The process begins for new art district

The first meeting of the Arts and Entertainment District Committee convened in Crisfield, to begin the process of applying for their own district by next spring.

There was a new, but familiar face at this meeting, Michael Day, who has worked with Snow Hill and Berlin on their A & E districts.  He was brought in to give advice and guidance as the city attempts to get their project off the ground.

Day says Crisfield has the means to pull it off, they just need to look to their neighbors for pointers, and get some help from the community and local governments.

"Everybody agrees, the raw material is here for a successful Arts and Entertainment District, but were going to work and put some structure to it, get the community involved and we'll have something nice to add to the reasons people want to come to Crisfield.

"See how (Salisbury, Snow Hill, and Berlin are) doing it, lobby the county, lobby the city for funding, just a little bit.  If each one kicks in $5000 that would be a big help and then do some events," said Day.

Also highlighted at the meeting was the town's Fourth Saturday Bay Strolls, big block parties put together on the fourth Saturday of every month to help put the city center stage.

"I's just a way to get the community out and involved and showcase all that Crisfield has to offer," said City Manager Rick Pollitt.

An expert on A & E districts, Day has seen how other towns on the Eastern Shore have benefited from their own districts.  And for him the word that comes to mind is – promotion.

"Tax credits is an individual thing for the artists but for the district itself it's promotion."

The promotion the town would see could help bolster the local economy with an influx of visitors to the area.

The next committee meeting is planned for August 24th, until then members will be busy forming their committee, and sorting through the application process.