The purpose of this research aims to develop the creative economy sector of rural communities in Trenggalek Regency, East Java, Indonesia by mapping the creative economy sub-sectors in Trenggalek Regency. The creative economy industry has been shown to have a positive effect on GDP in many developing countries and developed countries. In urban areas, the creative economy is often associated with the development of advanced technology, such that it is unlikely to evolve in rural communities. However, the rural environmental landscape, which not only has a wealth of creative human capital but also a cultural heritage, also encourages the growth of the creative economy sector in rural areas. This qualitative research was conducted for 60 working days through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation and literature review. More precisely, first, it identified the potential of the creative economy both sectorally and regionally. Second, it identified the leading creative economy subsectors and compiled a creative economic development road map. After defining and mapping the potential of the creative economy, four of the sixteen sub-sectors of the creative economy were identified to be developed through a strategic plan for the growth of the creative economy using urban branding, innovative industrial centers and renewable resources.