Petersburg sets arts and cultural district

Mar. 16--PETERSBURG -- It's official: Petersburg now has an arts and cultural district.

Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) (KRT) via NewsEdge Corporation :

Mar. 16--PETERSBURG -- It's official: Petersburg now has an arts and cultural district.

The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance this month establishing the district, which officials say will boost Petersburg's economy and contribute to revitalization efforts.

The district, in the northeastern part of the city, extends from Union Train Station in Old Towne to the triangle on Halifax Street. It is home to many of Petersburg's historic landmarks, including museums, architecturally significant buildings and churches, art galleries and an African-American business district.

City leaders and regional arts organizations praised the initiative and said Petersburg is leading the effort in the region to create positive change through the arts.

"By virtue of bringing more art, we will automatically improve the environment here," said Victoria Revilla, president of the Southside Virginia Council for the Arts. She said the district fits in naturally with an area that offers Fridays for the Arts, a monthly event featuring art exhibits and music.

The district aims to enhance tourism as well as arts and cultural opportunities for residents of Petersburg and surrounding communities, said Councilman Brian A. Moore, who represented the city in the planning stages of creating the district.

Local arts organizations and government officials say they will develop a marketing strategy to attract more artists and businesses to the area and said they hope to include a wide representation of communities.

City officials said establishing the district was the most appropriate way to offer incentives to arts-related businesses in the area. A review board will evaluate requests from applicants seeking the district's benefits, which include some tax exemptions and city grants.