What is a Cultural District?
The State of Connecticut supports cities and towns nurture the arts and economic development through the Cultural District Program. Each district is an area a municipality identifies because it contains several nonprofit and for-profit cultural facilities, activities, and assets.
Cultural Districts are walkable, compact areas of artistic and cultural activities that contribute to the social vibrancy and economic health of their communities. Cultural Districts foster community wealth by attracting people and businesses, so the community can benefit from its own cultural enterprise. They are special places where community members congregate. And because each community is unique, each Cultural District looks different.
Reasons to Establish a Cultural District
- Promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses
- Market arts and culture attractions to visitors
- Promote tourism and increase visitation
- Improve residents’ quality of life
- Strengthen the distinctive character of communities
- Create a plan to drive economic growth and expand the tax base
- Solicit and attract investment, grants, donations, and other funds
- Highlight your community's culture and history
- Support Sustainable CT certification
- Contribute to Connecticut’s cultural assets
Assess Your Readiness
- Identify the inventory and location of cultural assets in your municipality.
- Determine whether your city or town meets the standards and criteria.
- Submit a letter of intent to establish a Cultural District to your Designated Regional Service Organization (DRSO).
Cultural Districts Program Guidelines
- How do we start and manage a Cultural District?
- Standards and Criteria
- How to Apply
- Evaluation Process
- Contact
Additional Information and Resources
- State Support for Cultural Districts
- Resources
- FAQ
- Where can I find state approved Cultural Districts in Connecticut?
Legislation
Read the law that created this program: An Act Concerning the Establishment of Municipal Cultural Districts.