When talking about the Lehigh Valley economy, many people immediately recall the dominance of Bethlehem Steel Corp. over many decades. But it might surprise people to discover that after steelmaking operations ended locally more than two decades ago, creative industries have ascended to become one of the trending employment sectors in the region.
Expanding beyond the traditional spheres of arts, crafts and music, the creative industries also include fields such as media, IT, publishing, architecture, marketing and data science. It is widely recognized that the creative industries are sectors that intertwine the creation, production and commercialization of intangible cultural products.
"Creative professionals not only propel our businesses forward but also significantly enhance the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley, impacting the well-being of all residents," said Katelyn Mack, president and chief operating officer of the Lehigh Valley Inter-Regional Networking & Connecting Consortium (LINC). "Creative professionals are across every industry and sector in the Lehigh Valley. They serve as educators in our schools, fuel innovation in fundamental business sectors like lighting and construction, and use their writing to bring attention to pressing community issues."
Antigoni Papadimitriou, a teaching assistant professor in the College of Business and a South Side Bethlehem resident with years of research into supporting entrepreneurs in creative industries, recognizes the Lehigh Valley's potential as a hub for creative innovation. However, she also identifies gaps in the support system.
"The demand for professionals in creative industries is on the rise," she said. "However, after speaking with local entrepreneurs, it becomes clear that they all seek additional support, both in terms of policy and other resources."
To build a supportive framework for entrepreneurs in creative industries within the region, Papadimitriou initiated "Strengthening the Lehigh Valley as a Hub for Entrepreneurs in Creative Industries" as a Lehigh Valley Social Impact Fellowship Project in 2023, supported by the Office of Creative Inquiry.
The team is currently comprised of seven students, including four who are continuing from the 2023 team: Tyson Utesch ’26, a product design major with a double minor in entrepreneurship and real estate; Haoyu Yang ’25, double major in supply chain management and business analytics; Gibby DiCenso ’24, a marketing major with minors in graphic design and philosophy; and Nicholas Scheri ’25, studying finance and business analytics. Joining them in 2024 are Joam Gonzalez Rodriguez ’27, majoring in finance and economics; Waldo Dang ’27, a mechanical engineering student; and Shriya Mehta ’27, studying biochemistry.