A new report by Workamajig takes a deep dive into the environmental factors that impact creativity in order to find the most creative cities and towns in the U.S.

With burnout rates at an all-time high, many are looking for fresh sources of inspiration in their lives and experiences that combine their love for art and music. In the past year, Google searches for ‘cities with best music scene’ and 'best cities for street art' skyrocketed by 100% in the U.S. alone.

With an outstanding art and music scene, Atlanta has been revealed as the #1 most creative city in the nation.

To determine the most creative cities in the U.S. per capita, Workamajig analyzed the state of each city’s creative economy and atmosphere by looking at the number of museums, Cannes Lions Winners in 2022, artists and musicians, creative jobs in industries such as Marketing, Arts, and Design, as well as the number of film and music festivals per capita. 

With 6,580 artists and musicians, 112 music festivals, 42 museums, 29 film festivals, and 1 Cannes Lions in 2022, it’s no wonder Atlanta is a top creative destination in the country.

The report also looked into the most creative artsy towns in the U.S.

Atlanta is the most creative city in the country

With a groundbreaking street art scene, a diverse musical heritage, and a booming creative economy, it's no wonder Atlanta is the top creative city in the country. From renowned museums, such as the High Museum of Art, to legendary music festivals, including One Music Fest, Atlanta's creative scene is outstanding. The Big Peach is also a hub for live music, with 11 times more music festivals than the national average. You can see why more creatives are drawn to Atlanta, and more local talent is staying put.

Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta, said:

"Congrats, Atlanta—we’ve been ranked as the top city for creatives in the entire country! From museums to music festivals to the industries that make it all possible — Atlanta is the perfect place to foster creativity."

Esther Cohen, Director of Marketing at Workamajig, comments:

“It’s important to understand how extrinsic factors can stimulate our creativity. While we often think of creativity as a trait, studies have shown that specific environments and emotions can make you more or less creative.

Everything we experience can be a stimulus for innovation. From a play to a city’s street art scene - these kinds of experiences promote a greater sense of well-being, encourage team collaboration, increase productivity, and enable creativity in countless ways. 

We know creativity is crucial for organizations to survive in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace. And while essential in industries like arts, design, and marketing, any professional in any industry can surely benefit from a creative boost.”

For the full study, please visit here.