An idea to copy: Artist Relocation Program

If you're an artist, there's a chance you've heard of Paducah, Kentucky.  If not, you should.  The city of Paducah implemented a fantastic incentive program back in 2000 called the Artist Relocation Program, and placed the arts at the center of their economic development strategy.  The impact arts have on the local economy cannot be understated.  In fact EWU just completed an analysis of the fiscal impact the arts have on Spokane's economy.  But Paducah's approach is really quite unique and one we should bring to town.

The foundation of Paducah's Artist Relocation Program is to encourage artist ownership in the community-namely real estate assets which they own, thus giving them a huge stake in the community.  They've accomplished this by targeting a specific area of town that needed revitalization and is zoned for mixed use development.  They then offer the following specifically to artists:

• 100% financing for purchase and rehabilitation of an existing structure     or the building of a brand new structure.
• Basic loan package is 7% - 30yr.     fixed rate up 300% of appraised value.
• Free lots for new construction as available.
• City will pay up to $2500 for architectural services or other professional     fees.

Pretty impressive for such a small town.  To date they've recruited over 70 artists to their city, and with a national ad campaign more are likely to hear about it and make the leap.  Check out the website and browse the available properties and lots.

Comments

[MK]

Last time I checked the city of Spokane had cut all art funding to life support levels only. I doubt this program would have much support (especially from Bob Apple - oh my...)

What would be nice is some simple subsidized artist lofts like they have in Seattle, Minneapolis, etc. But when hundreds of low income sex offenders can't get affordable housing, I doubt artists will either.

[METROSPOKANE]

That's the beauty of this program; while it's targeted on an area the city really isn't out much aside from the $2,500 for architectural fees. That could generally be offset by someone 1) improving a marginal property and 2)tax revenue associated with the sale of their work. It's less of a burden than something like subsidized lofts, and less dependent on a private developer taking that initiative. It's much more incremental.