Cultural and Entertainment Districts

Application Deadline: September 1, 2007.

What is a Cultural District?

A Cultural District is a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use, compact area of a city in which a high concentration of cultural facilities serves as the anchor. Cultural Districts can be found in small rural communities or in large urban areas with the potential for more than one cultural and entertainment district. They are established to encourage city and county governments to partner with a local community nonprofit or for profit organization, businesses, and individuals to enhance the quality of life for citizens of this state. Cultural Districts also enrich local economies through developing and sustaining cultural facilities in a synergetic fashion.

More than 90 cities in the United States have planned or implemented a Cultural District—positioning the arts and culture as the center of revitalization efforts. The impact of Cultural Districts is measurable. The arts and areas with historic structures attract residents and tourists who also support adjacent businesses such as restaurants, lodging, retail and entertainment. The presence of the arts and cultural opportunities enhances property values, the profitability of surrounding businesses and the tax base of the region. These districts attract a diverse and well-educated workforce—a key incentive for new and relocating businesses. And these districts contribute to the creativity and innovation of a community.

Benefits of a Cultural District

The benefits offered to certified districts could include historic tax credits for rehabilitation of historic structures or other incentives which create live/work space for cultural workers, space for cultural and entertainment enterprises and access financial assistance programs from state agencies and other funding partners.

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs: Iowa Community Cultural Grants, Cultural Enrichment Operating Support Grants for Multi-discipline organizations.
Iowa Arts Council: Project and Residency Grants, Operational Support Grants for Arts Organizations. Special Initiatives Grants.
State Historical Society of Iowa: Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP), Temporary Property Tax Exemption, Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credits and Iowa Historic Property Tax Credit.
Iowa Department of Economic Development (www.state.ia.us/ided)
Iowa Finance Authority (www.ifahome.com)

Eligibility Requirements to be a Certified Cultural District

A city or county (jointly if a district extends across a common boundary) must collaborate with a local nonprofit or for-profit organization to apply for certification of a Cultural District by submitting an application, which includes all of the following information:

Letter or resolution from the governmental body in which the district is located, which supports the designation for at least ten (10) years.
Letter or resolution from local non-profit or for-profit organization board of directors which obligates their participation for three (3) years with an option to renew the certification.
List of local tax and/or other incentives to promote development within the district.
Statement of support from the county.
Statement of support from the city if all or any portion of the district is within a city.
Identify public/private partnership.

Application Requirements

Applications must be typed or computer generated, be complete, meet all stated requirements and be properly signed by the chief elected official or officials in the case of a joint application and chair of community non profit organization. A jointly signed application shall include a written expression of sentiment regarding the filing for certification. Include the completed checklist supplied with the application. An application fee of $250 (payable to the Department of Cultural Affairs) is required with submission. Fee will be refunded if district is determined not to be eligible.

Applications must be received in the DCA office by 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2007. This is not a postmark deadline. Fax and electronic submissions are not acceptable. Include $250 fee. Late applications will not be considered.

One (1) complete, original signed copy and fourteen (14) copies should be sent to the following address:

Cultural District Certification Program
Department of Cultural Affairs
600 E Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319-0290

Review Process and Timeline for Certification

Each application will follow a three-step process.

Applications shall be reviewed by the Department of Cultural Affairs staff for accuracy and eligibility.
The Advisory Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the director. Advisory Committee members shall be appointed by the director and include staff from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, the Iowa Department of Economic Development and individuals knowledgeable in subjects including but not limited to historic preservation, arts, tourism, and economic development.
The Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs shall make the final certification decisions. Cultural Districts will be certified each year, depending on the quality and quantity of applications received.