Arts and Culture Districts

Throughout history, artists have tended to congregate in certain cities, and some of these communities have produced powerful schools, such as the School of Athens, the School of Paris, and the New York School. Recognizing that artist groups can spur the economic redevelopment of depressed urban centers, modern economists and city planners are increasingly looking at ways to provide incentives for artists (fine and performing, composers and writers) to create what are called "creative clusters." Many of these incentives are tax breaks and tax credits, low-interest loans, and outright grants for developers who commit to renovating abandoned factory buildings within a geographically defined arts and culture district. These buildings can then be used as cinemas, theaters, art galleries, and museums, as well as for cafés, restaurants, bookstores, hotels, and other amenities that will attract tourists and visitors—whose spending will, in turn, generate revenues and help to create and sustain jobs.

In many cities building renovations have also been intended to provide studio and residential (or "live/work") units for artists, usually at affordable housing rates as set by the federal government. A couple of states have gone even further in their efforts to attract artists to their arts and culture districts. Both Maryland and Rhode Island, for instance, have legislated tax incentives specifically for artists, exempting them from the payment of state sales and income taxes for artworks produced and sold in special districts where the artists reside. The catch is that artists have to be eligible to receive these benefits. In other words, their art form must be one that is recognized by their state, and artists must go through an application procedure to receive the benefits offered.

"We were an old industrial town, seeing our industry moving south or to China," says Herb Weiss, the economic and cultural affairs officer for the city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Weiss notes that part of his job involves taking artists from other cities, states, and countries on tours of the downtown arts district.

To help ensure the economic redevelopment of downtown Providence, the city created a cabinet-level Department of Art, Culture & Tourism. The director of the department acts as an advocate for the interests of artists and arts organizations within the government; leads promotional efforts for the city's arts and tourist industries; identifies sources of funding and physical space for cultural endeavors; acts as an information clearinghouse for artists looking for affordable studio, live/work, performance, or rehearsal space; and works with other agency heads to remove roadblocks and spur artistic and economic initiatives.

Particularly noteworthy is the department's effort to provide artists with affordable residences or workspaces.