FRANKFORT, Ky. — The deadline to submit a letter of intent to apply for the 2013 Kentucky Cultural District certification program approaches, as cities that received the state’s first cultural district designations win recognition for showcasing unique character and assets in their respective communities.

The first cultural district certifications were announced in February by Governor Steve Beshear and the Kentucky Arts Council. Cities receiving the designation were Berea, Covington, Danville, Horse Cave and Paducah. The deadline to file a letter of intent to apply for the next round of certifications is July 1.

“Kentucky towns from small to large have a lot to offer by way of arts and culture, and I encourage local officials to consider applying for the designation,” said arts council Executive Director Lori Meadows. “The added value in this program is recognized in the way it leverages opportunities to seek additional cultural and promotional awards and accolades from other sources, some that may have funding streams attached.”

Kentucky Cultural Districts have been recognized by various national lifestyle publications in recent months, including:

Berea
Berea adds to its impressive list of accolades a recent ranking of 21st in the top 25 small arts destination cities in the United States by readers of AmericanStyle Magazine. The ranking was a result of the magazine’s 15th annual readers’ poll. AmericanStyle is a national, quarterly consumer lifestyle magazine for art lovers, collectors and travelers.

Danville
Once again, Danville finds itself reaping rewards for its investment in, and continuing dedication to, preserving historic properties to establish a legacy as a great American town. Most recently, the city was ranked number nine in the Top 10 Cities for Historic Preservation by Livability.com. According to its site, Livability.com is a comprehensive online resource of more than 500 of America's Best Places to live, visit, work, play and explore.

Paducah
Capitalizing on its commitment to the arts, Paducah finds itself again in the spotlight, this time featured in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s listing of America’s Greatest Main Streets. Ranked 23 on the list of 27, the magazine acknowledges destinations that best represent top-notch communities with a lot to offer travelers who seek exciting and vibrant destinations bursting with local flavor. In its description of Paducah, the magazine suggests strolling through the city’s arts district, independent shops or visiting one of its many festivals, in addition to making a stop at The National Quilt Museum.

A cultural district is a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of a community featuring a high concentration of cultural amenities that attract local residents and visitors alike. Cultural districts can be found in any type of community, from small and rural to large and urban.

Kentucky Cultural Districts demonstrate a strong commitment to forming partnerships among arts and cultural entities, businesses and local governments.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the Kentucky Cultural District application process, contact Chris Cathers at christopher.cathers@ky.gov or (502) 564-8110, ext. 488.

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