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VPR's coverage of arts and culture in the region.

Let's Talk About Vermont's Creative Economy

Neal Charnoff
/
VPR
Lars Torres

Vermont is well known for the old standbys: cows, maple syrup and ice cream. But an effort is underway to promote Vermont’s creative potential.

In 2011, the Legislature established the Office of the Creative Economy, with the intention of expanding the local economy to include arts, culture, business and technology.

In his Montpelier office, OCE Director Lars Torres talks about his goals. And he points to several of last year's marketing successes, including the Vermont Tech Jam, and the Independent Television and Film Festival, which relocated from California to Dover, Vt.

Torres also says Vermont is poised to be a leader in game design and software development. He says the OCE can support creative talent through networking, research and technical assistance.

Neal was a reporter and VPR's All Things Considered host from 2001 to 2014. He joined VPR in 1996, hosting VPR's jazz programming, including live performances from the VPR studios and the Discover Jazz Festival. Prior to VPR, Neal was a programmer and host for WNCS in Montpelier and WDEV in Waterbury. He holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College.
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