Photo by Marguerite Garth - Tokeland/North Cove Artist Jeffro Uitto standing next to his driftwood elephant.
Within Washington, there are only 12 official Creative Districts. Tokeland North Cove Chamber is checking into the state-run program to see if it is something that will help promote the Tokeland area.
During the last chamber meeting in Tokeland on April 13, Washington State Program Manager for Creative Districts Annette Roth presented the program to the chamber. The Creative District Program is categorized as an economic development program for communities and run by the Washington State Arts Commission.
"We do a lot of work with communities, arts and education, and select grants for organizations," Roth explained. "We have a pretty extensive art program that covers the entire state." She mentioned that art and culture have a large influence on the economy of many communities.
The Creative District Program has been around for about three years. In 2017 Legislation was passed for the creation of the program. The program officially began in January 2018 and the first district was approved in December 2018.
What is a Creative District?
"It's a vehicle for communities to create jobs, to create economic opportunities, to support small businesses, to provide tourists things to do, and a way for people to know about their community," said Roth. The arts and culture of an area can become a focal point of a community explained Roth. Once a community goes through the approval process and becomes a creative district, they can use that designation to share about their community.
Being a creative district can be used as a draw for tourism. It becomes a marking tool and encourages community growth. The community pulls in new businesses, visitors, and residents.
According to Roth, the definition of creators is not limited to just painters, potters, and performing artists. Creators are also people skilled in graphic design, brewing, distilling, and specialty food creation. All of these talented artists are part of a community's creative economy.
"It makes your community unique, and you can use that as a tool to help draw additional folks there," Roth said.
Benefits of Creative Districts
The program offers creators entrepreneurial tools to help them succeed. Roth said that artists need to look at themselves as small business owners. The program benefits artists and creators by creating an environment where they can thrive and make an income through their art.
Other benefits include:
- Grants
- Capital Projects
- Leadership Training
- Resources
- Guidance
- Networking Opportunities
- Ongoing Technical Support
- Affordable Housing (ie maker spaces)
To take a look at more information about the Creative Districts Program visit their website at Arts.wa.gov/creative-districts.