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Cultural Districts

The cultural districts help local arts, humanities, and science organizations.

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The districts improve the quality and amount of public programs offered by these groups. The goal is to have more local families enjoy these programs.

State-designated cultural districts in Boston

What They Are

Cultural districts are popular areas of a city where there are a lot of cultural facilities and programs. They help strengthen local economies and add to local culture.

HOW THEY GET CREATED 

The Mass Cultural Council designates cultural districts. Areas must apply for designation. The council accepts applications on a rolling basis. There are now four cultural districts in Boston.

Why They Exist

The state legislature authorized the Cultural Districts initiative in 2010. This act was enacted in 2011. The main goals are to: 

  • attract artists and cultural enterprise
  • encourage business and job development
  • establish the district as a tourist destination
  • preserve and reuse historic buildings
  • enhance property values, and
  • foster local cultural development.

Boston's Cultural Districts

Contact: Arts and Culture

Fenway Cultural District

This area of Boston is rich in art, music, education, and community.

Roxbury Cultural District

This district celebrates Roxbury's rich arts and cultural assets.

Latin Quarter Cultural District

This district is known for its many Latino specialty shops, restaurants, and businesses.

Boston Little Saigon Cultural District

This district aims to celebrate and preserve the rich Vietnamese American history and culture in the area.

Other Notable Districts

Fort Point Arts Neighborhood

Generations of artists in Fort Point have established the neighborhood as a thriving cultural district.

Upham's Corner Arts and Innovation District

We're working to revitalize Upham's Corner and celebrate the Fairmount Corridor connector.

SoWa Boston

SoWa is an art and design district that spans the area from East Brookline Street to East Berkeley Street and from Shawmut Ave to Albany Street.

Who's Involved:

Arts and Culture
617-635-4445
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