(Indianapolis, Indiana) - The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) will begin development of a certification program to designate community cultural districts in Indiana.
The announcement follows Governor Mitch Daniels recent signing into law of House Bill 1017. The bill, authored by Rep. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), authorizes the IAC to develop goals and objectives of a cultural district program, guidelines for application for certification, and a process for authorizing designation of cultural districts.
"The Indiana Arts Commission appreciates the vision of Gov. Daniels and Rep. Koch in recognizing how the arts and cultural districts can work to strengthen a community's economic development efforts," said Lewis C. Ricci, IAC executive director. "States such as Iowa have had great success utilizing cultural districts to create new economic development partnerships and leverage new funding opportunities."
Cultural districts are generally well-recognized, mixed-use areas in which there are large concentrations of cultural facilities which can serve as anchor sites for the district. Cultural districts may include but are not limited to historic structures, performance spaces, museums, galleries, artist studios, arts-related businesses, ethnic enterprises, and cultural learning centers.
Found in small communities and large urban areas in more than 90 cities nationwide, cultural districts have been established to encourage city and county governments to partner with local community non-profit and for-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals to enhance quality of life, and enhance community and economic impact.
The concept and potential of cultural district development was clearly evident in the overwhelming support the legislation received in both houses of the Indiana General Assembly. The bill passed the House of Representatives 91 to 1, and was unanimously approved by the full Senate.
The bill was co-authored by Representatives Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette), and James Buck (R-Kokomo). Senate sponsors included Senators Teresa Lubbers (R-Indianapolis), Vi Simpson (D-Bloomington), Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville), Marvin Riegsecker (R-Goshen), Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis), Richard D. Young (D-Milltown) and John Broden (D-South Bend).
"Now that the Legislature and Governor Daniels have taken this first step, the Indiana Arts Commission will begin developing the goals and objectives for a cultural district designation program and eligibility requirements for certification," Ricci explained. "With more than 40 years experience in program development and implementation, the IAC is more than ready to put its existing resources to work to develop a highly successful cultural districts certification program that will enhance business development and job growth in Indiana."
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Link to this event: http://www.in.gov/newsroom.htm?detailContent=133_16232.htm