D’Arbonne Cultural District

Nancy Love

D’Arbonne Cultural District Advantages

• Town of Farmerville NE Louisiana• Population of 3500• Beautiful Lake – Unlimited Opportunity• Mayor Stein Baughman – extremely cooperative• Core Group of People that really care and want

to make a difference

D’Arbonne Cultural District Opportunities

• Needed defined cultural approach for community

• Lacked cohesive approach to and communication of local cultural events

• Limited volunteers• Sluggish economy and growth• Vacant historic downtown buildings

So. . .what has happened?

Defined Cultural Approach

D’Arbonne Cultural District Certified & Launched FB Group Page

July, 2014

Communication Through Facebook Group Page

Highlights tax incentives on historical buildingsand tax exemptions for one-of-a kind art original art works

FB Communication Union Arts Council Musical Events

FB Communication Civic Events and Festivals

Promote 52nd Annual Louisiana Watermelon Festival hosted by Farmerville Jaycees – July 24-25, 2015

FB Communication Union Arts Council Art Show Events

Music &

Art

FB Communication Union Arts Council Art Events

600 in attendance

FB Communication Chamber of Commerce Events

FB Communication Union Parish Library Events

FB Communication Union Parish Library Events

Promote Local

Authors

FB Communication Local Artists Teaches Art Classes

FB CommunicationPromotes Local Artists

Chaba’s Clay Flowers

Mary Moore - Photographer

Promotes Pride in Parish & Town Projects

Keep Union Parish Beautiful will have final training and certification to become a Keep America Beautiful Affiliate – Friday, July 18, 2015, and obtains $10,000 grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful for litter abatement project.

FB Communication Union Parish Museum of History & Art Events

Union Parish Museum Of History & Art - Tracing the Indians of Early Union Parish Exhibit July 22- Oct 9

Historic Farmerville Buildings Renovated

Seven Historic Buildings have been renovated with two more shops expected to open this month. A new courtyard brings a homey, inviting feeling to downtown.

1. UP Museum of History & Art

2. Pickers Paradise3. Pawn Shop4. B Unique Boutique5. Flower Shop Reno6. Courtyard7. Tangles Hair8. Gypsy Queen9. Bayou General Store

N e w P a r k i n g

L o tP l a n n e d

Historic Farmerville Sidewalk & Lighting Renovation Project

Surveyors beganIn April, 2015 – Construction over next year and half

Also applying for Safe Routes to schools sidewalks to connect town to Historic Residential District

Economic Growth and DevelopmentNEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS1. New Charter School2. New Union Parish High School 3. Two New Convenience Stores 4. New Dance Studio Building5. New Insurance Building6. New RV Park & Rental Units7. Folley Beach Development Plans

Promoting Folley Beach

Promoting Lake D’Arbonne and Folley Beach July 4, 2015 Celebration

D’Arbonne Cultural DistrictStimulates Economic Growth & Development

• Defines approach to cultural community as “D’Arbonne Cultural District” July, 2014

• Brings to life and unifies cultural events of library, museum, art council, garden club, civic organizations, etc. in the community

• Promotes local artists• Communicates cultural events through Facebook platform to enhance

attendance and awareness• Renovation of historic buildings downtown – thanks to local entrepeneurs• Renovation of historic downtown sidewalks with new lights, flags, flowers

to begin this year• Seven New Construction Projects, including Folley beach development

taking advantage of Lake D’Arbonne beauty and recreation opportunity• Pride in community to clean up – “Keep Union Parish Beautiful” affiliate • What a difference a year can make!