The creative economy has no standard definition: This economic sector blurs the lines between industries as it sits at the crossroads of arts, culture, business, and technology. Regardless of how you define the creative economy, experts agree on one thing: It’s growing at a record-setting pace.

Why it’s important: The creative economy is a powerful engine of growth and community vitality. Together, artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative businesses produce and distribute cultural goods and services that generate jobs, revenue, and quality of life.

What’s happening downtown: Downtown Rogers has changed significantly. Innovative entrepreneurs are offering interactive experiences and entertainment to their business offerings. Live music, dance performances, theater, book clubs, karaoke, wine, and beer tastings are good examples.

Retailers getting creative: Downtown merchants are also offering an abundance of maker classes. It’s more than shopping. You may learn to cook, create art, make candles, do woodcarving, learn to play a musical instrument, or walk on a runway or simply enjoy a paint and sip event while learning about the regions of the world where wine is produced.

Smart marketing: Interactive experiences are a wonderful way for business owners to go beyond selling goods and services and broaden their marketing appeal. Whether the events are free or ticketed, hosting events allows for opportunities to appeal to more people through social and traditional media.

Types of experiences: Downtown Rogers is a draw for creative businesses: artists, makers, creators, and entrepreneurs. They come because Downtown Rogers is now recognized as a community that welcomes and supports the creative economy. Check out these types of experiences hosted by 46 downtown businesses:

• Outdoor Experiences 5
• Trivia/Games/Book Clubs 6
• Dance/Fitness 6
• Food and Beverage Classes 8
• Creative/Performance/Maker Classes 12
• Corporate Team Building 12
• Art Walk Participant 25
• Historical/Art Exhibits 32
• Live Music/performances 22

More details: Read more about how Downtown Rogers is welcoming and supporting the creative economy and view a list of businesses offering experiences.