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TORRINGTON – City officials believe that an increased cultural offering can lead to increased tourism, and ultimately increased income and a better community, and are now considering asking the state to create a cultural district.
According to the director of economic development Rista Malanca, a cultural district is designed to promote tourism and increase attendance in the district; improve the quality of life of residents; promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs and creative businesses; and strengthen the distinctiveness of communities.
“The Cultural Quarter will help stimulate economic growth and broaden the tax base in Torrington. The district is designed to showcase the culture and history of Torrington in a condensed and walkable area, â€said Malanca. “The idea is that there might be state funding available in the future. Not now, but there are still advantages to identifying this area as a neighborhood. “
As part of the requirements to apply, Torrington must provide a map of the proposed area and a list of cultural assets in that area, as well as cultural events taking place at locations on the map. The designated area of ​​the map is bordered by Pearl, Wall, Franklin, Cook and Alvord streets, intersected by Main and South Main streets. The map includes Coe Memorial Park and other downtown areas near and around City Hall and the business district.
The designation is overseen by the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development. If a city’s application to become a cultural district were to be approved, this department would make “investments” to help it grow, using its tourism website, ctvisit.com, as well as marketing and promotion. , according to its website.
The department defines a cultural district as “a specific area of ​​a city or town identified by the municipality that has a number of facilities, activities and / or cultural assets – for profit and not for profit. . It is a compact pedestrian area, easy to recognize for visitors. It is a center of cultural – artistic and economic activities. It’s a place in your town where community members come together, and visitors can enjoy those places that make a community special. Because each community is unique, each cultural district will be different.
“Once we are accepted, we will develop a cultural committee to see what can be done to promote the region,†said Malanca. “If there are funding opportunities, we will have a better opportunity to apply for them.
To learn more about cultural districts, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Arts-and-Culture/Programs_Services/Cultural-Districts.
Malanca has scheduled a public briefing to discuss the plan for 6 p.m. on September 9 on Zoom. To join the meeting, go to zoom.us/join and enter meeting number 893 1661 3894, Torrington passcode. Residents can also call 646-558-8656, meeting ID 89316613894 # and password 4567578511 # US, or visit torringtonct.org and join using the meeting link displayed.
Anyone with questions can contact Malanca at 860-496-5920 or [email protected]
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