Crossroads Arts District
When we first profile the Crossroads Arts District they were in the middle of new development with the KC Streetcar construction, the 20th Street Streetscape, and promoted a tax abatement program that helped artists stay in the area despite rising property costs. Let’s take another look at this organic district that took ahold more than thirty years ago in Kansas City, Missouri. Read More...
Shreveport Common
To date, Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC), City of Shreveport, Shreveport Common Collective and 30 major public/private partners have invested $40M in over 36 community-changing initiatives, advancing 40% of the Shreveport Common Vision Plan’s $100M Portfolio of Projects to create an UNcommon Cultural District. Shreveport Common partners are repurposing blighted, historic buildings with unique retail, artist studios and artist housing, replacing adjudicated properties with artists-designed greenspaces, creating innovative transportation initiatives and "UNexpected" Arts programming. Read More...
FOCUS Greater Syracuse (NEW!)
Motivated by citizens’ desire to improve the area’s education, welfare and economic policies, FOCUS Greater Syracuse was created. The community organization seeks out these improvements “by enabling citizens, organizations and government to work together, and by tapping into citizen creativity and engagement, we change Central New York, we enhance the quality of our lives we improve our economic future”. This unofficial cultural district, takes a different approach in taping into their creative assets. Read More...
South Carolina Cultural District Program (NEW!)
Authorized by the State of South Carolina, the South Carolina Arts Commission has the ability to designate Cultural Arts Districts to promote economic growth in the creative sector as well as reinvest and revitalize communities. In the last four years, eight cultural districts have been recognized and are promoted on the South Carolina Arts Commission website. Read More...
Maryland Arts and Entertainment Districts (NEW!)
One of the first of State Arts District Programs, the Maryland Arts and Entertainment District Program shows the country how to successfully cultivate creative assets for community improvement. With 25 Arts and Entertainment districts throughout the state, the program ensures “unique destinations, each district reflecting the traditions and evolving culture of its community and welcoming residents and visitors to experience the best Maryland has to offer.”
Cultural Districts in Colorado
The last time we caught up with Creative Districts in Colorado they highlighted 12 certified districts within their new state program to invest in the creative economy. Now in 2018, that number has flipped to 21 certified districts! The unique thing about Creative Districts in Colorado is that cultural arts districts are not required by law to be certified so there are many more cultural and arts districts in Colorado; however, these 21 certified districts gain access to more grants and funding, networking and professional development opportunities through the Creative Industries Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade. Read More...
