Photo credit: Denise A. Maccaferri, Denise Maccaferri Photography
Plymouth, Massachusetts is mainly known for its rich history and its many educational attractions. However, we know that there is much more to Plymouth- we have booming music, arts, and culinary industries and it’s time we highlight the many cultural attractions in America’s Hometown.
The Massachusetts Cultural Council’s (MCC) Cultural District program currently recognizes 26 cultural districts across the state, and Plymouth is currently in the application process to secure our own designation. What is a cultural district? According to the MCC, it’s “a specific geographical area in a city or town that has a concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. It is a walkable, compact area that is easily identifiable to visitors and residents and serves as a center of cultural, artistic, and economic activity.”
The Cultural District Committee, which is made up of representatives from several of Plymouth’s music, culinary, and arts organizations, has identified the downtown area (Water Street to Court/Main Streets, see map below)) as Plymouth’s first cultural district. The committee has catalogued over one hundred cultural assets within the district. A cultural asset is any shop, restaurant, gallery, or festival that offers art, music, or history. Downtown Plymouth is teeming with cultural attractions, from art galleries to restaurants showcasing local art on the walls and offering live music to the lesser-known historical attractions scattered throughout downtown.
Creating an official cultural district will not only help visitors find and enjoy these attractions, but also to help the organizations involved in the district work together to connect with more locals through new cultural events and improved communication with the community regarding events and programs within the district.
The application process is currently underway, and will take at least a few more months to complete. Right now, however, we need to name our cultural district and we need your help! Check out some of the other district names, and then submit your own recommendation by Friday at 11:59PM EST by entering it into our Facebook contest. The Cultural District Committee will go through your recommendations and choose the best fit for the district.
Stay tuned for more information on the district designation process!
