Get a demo Sign In

Manchester Receives Arts & Culural District Designation!



On March 7, 2024, the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) announced it has approved Manchester’s application to create a Cultural District in town.

 Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a city or town that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets. These vibrant areas draw visitors from other towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact. Cultural districts:
● Promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses
● Promote tourism and increase visitation
● Improve the quality of life for residents
● Strengthen distinctive character of communities
● Drive economic growth and expand the tax base
● Highlight local culture and history

A requirement of the program is the city or town must establish a Cultural District Commission that manages all aspects of the district. Manchester has created the Art & Culture Committee under the long-established Manchester Arts Commission.

Manchester’s Cultural District offers two unique exploration paths. The North/South path begins at Center Springs Park and leads to the Lutz Children’s Museum along Main Street. Along this route, visitors will encounter landmarks like the Elks Club, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Army & Navy Club, and the Mary Cheney Library. WORK_SPACE, a multifunctional coworking, meeting, and gallery space owned by the town, adds a modern touch to the historical journey. The path includes local businesses, such as a tattoo and art gallery, coffee and ice cream shops, a brewery, and an array of retail stores and restaurants. This path also traverses the Central Business District, part of which benefits from being designated as an Opportunity Zone, promising growth and revitalization.

The East/West path offers a different flavor, starting from Charter Oak Park, known for its Rotary Music Garden, playground, and connection to the Charter Oak Greenway, stretching all the way to the Cheney Brothers Historic District. This path includes cultural landmarks like the Manchester Historical Society, Old Manchester Museum, and Labyrinth Brewing, and culminates at the Mahoney Center, home to the Culture and Leisure Labs. Downtown Manchester is also the stage for various annual events that bring the community together, such as the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving Day, Cruisin’ on Main Car Show, Silk City Fest, Christmas Tree Lighting, and the monthly 2nd Saturday Downtown Open House, featuring performances by Imagine Manchester buskers and a vendor pop-up at the Firestone Studio and Café.

These paths not only highlight Manchester's rich heritage and cultural assets but also its ongoing commitment to community engagement and cultural celebration.

“Manchester’s cultural district is twice the fun – it is literally two districts in one! Come to Manchester and bring your family. Great restaurants, very accessible and kid-friendly art galleries, restaurants and museums, plus a Children’s Museum with live animals! We’re excited to promote the natural vibrancy of this historic cultural destination,” said Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums.

Manchester Mayor Jay Moran stated, “The Town of Manchester is blessed to have a multitude of cultural institutions, venues, activities, and other assets (both profit and nonprofit, artistic, economic, and educational) in and surrounding our existing Downtown and Historical areas. Our residents and visitors have a plethora of opportunities to experience culture, art and community in ways that make Manchester special. The cultural District designation will greatly assist Manchester to encourage, support and showcase artists and creative businesses, promote tourism, raise awareness for our rich cultural resources and inspire community participation. These designations will also help us to highlight Manchester’s unique 200-year history and optimize the quality of life for those that work and live here.”

"Manchester's always been a special place,” says Dwayne Harris, the Chair of the Manchester Arts Commission and Executive Director of Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall. “I'm excited that we're taking steps to make it even better. Manchester's downtown and historic areas are brimming with artistic and cultural vibrancy. We have a thriving community of artists, along with businesses that support them, and historical landmarks that tell the story of our town's rich cultural heritage. This new Manchester Connecticut Cultural District designation will help us put a spotlight on everything Manchester has to offer, from cultural events and arts activities to our formative history. It's all about celebrating what makes Manchester special, attracting visitors, and making sure everyone who lives here has a chance to experience it. Whether you're a resident, work here, or just coming to visit, we welcome you to dive into Manchester's thriving arts and culture scene, where something awaits everyone!"
Originally posted by Downtown Manchester Special Services District via Locable
Downtown Manchester Special Services District

5.0 (4 Reviews)
Downtown Manchester Special Services District

903 Main Street
Manchester, CT 06040
downtownmanchester.org