An informational meeting at the Norfolk Hub Thursday evening described the economic and social benefits towns can derive from creating designated cultural districts.
The meeting was called by a group of residents intrigued by the idea of creating a cultural district to promote Norfolk’s undeniable assets, such as its elegant and active library, the Yale School of Art and Music, the Norfolk Historical Society, Infinity Hall and the Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center to increase tourism.
Kim Parsons Whitaker, a community development specialist with the Office of Arts, said, the state’s Cultural District program, established in 2019, is growing. “Why should you establish one?” she asked. “It’s a comprehensive effort to promote and encourage tourism that strengthens the distinctive character of a community. … Your plan declares your intention of where you want to be in 10 years.”
The State is encouraging towns to establish the districts, which are defined as walkable, compact areas of artistic and cultural activity that are easy for visitors to recognize and are special places where community members congregate. To date 11 Connecticut communities have established districts, and several others have applied to the Connecticut Office of the Arts to form one or are considering an application.
At present, the State does not provide financial support but does help with forming and promoting them. Towns are free to explore different sources for any revenue needed, either through municipal funding or by establishing a private organization.
State Representative Maria Horn, chairman of the House Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, said arts and culture drive tourism, underpinning a large part of Connecticut’s economy. Indeed, tourism is a $12.8 billion industry in Connecticut, accounting for 54,000 jobs and Horn said state funding for the Cultural District program will be a topic of “serious discussion” for the finance committee.
Rista Malanca, director of economic and community development for the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, informed the audience that cultural districts fit in the COG’s vision of a “Modern New England,” a network of small towns that share a set of values.
Goals have been established around this vision to create “intentional tourism to bring people here” with the COG providing guidance and technical assistance for downtown and village improvements.
Rachel Roth, owner of the Manor House Inn, concluded, “There is momentum and energy around [this concept]. The purpose of tonight was to discover the level of interest. No decision has been made yet, except to have a conversation.”