By Kate Reynolds
Governor JB Pritzker has initiated a State-Designated Cultural District in Illinois application for communities, towns, or specific geographic areas with a district-shared historical and cultural identity. Once ten applicants are accepted, the state intends to make $3 million available to their districts.
With the idea of increasing tourism and economic development opportunities, the state plans to support the historic cultural contributions the districts are known for. Those districts that may be having difficulties in preserving their distinctive identities are what the state hopes the State-Designated Cultural District designation will help protect.
The State-Designated Cultural Districts opportunity is available to localities, municipalities, and community-based non-profit organizations through a competitive Notice of Designation Opportunity (NODO). The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) plans to designate five districts in 2023 and five in 2024. DCEO can choose a maximum of five State Designated Cultural Districts each year.
There are no population limits to be considered a Cultural District. A Cultural District can consist of a historic collection in a large city, an entire rural town, or a central street business tract.
To be selected, applicants must explain their district’s unique distinct cultural identity and have historically faced challenges preserving their unique cultural attributes due to gentrification, displacement, or the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be evaluated based on the community’s needs, capacity to serve as a Cultural District, and submitted application quality. The application deadline is October 23, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Once selected, the state-designated Cultural Districts will last for a period of 10 years. The DCEO will make $3 million available for districts to apply for funding customized to fit the individual district’s needs once 10 Cultural Districts are chosen between 2023 and 2024. The money will help support both economic development and help preserve cultural identities. Another designated district benefit is the potential future funding opportunities that prioritize Cultural District designations.
“Here in Illinois, we’re deeply proud of our many historically and culturally rich communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why we’re launching the State-Designated Cultural Districts application to support areas that are facing challenges preserving their unique identities. We’re proud to invest $3 million to promote greater growth, development, and opportunities in areas across the state over the next two years.”
“Illinois will proudly stand to ensure the contributions of our communities are preserved and uplifted because our diversity is our strength. We are investing in State-Designated Cultural Districts to celebrate the shared histories and cultures that bring vibrancy to our state and to drive local economies forward,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. “I applaud Governor Pritzker and leaders at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for fostering Illinois’ diversity.”
“Illinois’ diversity is its strength, and designating Cultural Districts will help preserve and promote the unique histories and cultures of our communities,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “From attracting visitors to encouraging growth and opportunity in designated districts, this first-of-its-kind program will bolster economic development in communities across the state.”
For further application information, visit https://dceo.illinois.gov/omee/state-cultural-districts-nodo.html.