There has been a groundswell of interest and demand for data that speaks to the creative economy workforce of the city of Seattle from diverse public agencies such as the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture (ARTS), Office of Economic Development (OED), Washington Filmworks, and the City of Bellevue, ArtsFund, and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). There is a window of opportunity not only to understand and assess the creative economy but to use it as a driver of the economy to promote social inclusion, equity, diversity, and development. In the last 20 years, the city of Seattle has undergone a profound transformation that has resulted in a number of opportunities and challenges as a magnet for talent in the areas of technology, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Under such circumstances, Seattle can become a leader in the development of the creative economy agenda. The Seattle MSA area had an estimated 131,163 creative jobs and over $23 billion earned in the region, gaining 12% since 2016 (Creative Vitality Suite, 2019). However, we don’t know who are the most marginalized communities of artists and art organizations by the rising economic inequality, gentrification and displacement in Seattle? As well as how are they geographically distributed throughout King County? By mapping where these creative occupations and industries are can set a direction for stakeholders intervention and policies that maintain a vibrant city and especially one that is equitable for all communities in Seattle. Through the use of GIS, the goal will be to determine if location is one of the factors for the failure of representation in the creative economy and make appropriate recommendations to address the issues.
