Creative Lab Hawaii
CONNECT. COLLABORATE. CREATE.
Creative Lab Hawaii is a State of Hawaii program that helps creative entrepreneurs develop projects, strengthen business skills and connect with industry mentors.
Founded in 2012 by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Creative Industries Division, Creative Lab Hawaii supports creators working across film, television, new media, music, writing, acting, design, fashion, Indigenous storytelling and other creative fields.
The program includes three areas:
- Immersive Programs
- Ideation Workshops
- Public Program
Together, these programs help creative entrepreneurs move from early ideas to stronger projects, clearer business plans and broader market opportunities.
Creative Lab Hawaii offers:
- Hands-on coaching and mentorship
- Project development support
- Workshops and public panels
- Industry connections
- Business and market readiness training
- Opportunities to prepare creative work for audiences beyond Hawaii
Creative Lab Hawaii Immersive Programs
Creative Lab Hawaii Immersive Programs provide selected participants with focused mentorship, project development support and industry guidance.
These programs are designed for creative entrepreneurs with projects, concepts or professional goals ready for deeper development. Participants work with industry professionals to strengthen their creative work, understand market opportunities and prepare for next steps in their field.
Program areas have included:
- Screenwriting
- Producing
- Directing
- Acting
- Playwriting
- Indigenous storytelling
- Music
- Interactive media
- Design and fashion
- New media and broadband content
For current program offerings, application details and deadlines, visit the Creative Lab Hawaii website.
Creative Lab Hawaii Ideation Workshops
Creative Lab Hawaii Ideation Workshops support creative entrepreneurs in the early stages of project development.
The workshops help participants shape ideas, test concepts, clarify goals and identify practical next steps. They also help prepare participants for Creative Lab Hawaii Immersive Programs or other creative business accelerators.
Ideation Workshops are designed for creators who are building new work in areas such as film, television, writing, music, interactive media, design, fashion and other creative fields.
Participants gain guidance on:
- Project development
- Creative business planning
- Market readiness
- Pitch preparation
- Next steps for growth
Creative Lab Hawaii Ideation Workshop participants have used the program to refine early concepts, strengthen project plans and prepare for future development opportunities.
Creative Lab Hawaiʻi Public Programs
Creative Lab Hawaii Public Programs give Hawaii’s creative community access to industry insight, professional development and conversations with working creative professionals.
Programs may include panels, workshops, talks and special events focused on topics such as screenwriting, producing, music, acting, new media, design, creative entrepreneurship and project development.
These programs are designed for creative professionals, students, entrepreneurs and community members interested in learning more about Hawaiʻi’s creative industries.
- Learn from industry professionals
- Understand creative career pathways
- Build practical business and project development skills
- Connect with Hawaii’s creative community
- Explore opportunities across creative fields
Screenwriter Meg LeFauve speaks with Creative Lab Hawaiʻi participants during a public program.
For current events, application information and program updates, visit Creative Lab Hawaiʻi.