What is a Cultural District?
A Cultural District is a specific area of a city or town identified by the municipality that has a number of cultural facilities, activities and/or assets – both for profit and nonprofit. It is a walkable, compact area that is easy for visitors to recognize. It is a center of cultural activities – artistic and economic. It is a place in your city/town where community members congregate, and visitors may enjoy those places that make a community special. Because each community is unique, each Cultural District will look different.
Where can I find the Connecticut legislation that enables Cultural Districts?
An Act Concerning the Establishment of Municipal Cultural Districts (effective October 2019)
Cultural Districts Standards and Criteria: PDF
Determining Municipal Readiness
Cities and towns should assess their readiness to establish a Cultural District.
- Assess the inventory and location of cultural assets in the municipality.
- Confirm if your city or town is eligible by reviewing the Standards & Criteria.
- Submit a letter of intent to establish a Cultural District to your Designated Regional Service Organization (DRSO).
Contact
If you have questions, please contact your Designated Regional Service Organization (DRSO).
If you would like to speak with a member of the Connecticut Office of the Arts Team, please contact Elizabeth Shapiro at Elizabeth.Shapiro@ct.gov.