There is much discussion in Maine about the creative economy, which has become the focus of a major state initiative, and the subject of “A Blaine House Conference: Maine’s Creative Economy,” taking place in Lewiston May 6-7.

To understand the creative economy, I like to make an analogy with the giant mushroom found in northern Michigan. Discovered just outside of Crystal Falls, many believe it to be the largest living organism on earth. It is projected to weigh more than 100 tons, thought to be between 1,500 to 10,000 years old, and covers more than 38 acres. In spite of its vastness, it is very hard to see. In fact, one could stand on it and not notice it. However, it is an integral part of the forest ecosystem in which it exists.

In 1987, a few researchers noticed that a plethora of small mushrooms existed in one area, and as they looked closely, they found that all these mushrooms shared the same root system. Further, the quality of the soil, and the very health of the forest were dependent on this giant organism. While obscure, it held a key role in the process of the soil’s conditioning, thus allowing other plants the ability to thrive. Crystal Falls, seeing an opportunity for a bit of marketing, has since developed its own economic and tourism-related initiatives around the mushroom, and hosts the annual “Humungus Fungus Festival.”

In many regards, our creative sector plays much the same role in our economy as this mushroom does in that forest. It is all pervasive, yet relatively invisible, seemingly disparate, but connected; and it is integral to our economic ecosystem.

Maine is beginning to recognize how creative artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, architects, writers, performers, crafts people, marketers and a host of others all have the same root system. They are fundamentally connected by the role that the ability to create plays in their lives and work. They are idea-centered, industrious and rooted in their Maine communities by a love of place and a fascination with ideas. They are often working as individuals, or within small businesses. Many are clustered in and around nonprofit cultural institutions, colleges and universities. These creatively driven individuals work in ways that are both local and global. They are attracted to, and inspired by, the tremendous natural beauty of Maine.

Although the urban areas have had the largest creative clusters and cultural vibrancy, those associated with the creative economy can be found throughout the state. In many regards, the creative economy may have its most profound impact in smaller communities like Harrison, home of the Deertrees Theater and Cultural Center; Rockland, home of the Farnsworth Art Museum; or Deer Isle, with the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Near my home in Windham, there is a village where a ceramicist, instrument maker and scientist all work within a stone’s throw of each other. Places like Westbrook’s Dana Warp Mill, by offering space for a mix of small businesses, artists’ and artisans’ studios, have given new options to an old mill and a city that is moving away from the grip of singular industrial dependency.

If the creative economy is like that big mushroom, then there is little question that the nature of the soil is of utmost importance. In order to survive, the creative economy needs a fertile cultural context of ideas. It is such a context that the arts affect most directly. It is a culture built on the belief that creativity creates a more satisfying environment and is a central ingredient to excellence in every endeavor.

If there is a single institution in our state critical to the development of the creative sector in Maine, it is our university system. It is within the university that the depth and breadth of expressive, analytical and experimental pursuits converge. Our contemporary culture requires more and more diversified and interwoven understanding and conceptual abilities than ever before. It necessitates a broad understanding and appreciation of the various aspects of multiple cultures and diverse fields of inquiry. In the creative areas it is the university that allows an intertwining of intellectual streams. It is the university that can meet this demand with opportunities for cross-disciplinary and integrated studies. Using the Department of Art at the University of Southern Maine as an example, there is a bachelor’s degree in art and entrepreneurial studies that blends small business development courses with those in studio art. We also have a course of study in digital arts that exists through a partnership between our Department of Art and USM’s School of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, allowing students to cross curricular boundaries and build an artistic vision in Web design and computer imaging. Many students have developed dual majors within the art studies. This allows students to integrate studio art with a broad range of subjects, such as history, philosophy, education, environmental studies, technology and the sciences.

Further, a creative culture is centered on an ability for thoughtful critical thinking. It must make connections across fields of study and through time. It is through a solid foundation in our liberal studies that this occurs and which is critical to having well-educated citizens.

Central to the idea of a creative economy is the collective value that is placed on an acceptance of diversity and the pursuit of innovation. The arts are crucial to creating a cultural climate that emphasizes and nurtures creativity within a community and its economic enterprises. The arts are idea-centered. It is our universities that are poised to offer the most powerful means for the development of a culture of innovation.

Our creative economy must stand on more than the fact that Maine is attractive to those responsive to creative pursuits. It must have a commitment to develop and expand these creative communities and enterprises. It should seek to create a broad culture that appreciates and thrives on individual and collective creativity and values new ideas and diverse perspectives.

I cannot help but believe that the creative economy initiative offers a real and powerful re-envisioning of our economic foundation and for the quality of our communities. However, the long-term health of the creative economy resides in large measure within our state university system. The ability for the public universities to develop the kind of individual talent in the arts, business, humanities, sciences and policy areas is crucial to such an initiative.

A well-supported, broadly accessible public university system that holds creativity as a principal value is the most fertile context for such an economic and cultural shift to take place. The people of Maine have long been known for their work ethic and skills. Now, their ability to nurture and allow for innovation must be recognized as equally important.

Michael J. Shaughnessy is chair and professor of art at the University of Southern Maine.