Artists Transform Blighted Community
For Immediate Release February 28, 2003
What can Iowa learn from Paducah, Ky.?
DES MOINES, Iowa—When most people think of culturally
enriched cities, they think of New York. Los Angeles. Chicago. But Paducah, Ky.,
is making a name for itself as an artist’s haven thanks to the community’s
support of the Paducah Artist Relocation Program.
Mark Barone, an artist himself, began the program in conjunction with the city of Paducah in order to offer incentives for fellow artists across the country to inhabit and revive a run-down, historical section of the city. Barone will be speaking about the success of the Artist Relocation Program and how it can be replicated in Iowa at the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Creative Economy Unconference March 5 at the State Historical Building.
The goals of the Artist Relocation Program are to increase the cultural aspects and property values of the surrounding area; increase the tax base of Paducah; renovate historical houses and buildings that are run down and neglected; expand tourism; and compliment and add to the cultural activities already in place.
"This program would not have been successful if it weren’t for the dedication of the community and city leaders to creating a culturally diverse environment for Paducah residents," Barone said. "Not only is it good for the local economy, but also for artists who can transform a seemingly ignored neighborhood into a thriving and beautiful business community."
Artists who choose to relocate to the quaint southern town of Paducah receive
lower than market interest rates and discounts on closing costs when purchasing
a home. They also may receive business incentives like free lots for new construction,
free Web sites or health insurance packages offered through the Kentucky Arts
Council. There are also cultural incentives such as financial support for special
events.
"What Mark Barone has done for the community of Paducah is absolutely outstanding,"
said Anita Walker, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs. "Any community
in Iowa can do what he did and that will be the focus of his workshop at the Unconference."
Registration for the Creative Economy Unconference costs $115 and can be submitted
online. Visit www.culturalaffairs.org
for complete information and registration.
For more information on the Paducah Artists Relocation Program, visit www.paducaharts.com.
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