NORWALK – The city can now create a cultural district after the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts approved its application, according to Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz.
“Cultural districts promote tourism and give us the opportunity to celebrate local artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses. Each designation allows us to further show off the talent, culture, beauty, and history of our state,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Congratulations to the City of Norwalk and to all who made this designation possible.”
Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a city or town that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets. These vibrant areas draw visitors from other towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact.
Cultural districts:
- Promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses
- Promote tourism and increase visitation
- Improve the quality of life for residents
- Strengthen distinctive character of communities
- Drive economic growth and expand the tax base
- Highlight local culture and history
A requirement of the program is the city or town must establish a Cultural District Commission that manages all aspects of the district.
“The city of Norwalk has set a high bar as an example of how our larger Connecticut municipalities can use the Cultural District program,” said Liz Shapiro, DECD’s director of arts, preservation and museums. “Norwalk’s approach shines a light on the cultural resources of its existing neighborhoods, repackaging them into a network of unique cultural experiences comprised in one district.”
Norwalk’s cultural district will highlight the city’s commitment to fostering creativity, community engagement, and economic growth. This district, centered around Norwalk’s vibrant downtown neighborhoods, such as Wall Street and South Norwalk, showcases a blend of public art installations, galleries, theaters, and performance spaces.
In addition to its artistic assets, the district is designed to connect the broader community through collaborative events and projects, such as public murals and festivals, enhancing the City’s appeal as a cultural destination.
“The CT Department of Economic and Community Development’s decision to designate Norwalk as a cultural district reflects our deep commitment to promoting the arts and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage that makes Norwalk so unique,” said Mayor Harry Rilling. “Norwalk has a fantastic local arts community that we are incredibly proud of and want to continue to showcase to residents and visitors.”
The chair of the city’s Arts and Cultural Commission was proud to see the approval of the district and the recognition the city deserves.
“As both a muralist and the Chair of the Arts and Cultural Commission, I am thrilled to see Norwalk embrace the arts in such a meaningful way,” said Brian Kaspr, chair of the Norwalk Arts and Cultural Commission. ”This cultural district represents the incredible talent and creativity within our community. It’s an opportunity for artists to engage with the public, create lasting works of art, and build connections that will shape the City’s cultural landscape for years to come.”
