In 2014, South Carolina ratified legislation for the creation of cultural districts, and it was signed into law by Governor Nikki Haley. The legislation authorizes the S.C. Arts Commission to grant official state designation to cultural districts. The goals of this program are the following:

• attract artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural enterprises to communities
• encourage economic development
• foster local cultural development
• provide a focal point for celebrating and strengthening local cultural identity  from the S.C. Arts Commission

The Arts Council of York County has worked with the City Council of Rock Hill to request the designation of several square city blocks a state culture district. The application includes 13 performance venues, museums, and art centers that are located in the proposed cultural district. If the S.C. Arts Commission approves Rock Hill’s application, it would be the first Cultural District in the state.  “Just the idea of having a cultural district in our city if very prestigious,”  said Debra Heintz, executive director of the Arts Council of York County.