Creative District

Creative Districts help Washington communities thrive. This award-winning program works to grow the creative sector. It helps communities turn cultural activities into economic growth.

What is a Certified Creative District?

Creative Districts help Washington communities thrive. This award-winning program works to grow the creative sector. It helps communities turn cultural activities into economic growth.

A district is a place where innovation and creativity can thrive. A place that helps the community move enthusiastically into the future.

How will certification benefit your community?

State certification endorses creative activities in your community. It recognizes the potential for growth. Certification can help you:

Promote your community’s creative identity
Grow jobs in the creative sector
Increase tourism and bring new visitors
Attract artists, start-ups, and creative businesses
Create opportunities for affordable housing. This may include live/work and maker spaces for artists.
Boost livability
Redevelop historic assets in your community

How does ArtsWA support your community?

We provide guidance to communities during and after certification. We are able to provide:

Specialized resources
$10,000 startup operating grant to launch your District program
Up to $50,000 in capital project funding for small-scale projects within your District
Technical assistance, training, and networking
Tracked progress of your community’s creative economy

How the Certification Works

We applied!