The first steps may be small, but the Town of La Conner is firmly on the path toward being named a state Creative District.
La Conner is well into the initial three steps required by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) for a Creative District designation, said Cynthia Elliott, town arts commission chairwoman.
The state Creative District program, which requires a rigorous multi-tiered application process, is designed to help communities develop their cultural assets into economic opportunities. There are currently 19 such districts across the state. Edmonds was the first city to receive the designation and was followed quickly by Langley, Twisp, Port Townsend, and Bainbridge Island.
Elliott said the first step, which La Conner has undertaken, involves creation of what she termed a “toolbox,” which includes a list of regular local arts-related events, plus examples of the community’s historic support of the arts and artists.
It didn’t take long for members to cite several arts events here, starting with the popular Arts Alive celebration, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in October.
“And even when there’s another type of event here,” said Arts Commissioner Nicolette Harrington, “there’s art to be seen.”
Commissioners rapidly compiled a lineup of accomplished artists from in and around the La Conner and Swinomish communities and recalled the historic 1953 Life magazine feature that highlighted the “Mystic Painters of the Northwest” here. The late Guy Anderson, one of the four painters named in the piece, moved to La Conner soon after the story was published.
“That should also go into our letter of intent (to the state),” said Michael Davolio, town planner. “That’s one of the first things they should see.”
Submitting a formal letter of intent is part of the second step in the process and precedes an ArtsWa site tour.
“Since we’re competing (with other communities),” Elliott added, “we want the toolkit to be as good as possible.”
Elliott, who is also a member of the town Planning Commission, said that due to budget constraints the state can approve only five Creative District applications per year. The designations include access to state Department of Transportation signage promoting a community’s Creative District.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
