The Washington State Arts Commission has named Port Townsend as the state’s newest Creative District May 6.
A subcommittee of the Port Townsend Creative District submitted the application …
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The Washington State Arts Commission has named Port Townsend as the state’s newest Creative District May 6.
A subcommittee of the Port Townsend Creative District submitted the application last fall. The district encompasses the downtown and Uptown historic districts, as well as the Fort Worden State Park campus.
Mari Mullen, executive director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program, credited this success to months of planning by the creative district subcommittee, which is coordinated by the Main Street Program.
“This designation supports our goals to develop a year-round economy through employment and entrepreneurship in the creative industries,” Mullen said. “During these challenging economic times, we need to use all the creativity and tools we have to weather this storm and emerge stronger.”
According to Mullen, the Creative District subcommittee and Main Street Program will continue to make plans to connect audiences with artists and unify the community’s strategic efforts.
“We want to enhance the flow through the Creative District with marketing, signage, imaginative way-finding and transportation strategies,” Mullen said. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead, and we thank the Washington State Arts Commission for this honor.”
In addition to Mullen, the Port Townsend Creative District subcommittee includes:
• Kris Nelson, chair of the Port Townsend Main Street Program Economics Committee, Main Street board member and downtown restaurateur.
• Dominic Svornich, vice president of KPTZ 91.9 FM and Main Street Economics Committee member.
• Rob Birman, executive director of Centrum.
• Owen Rowe, Port Townsend City Council member.
• Michael D’Alessandro, executive director of Northwind Arts Center.
• Melody Eisler, director of the Port Townsend Public Library.
• Lane DeCamp, chief advancement officer of the Fort Worden Foundation.
The Creative District designation provides resources, grant opportunities, technical assistance, training and networking, and tracks each community’s creative economy progress.
Port Townsend is the sixth community in Washington to be named a Creative District, after Edmonds, Olympia, Chewelah, Langley and Twisp.
For more information about the Creative District program, visit arts.wa.gov/creative-districts.
For more information about the Port Townsend Main Street Program, visit ptmainstreet.org.
