As of March 2010, ArtsMove Chattanooga will graduate from CreateHere, and Choose Chattanooga will become the parent organization for the program. Choose Chattanooga works to promote the amenities and attractions of the greater Chattanooga region.

This adoption of the program by Choose Chattanooga is indicative of an intrinsic message: Choose Chattanooga will promote the region by creating marketing and media programs which connect prospective and current residents and stimulate relocation. Additionally, they recognize the importance of attracting and retaining artists and artisans, like visual artists, culinary artists, musicians, and the like to the city. They know that the attraction and retention of creative individuals to a city is what makes a community thrive and prosper, officials said.

ArtsMove, an artist relocation incentive, previously offered by CreateHere, has served to revitalize Chattanooga’s urban core by helping artists and artisans move to Chattanooga. The program provides up to $2,500 to help cover moving expenses and offers a network of support and connectivity to individuals interested in adding to Chattanooga’s cultural tapestry.

To date, the program has helped relocate 30 working artists and artisans into revitalizing neighborhoods in the city’s urban core. Home sales resulting from the program come in at just over $4.9 million.

“But even more important than the infusion of capital into our local economy, we have seen the individuals who have joined our community via ArtsMove truly invest in their neighborhoods and enrich the quality of life there,” said Jessica Martin, former program administrator and CreateHere senior fellow.

“We plan to continue to promote the original mission of ArtsMove as a program designed to bring community-minded artists to the area. We are excited to have ArtsMove as an anchor program in the Choose Chattanooga effort”, said Executive Director Linda Bennett.

Choose Chattanooga is relocation initiative which promotes the region by creating programs, marketing and media to connect prospective and current residents and stimulate relocation.

“As we take the helm, I would like to see more opportunities to engage new and existing artists as Outreach Ambassadors for Chattanooga. There are also many unexplored opportunities for business and community stakeholders to play a greater role in steering ArtsMove to its next phase of success,” said Ms. Bennett.

“Choose Chattanooga’s mission made it an obvious choice to become the pilot organization for this initiative,” said Ms. Martin. “We are very excited to see Choose Chattanooga nurture and grow such a bold and impactful program.

To learn more about ArtsMove, visit the program online at http://artsmove.org.