How do we apply to have the State recognize our cultural district?
To apply to become a state-recognized cultural district, your commission submits the following documents to your Designated Regional Services Organization:
- Letter of endorsement signed by your municipality’s chief elected official
- Copy of the resolution from the city council or board of selectmen (see sample resolution)
- List of cultural district commissioners and their role on the commission
- Map of your proposed cultural district showing all cultural assets
- List of the same cultural assets, including cultural events held at locations within the proposed cultural district
- List of available municipal resources that would support and/or benefit the cultural district, such as tax credits and incentives
- Official legal documents on zoning overlaps or ordinances relevant to the cultural district, such as existing arts or historic district (if applicable)
- Marketing materials that are for or include the cultural district
Your DRSO will review the documents and forward your completed package to the COA. Example Application - City of New London
Additional Information for the COA
Please also include the following with your application. This information will NOT be evaluated. We’ll use it for our own reporting on the arts in Connecticut.
- Supporting section or reference in your municipal plan of conservation and development
- Map and/or list of ALL cultural assets in your municipality
- Maps of any relevant existing districts, such as an arts district and/or historic district
- K-12 arts education information, including the number of art teachers in your middle and high schools. Does the cultural district have an arts curriculum coordinator or a teacher that has time dedicated to fill that role?
- List of all relevant town committees and commissions that will interact with the cultural district commission because of related responsibilities, such as an arts commission, historic district commission, and/or architectural advisory committee. Include a list of members, the commission budget, their qualifications, and if commissioners receive any training.