Authorizations
There are two ways to receive designation as an Arts and Cultural District. Depending on the community’s size, resources, and availability of technical assistance, they may either choose Self Authorized Designation or follow the process of State Authorized Designation.
Self Authorized Designation
Communities above 50,000 in population may select self designation. These communities are large enough to have resources like:
- A public sector with urban planners, economic development specialists, and public arts and cultural departments.
- A private sector providing planning, architecture, design, marketing and promotion, the arts, historic preservation, and other cultural enterprises and institutions.
- Providing a portion of their gross receipts taxes as well as Lodgers Taxes to support and enhance the local cultural economy.
For the policies and legislation involving Self Authorized Designation, please click here.
State Authorized Designation
Smaller communities must meet the standards set forth by the State to qualify for designation. The “authorizing” process was established to provide start up districts a period to collaborate with state Divisions, Agencies, and Institutions to help with research and technical assistance.
For the Draft Ordinance involving State Authorized Designation, please click here.
It is important to note that communities that undertake Self Designation may also go through the process of State Authorization. This will provide Self Designated communities with the full range of State Authorized benefits, including:
- Use of State Authorized Arts and Cultural District logo and branding.
- Inclusion in statewide and out-of-state marketing and promotional campaigns.
- Networking opportunities with other State Authorized Arts and Cultural Districts.
- Access to the application process to the Arts and Cultural District Fund through the Department of Cultural Affairs, when available.