Since Ian Thornton launched the Huntington Music and Arts Festival in 2010, a growing group of inventive citizens and city officials has not-so-quietly set about making Huntington the most vibrant local music, arts and culture scene in the region.

But, can noise, color and crowds really be a fully-fledged economic development strategy? We’ll ask them how The Huntington Party Effect is actually reviving areas of this fantastic little city that is bursting with chutzpah right now.

Just north of the border, the once downtrodden steel city of Pittsburgh has rebounded from its industrial doldrums in part by focusing on arts innovation and creative tech, and is widely regarded as one of the best places to live and work in America.

We welcome to New Story the architects of Create PGH and the locals behind many of the city’s coolest and most engaging creative spaces and maker initiatives - Radiant Hall, Assemble and the Co-Create Ignition Program.

OSAY is what happens when the smart kids get riled up. There’s a lot of young people out there who believe that today's politicians need to be more responsive to the demands of citizens.

In 2016, three not-to-be-trifled-with West Virginians created and launched OSAY, an online tool that helps advocates use social media to influence decision-making.

We’ll talk to the brains and brawn behind OSAY, and explore the new world of “clicktavism” in today’s America.

The strength of the local food and restaurant scene will a critical part of West Virginia’s economic future.

And some creative culinary types are doing all they can to grow the food tourism sector.

From entrepreneurial Restaurant Week promotions in Charleston and Parkersburg, to citizen-led walking tours of local restaurants and food spots, we’ll hear from inventive West Virginians growing the food buzz, and economy, where they live.

In the annus horribilis that was 2016, the 100 Days In Appalachia project gave journalists and producers in West Virginia a vehicle to provide local coverage and context that most national reporters miss or ignore.

So, what now? At New Story you’ll hear from the architects of 100 Days about what they learned from the project and their plans to continue the work. Plus, you’ll have the chance to talk to reporters about what shapes their coverage of West Virginia, and why.

Don’t be shy. You look like you’ve got something to say.

Born of the creative wellspring that is Appalshop and Whitesburg, there is a collective of young, talented and defiant filmmakers, photographers, digital makers and media producers in Eastern Kentucky determined to tell the stories of their region from their own perspectives.

But what platform will enable them to do that?

At New Story we’ll welcome the firebrands of the Appalachian Media Institute and Mountain Tech Media, and brainstorm with them the idea of a young Appalachian media collective.

Organized and curated by photographer Kristian Thacker, some of the region's best image makers, including Rebecca Kiger, Forrest MacCormack, Nate Knobel, Pang Tubhirun, Kristian Thacker, Pat Jarrett and Aaron Blum, have contributed to a special exhibition of works just for New Story. Thanks guys!

Enjoy the photos, and meet the photographers. 

If you haven't noticed, Appalachian food is a thing these days. In swanky kitchens from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, mountain cuisine is “so hot right now.”

But how do we ensure Appalachia truly benefits when its food becomes trendy?

Courtney Balestier, Emily Hilliard and Mike Costello, three noted West Virginia food storytellers, will share a few ideas about how cooks, farmers and makers can capitalize on the recent buzz and take control of the brand of Appalachian food.

Sponsored by the makers of superb local craft beer, Chestnut Brew Works, Pubstomper and Big Timber, and our friends at Generation Morgantown, the New Story Knees Up on the top deck of the Media Innovation Center Friday afternoon is the perfect spot to meet new heroes and hatch grand plans. (Or just catch up with old mates, kick back and revel in your past glories. Up to you.)

The good folks at the Chestnut Boutique Hotel in downtown Morgantown have generously given us a special rate of $79 a room for Thursday or Friday night.

To secure that rate, call them at 304.777.4100, or email info@chestnuthotel.com and mention that you'd like the special rate for New Story attendees.