Throughout its first year of operations, the Office of Creative & Cultural Economy (OCCE) hosted a series of Artist Listening Sessions designed to hear directly from Memphis-based artists and creative entrepreneurs. Each session focused on a critical pillar of a thriving cultural ecosystem: 

• Validation (December 2024): Explored how artists experience recognition today and envisioned a future where Memphis creatives feel deep belonging, robust investment, and lifelong learning opportunities. 

• Market & Demand (January 2025): Discussed the appetite for creative work and strategies to amplify demand through bold marketing, audience growth, and community cultivation. 

• Material Support (May 2025): Identified gaps in infrastructure, resources, and funding, and imagined a future with equitable access to space, artist-led investment, and a culture of care. 

• Professional Development (July 2025): Highlighted the need for mentorship, structured learning, and sustainable support systems to help artists build resilient careers. 

• Networks & Information (August 2025): Examined how creatives connect and share resources, emphasizing the importance of inclusive networks and centralized information platforms. 

These sessions engaged hundreds of stakeholders and generated actionable insights that inform OCCE’s work to strengthen Memphis’ creative economy. Check out the summaries from each of the sessions!