research

Topic: Arts Environments: Cultural Districts

Cultural districts are generally defined as geographic areas of a city where there is a high concentration of cultural facilities, arts organizations, individual artists and arts-based businesses. They are mixed-use developments that incorporate other facilities such as office complexes, restaurants, retail spaces, and occasionally residential areas. The United States is home to more than 100 arts and cultural districts.

Cultural districts involve long-term vision, planning, and commitment and should capitalize on regional assets that are specific to the cultural, economic, and social issues of the community. They require careful coordination among varied stakeholders and may require specialized management to be developed and maintained.

Check out Cultural Districts Handbook: The Arts as a Strategy for Revitalizing Our Cities in our Bookstore.