Downtown Marlborough named new cultural district

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Downtown Marlborough named new cultural districtMarlborough – The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) Board voted unanimously Oct. 12 to approve four new state-designated cultural districts, bringing the total number of Massachusetts cultural districts to 14 statewide in just over a year since the initiative launched.

The board voted during its meeting held in the heart of one of the new districts – at the Central Square Theater in Cambridge. The new districts include Central Square Cultural District, Cambridge; Essex River Cultural District, Essex; Downtown Marlborough Cultural District, Marlborough; and Glass Town Cultural District, Sandwich.

A cultural district is a compact, walkable area of a community with a concentration of cultural facilities, activities and assets. MCC's Cultural Districts Initiative grew out of an economic stimulus bill passed by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2010. It is designed to help communities attract artists and cultural enterprises, encourage business and job growth, expand tourism, preserve and reuse historic buildings, enhance property values, and foster local cultural development.

Anita Walker is the MCC's executive director.

“The Cultural Districts Initiative continues to gain momentum across the commonwealth, and I's thrilled to announce these four new designations today,” Walker said. “Each community is rich with remarkable cultural treasures unique to its location, history, and residents, with great potential for further cultural and economic growth.”

Each new district will have signage, an online profile on the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism and MCC websites, and other amenities. The initiative builds upon one of the great strengths of Massachusetts: the distinctiveness and authenticity of its communities. Cultural Districts help cities and towns identify, support, and promote their unique identity and sense of place.

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