Breaux Bridge Cajun Creole Cultural District

City of Breaux BridgeBreaux Bridge, Louisiana

Overview…

Our goal was to: Promote the arts and support artists Encourage creativity and cultural activities Attract artists and cultural industry workers To increase the potential for artists, housing,

studio, and performance space

Overview Continued…

Community Development Engage residents Provide a sense of community Create areas to serve as a gathering space Strengthen community partnerships (including

with the local school board, for example) Develop a positive image for the community

Overview Continued…

Also included was Economic Development Capitalize on cultural, economic, and social assets To revitalize a neighborhood or area Enhance property values Stimulate the economy Draw tourists to the area

The District is organized by the City of Breaux Bridge, with input from the economic development authority, the City Chamber of Commerce, and City Tourism – all in an advisory capacity.

No local funding is provided. Although…we do have a great deal

of support from local and state elected officials, as well as, civic organizations

Our goal would be to increase social media presence on the internet and to use best practices from other areas of the State, including for example, Shreveport Common Cultural District

Establishing a 2 to 5 year strategic plan for growing the District

Successes: Development of the Downtown

Merchants Association Teche Center for the Arts in the

heart of Downtown Breaux Bridge, which now sponsors the annual TECHE FEST, where local artists are showcased. http://techecenterforthearts.com/

https://vimeo.com/125610697

Our greatest opportunities for growth…

Our challenge is to better market the District to not only the residents of Breaux Bridge, but tourists visiting the City

We need to craft a “vision” for the District, complete with a logo and possible branding image campaign

As a State with several Districts currently in place, I believe our goal should be to find ways to better implement the benefits

associated with having a Cultural District, including introducing legislation to expand the scope of services allowed