COVID-19 Decimates Houston's Creative Industry & What You Can Do

Are we crazy for starting a creative hub in Houston during COVID-19?

A recent study conducted by the Brooking's Institution estimates that 42,500 jobs and $1.6B in sales have been lost in the creative economy between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020, putting Houston as one of the hardest hit areas in the whole country. Those facing the biggest challenges have been creatives that work in theater, music, and dance, as much of the revenue comes from live performances. 

 

 

The future continues to look bleak, with the estimates ballooning to 2.3M jobs and $74B in average  monthly earnings nationwide (aka 30% of the industry's jobs and 15% of total average monthly wages). Ultimately, since arts, culture, and creative endeavors push regional economies forward, as well as add to our overall quality of life, these losses have a huge, detrimental impact on society. 

While the blow has been softened with funding from philanthropic organizations and the federal CARES Act, in order for the creative community to rebound and grow, there must be a strategy to move forward that has input from entities and people from all walks of life, direct financial support to creatives, workshops/classes to further develop skills and talent, and hiring of local creatives for work needed to be done in your community. 

 

Hyde Park Recreation Center is dedicated to creatives.

We believe that everyone is creative in their own way.

We believe that there is a lot of creativity around the world that is not used to its full potential.

We believe that creatives should have a space to experiment, collaborate, learn, and share so they can continue to do what they do best: help us see the world in a new light, experience the most from life, and build bridges across our differences.

We believe that a creative community thrives when the foundation is built from mutual respect, genuine support, and equity.

We strive to bring inspiration and innovation to every creative* in the world.
*If you have thought, you are a creative.

 

 

And remember this: Several businesses that have since become household names were launched during challenging economic times: Electronic Arts, FedEx, Apple, Microsoft, Pizza Hut, Southwest Airlines, Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods, etc. 

So we're gonna go with no. It's not crazy to start a creative hub now, when our community is hurting.

And you shouldn't be afraid to start your creative business either! Who knows? You just might be launching the next big household name. 

As the African proverb goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." Check out our Thursday Creator Meetups to network and learn with other creatives. Wear a mask!

Don't let the fear stop you. Don't let the current reality convince you that a different future is impossible. Create create create.