Step 4: Cultural District Application

Application Criteria

Resource(s)

Organizations and programming in the cultural district empower residents and visitors to learn about the arts and culture and express themselves creatively.

Arts Learning Experiences example: Tippecanoe Arts and Cultural District - Arts Intersect

Artists (of any discipline or approach) are active in the cultural district such as offering programs, selling products, using studio space, etc.

Active artists activity: Where are artists in my community?

Toolkit: Find an Artist

Artists and arts and culture organizations partner with others to identify resources that will sustain their work and life in the community, such as small business resources, professional development, access to leadership or special funding.

Partnerships for Arts Resources tips: Artists Thrive "I work with artists" self-assessment

Toolkit: Health and Housing for Artists

Arts, cultural and community collaboration: new and innovative cultural and arts assets (such as temporary or permanent art spaces, activities, local or visiting artists, etc.) within or nearby the cultural district.

Innovation examples: Exhibit Columbus, Wabash Walls, Secretly Summit

Application Criteria

Resource(s)

An existing community development plan includes quality of life goals for those who live and work in or near the cultural district (i.e. access to workspace, housing affordability, access to public transportation, access to groceries, safety, access to a high quality school, etc.).

• Wellbeing resources: Creative People Power
• Guide: Road to the Community Plan

Community development goals involving the cultural district will clearly support the community’s growth and wellbeing in measurable outcomes.

• Wellbeing resources: Creative People Power

An inclusive group of perspectives (i.e. diversity in race, gender, ability, grassroots, leadership, etc.) continually informs community development plans involving the cultural district.

• Accessibility resources

Local artists and/or arts and culture leaders have been and continue to be involved as partners in the ongoing planning and implementation of community development strategies that impact the cultural district and/or local creative ecosystem.

• Artist partner resources: Why Municipalities and Artists Partner
• Artist partner example: The Fargo Project
• Artist partner toolkit: IRRIGATE - Artist-led community development

Application Criteria

Resource(s)

The local economic development plan incorporates strategies to support and build upon arts and culture assets in the cultural district. (LOI)

Local artists and/or arts and culture leaders have been and continue to be involved as partners in the ongoing planning and implementation of economic development strategies that impact the cultural district and/or local creative ecosystem.

Artist partner toolkit: Guide for business districts to work with local artists

Existing assets like historic structures are recognized, embraced, utilized and/or future opportunities to do so are included in a revitalization goals or efforts.

The cultural district partners with local and/or regional tourism such as in-kind marketing, participation on a guiding team, etc.