Morongo Basin Creative Economy Convening Builds Momentum Following Statewide Engagement Effort
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Morongo Basin, CA — March 11, 2026 — On Monday February 23, 2026 more than 50 artists, creative entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and community members gathered for the Morongo Basin Creative Economy Convening, a regional dialogue focused on strengthening and aligning the Basin’s growing creative ecosystem.
Hosted by Yucca Valley Material Lab, Project Nosotros, Juniper Clay Shop, and convened by Arts Connection– the Arts Council of San Bernardino County, the gathering brought together voices from across the region to engage with California’s Creative Economy Strategic Plan and begin identifying local priorities for implementation.
The convening was inspired by California’s public engagement phase for the statewide plan, with regional partners working to leverage the momentum from the state to move this work forward locally.
“The Morongo Basin is experiencing massive creative momentum because of the artists, grassroots leaders, and philanthropic partners who have been investing in this region for years,” said Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive Director of Arts Connection. “This convening was about honoring the collective work that got us here while aligning around how we move forward together. The opportunity now is to intentionally strengthen the infrastructure and partnerships that allow artists, cultural workers, and creative businesses here to thrive while preserving what makes the Morongo Basin distinct.”
“The timing of this convening felt especially important,” said Heidi Schwegler, Founding Director of Yucca Valley Material Lab. “As one of the fastest developing creative economies in San Bernardino County, the Morongo Basin holds both real opportunity and real responsibility. The conversation centered on how to build systems that allow artists not just to survive here, but to build sustainable and viable careers.”
Developed through statewide legislation (AB 127), California’s Creative Economy Strategic Plan positions the creative sector as a core driver of economic development, workforce growth, and community vitality. The convening opened with a briefing on the state’s Creative Economy Strategic Plan by Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, who served as a member of the statewide Creative Economy Workgroup, followed by facilitated small-group discussions focused on reflection, ecosystem clarity, and forward-looking action.
Conversations pointed to strong interest in deeper coordination across the Basin and continued alignment with economic development and tourism partners as the creative sector grows. Additional insights are currently being synthesized as part of a broader analysis of the convening.
Since February 23, Arts Connection has begun advancing next steps informed by the dialogue, including developing a forthcoming Morongo Basin Creative Economy Brief, planning a follow-up coordination meeting in the coming months, and engaging county and regional partners to help ensure the Basin’s creative sector is reflected in future planning and investment.
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Media Contact
Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez
Executive Director
Arts Connection — Arts Council of San Bernardino County
Communications@artsconnectionnetwork.org
