People in the News | His goal: To mesh the arts with the city's economy

Philadelphia Inquirer, The, June, 2006 by Thomas J. Brady

As director of the new Center for the Creative Economy at the University of the Arts, Benjamin B. Olshin has a daunting challenge: Take an abstract philosophical idea and turn it into something tangible.

"I don't see this as an arts foundation, but rather as a transformative agent," Olshin said in a recent interview at the university's Terra Building on the Avenue of the Arts.

"What I see us doing is defining, researching and promoting the creative process and then applying that process to transforming society," he said.

He also envisions having the center serve as a consultancy to industry.

He expects it to accomplish its goals through hosting speakers, forums and workshops, and producing publications that will discuss innovative and creative processes and products. He hopes to present his first speaker this fall.

"In the old days, Philadelphia used to make things. Baldwin Locomotives, Stetson hats, Botany ...