Hi !

Relocating to Paducah
Last week I told you about the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, TN. The focus on arts in economic development continues this week with Paducah, KY's Artist Relocation Program.

Paducah's Artist Relocation Program was started in August of 2000 and is now a national model for using the arts for economic development. Their program has gained international recognition and attracted over 45 artists from as far as Hawaii and Germany. Lower Town, located just four blocks from the Ohio River and Downtown, is home to the Artist Relocation Program. The impressively built homes now house galleries and artists from across the country.

The Artist Relocation Program is about artist ownership, thus giving the artists a vested interest in the community. Paducah advertised their historical area to artists nationally, offering to loan them the funds to come in to fix up old buildings into studios and lofts. Within a couple of years they recruited in 44 new artists who invested over $11 million into the downtown area. Their tourism sales are up by $4 million.
Plan a visit and you'll meet the artists who create the fine works of art and hear individual stories about the successes of relocating to Lower Town, the challenges of restoring historic structures or building new ones, and the joys of being part of the rebirth of a vibrant community. What are you doing to develop your creative community?

If you're interested in visiting or relocating contact the City of Paducah Planning Department at 270-444-8690 or artinfo@ci.paducah.ky.us.

The Blog Log
Visit my weblog to see where I've been and what I learned along the way. This week I blogged on generosity in the heartland, the amazing action in Wimbledon, ND, and a gem in PA as well as several other topics. www.boomtowninstitute.com

On the Road Again
In addition to my travel blog I'll list my upcoming engagements in each issue of The Agurban. Come see me when I'm in your neighborhood!