
A creative economy is a world where arts and culture are the drivers of economic activity. It’s not a notion that’s new to New York’s Capital Region, which has long been a haven for creatives and renowned performance venues. But in recent years, thanks to technology and innovation, it has become the fourth-largest employment sector, and it’s growing fast. Join host Guha Bala as he takes us on a journey through the creative minds of the region.
AHA! A House for Arts
Creative Capital: Shaping the Region's Economy
Join host Guha Bala on a journey into the creative mind of the Capital Region.






The Creative Economy Roundtable Tour
Introduction to the Creative Economy
Learn about the “The Creative Economy Roundtable Tour”.
Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy (ACE) and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) partnered to present “The Creative Economy Roundtable Tour” - a series of six events to discuss the region’s Creative Economy data and then listen to the public’s thoughts on how to work together to develop and grow creative jobs and opportunities in our area.
WMHT documented the tour at every stop to highlight the importance and impact of the Creative Economy, and to especially focus on what you think about when considering our region’s identity, economic challenges and opportunities, and how art and culture can help tell our regional story.
THE CREATIVE ECONOMY | RENSSELAER COUNTY
Deputy Mayor Monica Kurzejeski | The Creative Economy
Deputy Mayor Kurzejeski talks about the challenges that the Capital Region faces.
Dominique Devito | The Creative Economy
Dominique DeVito talks about how the Creative Economy extends beyond the performing arts.
Benjamin Mojica | The Creative Economy
Benjamin Mojica discusses what he learned about the freelancing economy in the region.
Holly Cargill Cramer | The Creative Economy
Holly Cargill-Cramer shares her thoughts on the regional Creative Economy.
THE CREATIVE ECONOMY | WASHINGTON AND WARREN COUNTIES
Anne Saile | The Creative Economy
Anne Saile discusses why the region is "unlike any place else in the world!"
Gina Mintzer | The Creative Economy
Gina Mintzer explains why she "doesn't want to live anywhere else."
Jim Siplon | The Creative Economy
Jim Siplon discusses the importance of listening to young business leaders.
The Hyde Collection | The Creative Economy
Attendees discuss what they discovered and what challenges lie ahead.
THE CREATIVE ECONOMY | SCHENECTADY COUNTY
Brett Wery | The Creative Economy
Brett Wery discusses the value of staying in our region after graduation.
Gina Gould | The Creative Economy
Gina Gould discusses our region's natural resources.
Juan Fons | The Creative Economy
Juan Fons on why he loves attending ACE events.
Philip Morris | The Creative Economy
Philip Morris explains why "this is a really remarkable place to live."
DIVERSITY IN THE CREATIVE ECONOMY
Hana Van Der Kolk | Diversity in the Creative Economy
Hana van der Kolk shares their insight into the capacity for interdependence in the region
Darian Henry on Diversity in the Creative Economy
Darian Henry speaks on freelancing, and distribution of resources in our communities.
Aaron Moore on Diversity in the Creative Economy
Aaron Moore shares his sage thoughts on diversity in the creative economy.
Kaciem Swain on Diversity in the Creative Economy
Kaciem shares innovative ideas about growing partnerships and maintaining authenticity.
CREATIVE ECONOMY ON AHA! A HOUSE FOR ARTS
Custom Pumpkins
Check out the stunning carved pumpkins of Brian Bateman.
Artist François Escalmel
Discover the dreamlike imagery of artist François Escalmel.
Devon Gilroy of Tivoli Mushrooms
Follow Devon into the woods on a mushroom foraging adventure.
Behind the Scenes at Opera Saratoga
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Opera Saratoga's newest opera, Ellen West.
Luisa Scivola-Somers of Dancing Ewe Farm
Experience Tuscany in upstate New York in this delicious segment.
New York State Museum Director Mark Schaming
Director Mark Schaming discusses the history and future of the New York State Museum.
Journey through The Fields Sculpture Park at Art Omi
Explore The Fields sculpture park at Art Omi.
Animator Jordan McClendon
Discover Albany resident, Jordan McClendon's passion for animation.