Cities all over the Mountain State are experiencing a transformation, thanks in part to a program called Create Your State.  The initiative began in Princeton, WV and will be making its first stop in Bridgeport on October 11, with a goal of revitalizing the downtown area and incorporating arts-based environments and boosting the local economy.

 

“The mission is to encourage human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania through strategically invested resources,” said Director Lori McKinney.  “The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation helps people by creating opportunities to cultivate the creativity of people and communities.”

 

Create Your State representatives travel around the state attending leadership conferences, entrepreneurship summits and educational meetings to present their multimedia presentation on the program.  They hope to empower local leaders and volunteers, as well as businesses, to transform their own cities using the tools provided by the program.

 

Ten towns throughout the state were selected in 2016 and Bridgeport was among the ones selected for 2017, based on their interest, drive and need for development of such a program.  Those selected last year now have public arts programs, arts festivals and art co-ops in full swing as a result of Create Your State.

 

The program includes live music, visual arts, performing arts, and the importance of the impact the arts make on local economic decisions.  The inspiration provided through the program has been proven to help change the physical environment and infuse it with cultural diversity, providing a vision of hope and innovation.

 

The Greater Bridgeport CVB will be hosting the Create Your State event on October 11, from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. at the Benedum Civic Center.  The program is free to attend and everyone is welcome. 

 

“We are excited to welcome such an opportunity to Bridgeport,” said CVB Director Michelle Duez.  “The impact of cultural events has been proven and we have the local talent, innovation and energy to put Bridgeport on the map as one of the top destinations in the state.”