The Hillyard neighborhood of Spokane. Photo courtesy of Darya Pilram. At its August 5 meeting, the ArtsWA Board of Commissioners unanimously certified two new Creative Districts: Hillyard in Spokane and…
The Certified Creative Districts program helps Washington communities thrive by strengthening the creative sector, turning arts and culture into economic opportunities, diversifying local economies, and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors.
What is a Certified Creative District?
A Creative District is a geographically defined, easily navigable area where arts, culture, and creative businesses are concentrated as part of a community’s cultural and economic life. Often considered the heart of a community, Creative Districts are vibrant places to live, work, and visit, bringing people together to experience local arts, culture, restaurants, nightlife, and other lively gathering spots.
They support job growth and economic opportunity through the arts, while fostering innovation, strengthening local identity, and helping communities move proactively into the future.
Creative Districts often include:
- Cultural facilities and arts organizations
- Creative businesses alongside restaurants, nightlife, and local retail
- Public spaces that encourage gathering and cultural activity
- A shared focus on celebrating a community’s unique character and sense of place
Creative Districts exist in communities of all sizes across Washington.
Governing Statute SHB 1183 is the Washington State House Bill authorizing Creative District certification.
RCWs 43.46.100 – 43.46.115 describe the statutory requirements of the Creative Districts program.
How Certification Benefits Your Community
Becoming a Certified Creative District gives your community a state-recognized endorsement and access to resources that support arts, culture, and local economic growth.
Certification helps your community:
- Grow jobs and expand economic opportunities
- Organize and promote arts and culture activities
- Attract artists, creative businesses, and entrepreneurs
- Encourage redevelopment and investment in local spaces, including live/work and maker spaces for artists
- Draw visitors and increase tourism
- Strengthen the community fabric and celebrate your unique identity
From public art and live performances to lively restaurants and local shops, Creative Districts help make neighborhoods vibrant and economically resilient.
How ArtsWA Supports Your Community
ArtsWA provides guidance, resources, and funding to help communities plan, launch, and sustain their Creative Districts. Support includes:
- Resources & guidance: Specialized tools, technical assistance, and training
- Funding opportunities: Startup operating grants and capital project funding for small-scale projects
- Networking & advocacy: Opportunities to connect with other districts and support from ArtsWA in promoting your creative economy
- Application support: Fair and transparent application process
- Visibility tools: Assistance with WSDOT highway signage and other promotional opportunities
- Ongoing support: Continued technical assistance and tracking progress of your community’s creative economy
ArtsWA partnered with WSDOT to provide a comprehensive program-branded signage package to be installed on state highways and freeways adjacent to Creative Districts. This sign on the left is the first in Washington to be installed, on northbound Hwy 395 in Chewelah.
How the certification process works
Certification follows a clear, step-by-step process, with guidance from ArtsWA along the way.
A Successful Creative District
Successful Creative Districts are grounded in both community and place. They share a few common characteristics:
- A clearly defined arts and cultural identity
- Broad community support and strong partnerships
- City or local government support and cooperation
- Strong governance structure and succession planning
- A solid strategic plan, budget, and long-term vision for activities and growth
When a community supports its Creative District, the Creative District supports the community in return.
Creative Districts: Driving Local Economies
Creative Districts: Placemaking
Tourism Skillshop: Creative Districts that Drive Tourism
Spotlight: Hillyard Creative District
Spotlight: Tenino Creative District
Questions?
ArtsWA staff are available to answer questions and help communities understand the certification process.
Aaron Semer, Program Manager: aaron.semer@arts.wa.gov, 360-252-9982