Creative District - Planning for state certificationThe city of Soap Lake and Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee officially joined together in January of 2023 to pursue creative district certification. The Creative Districts program is a state economic development initiative designed to helps communities turn cultural activities into economic growth.
What is a Certified Creative District? A Creative District is a fun place to live, work, and visit. It’s geographically defined area of cultural and economic activity. It’s the heart of a community. It is a place for people to gather and enjoy their community’s arts and culture. A district is a place where innovation and creativity can thrive. A place that helps the community move enthusiastically into the future. Source: https://www.arts.wa.gov/creative-districts/ |
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Where will the district be located? How did we decide on this area?
As mentioned above, a creative district is the heart of a community, a place for people to gather. Like a hub in a wheel all points lead to this place - the district is the center that draws from and serves the area around it. Requirements for the designated area include:
The area we have mapped follows Main Ave E from Division St N until just east of Daisy St N, and encompasses businesses and organizations on both sides of Main Ave E. It also includes the area from Daisy St N starting at Main Ave E, extending north to approximately 1/2 block north of 3rd Ave NE, and encompasses the Visitor Information Center and Chamber of Commerce building, amphitheater, the "Calling the Healing Waters" sculpture, and Smokiam Park, as well as businesses on the west sides of Daisy St. N. |
If downtown Soap Lake is the "hub" then what are the "spokes?"
When we say "spokes" we mean the creative businesses that are outside of the district boundary, home-based creative businesses, and other creative assets in the nearby region. There are more than we can reasonably list on this page, but here are a few examples.
When we say "spokes" we mean the creative businesses that are outside of the district boundary, home-based creative businesses, and other creative assets in the nearby region. There are more than we can reasonably list on this page, but here are a few examples.
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Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Soap Lake Community Center (Art classes, music, and more) Mi Cocinita Mexican Grill & Cantina Wylde Cactus Candle Company |
Cariboo Trails Studio
Youth Empowerment Program (Healing through art) Bottom of the Barrel, Co. The Knotty Broomstick |
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Progress Updates & Informational Materials
June 2024 On June 20th, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm we are conducting a SWOT Analysis Discussion led by Brandon Nicholas, Certified Business Advisor with Grant County Economic Development Council. The purpose is to better understand Soap Lake’s strengths and weaknesses, so we can prioritize our goals for the next 5 years. What is a SWOT analysis session? This is an open discussion focusing on Soap Lake’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats in relationship to our abilities and needs as we work to develop a successful creative district. A creative district that will support and nurture the economic growth of Soap Lake. Anyone who wants to participate in the SWOT analysis process, but can't make it to the meeting will be able to provide input through an online questionnaire. Click HERE to access the questions. Accomplishments since April 2024: • We've established our leadership committee members for the longer term. • Crafting our district plan is in process – setting goals and milestones for our first 3 to 5 years (Top 3 short-term and top 3 long-term goals.) • Looking ahead to the official application. As we prepare to submit the application, our creative district governing board/organizational subcommittee will be formed, a strategic program plan will be written, and a budget will be created. We'll need help pulling together images and documentation that demonstrate arts activities and represent the "feel" of our district. These are just a few examples of how the work we have done so far will be used to showcase the good that already exists in our community and the potential for more. Are you interested in actively participating at this level, but have questions or concerns? Please come to this meeting and share those questions/concerns. Will you help us develop a creative economy in Soap Lake, one that will improve livability, support creative industry jobs, and bolster revenue? Please email us at [email protected] for more information. Your financial support will be greatly appreciated. Please visit our Donate Page to make a contribution. |
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Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee is an exempt organization as described in
Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 46-4201429
Contact us at:
[email protected]
P.O. Box 483, Soap Lake, WA 98851
Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 46-4201429
Contact us at:
[email protected]
P.O. Box 483, Soap Lake, WA 98851