Creative Economy: Where Inspiration Meets Opportunity in Greater Palm Springs 

A thriving ecosystem for film, music, art, and digital media  

Greater Palm Springs is fast becoming a key player in the creative economy, an emerging hub where art, culture, entertainment, and digital media converge. With a legacy rooted in Hollywood glamour and a modern reputation for innovation, the region offers a dynamic environment for creators across disciplines, from filmmakers and musicians to digital designers and visual artists. 

Scenic beauty, natural lighting, and iconic architecture make the region a magnet for filmmakers, musicians, visual artists, and digital designers. From boutique production studios and recording spaces to large-scale art installations and festivals, Greater Palm Springs offers both inspiration and infrastructure to support the full creative pipeline. 

Oasis of Art

An Oasis of Art: From Murals to Music

Join us as we dive into the public art and entertainment scene of Greater Palm Springs, where the landscape serves as both canvas and inspiration for these local artists and art advocates.

Creative Economy

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A massive crowd faces the main stage at Coachella 2023.

Greater Palm Springs is home to internationally recognized events that not only celebrate the arts but also drive major economic impact, such as Coachella and Stagecoach, which attract over 250,000 attendees annually and have become global platforms for music and experiential art, as well as the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Desert X, and Modernism Week, which collectively draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. These events, alongside a growing network of local studios, digital content companies, and arts organizations, position Greater Palm Springs as a cultural and economic powerhouse in the creative sector. 

behind the scenes film

Creative professionals and businesses benefit from a supportive, strategically located environment with proximity to Los Angeles, a lower cost of living, and access to industry networks. Educational institutions like College of the Desert and California State University San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus offer programs in digital design, film production, music, and visual arts, while local nonprofits and cultural organizations provide training, mentorship, and exhibition space for emerging talent. 

Leonardo DiCaprio signs autographs before the 35 Annual PSIFF Awards Gala in 2024.

  • Goldenvoice: Producer of the world-renowned Coachella and Stagecoach festivals, major drivers of tourism and music industry activity. 
  • Palm Springs International Film Festival: A global cinematic showcase attracting industry leaders, filmmakers, and fans. 
  • Modernism Week: Celebrates design, architecture, and culture with an estimated $68 million in regional economic impact in 2024. 
  • Desert X: A biennial outdoor art exhibition drawing international artists and media attention to the desert landscape. 
  • Local Studios & Production Companies: A growing number of boutique film, music, and media production firms are establishing roots in the valley. 
  • Educational Institutions: Programs at COD and CSUSB Palm Desert provide hands-on training in film, music technology, and digital media arts, helping to build a local creative workforce. 

Connect with Director of Economic Development, Sean Smith, to learn more. 

economic development icon only Fun Fact

In the golden age of film, actors under contract were required to remain within 100 miles of Los Angeles studios, making the desert an ideal retreat. That proximity sparked a decades-long relationship between Hollywood and Greater Palm Springs, transforming the region into a cultural hotspot that continues to attract production teams and artistic talent from around the world.