industry leaders on building a thriving creative business.
When: March 31, 2025
Thank you
Thank you to our partners across City departments and arts and culture organizations that supported the Department of Commerce in planning the third annual event series.
Our partners include:
- Creative Philadelphia
- Mayor’s Office of Education
- Philly Fashion Week
- CraftNow
- NextFab
- World Cafe Live
- Dominique Nichole Photography
- Vox Populi
- Diaspora DNA
- 69 & Sunny
