Key Components of a Successful Arts District

Art Production Successful arts districts often include opportunities and venues that enable theproduction of art as well as collaboration between artists and institutions.

Art Promotion For artists to be able to live in the community and to make a living; for artsorganizations to thrive; there is typically a host of venues and support activitiesthat help attract an audience and patrons for the arts. These venues ofteninclude exhibition spaces (museums, art galleries), performance spaces(performing arts centers, theaters, recital halls, music venues), sales and audiencesupport uses (retail, dining, entertainment, ticketing agents), and special events orother collective marketing and promotional activities.

Art Education Arts districts can only thrive if there is a constant stream of people trained asartists to create art; as well as people educated in the arts and willing to purchaseart as patrons, participants, collectors, or audience members. Thus, havinginstitutions and arts “infrastructure” like art schools, universities offeringdegreed art programs, and other training programs is another critical componentof successful arts districts.