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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 60-15-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR STATE-DESIGNATED CULTURAL DISTRICTS BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA ARTS COMMISSION, TO STATE THE INTENDED PURPOSE OF THE CULTURAL DISTRICTS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO THE CULTURAL DISTRICTS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 15, Title 60 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 60-15-75. (A) The commission shall develop criteria and guidelines for designating a cultural district by the State.
(B) A cultural district:
(1) must be a geographical area that is within a community and that has a concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or arts venues located within it;
(2) may be home to not-for-profit and for-profit creative entities; and
(3) is intended to impact the larger community in which it is located by:
(a) attracting artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural enterprises;
(b) encouraging economic development;
(c) encouraging the preservation and reuse of historic buildings;
(d) fostering local cultural development; and
(e) providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening its unique cultural identity.
(C) A geographical area of the State only may be designated as a cultural district under the provisions of this section by applying to the commission for the designation, satisfying criteria and other requirements of this section, and upon approval by the commission.
(D) The commission shall:
(1) provide leadership and assistance to a community that seeks to develop or foster a cultural district;
(2) develop a process through which a community may apply for the designation of a cultural district by the State, including:
(a) specific guidelines and criteria; and
(b) a process for the periodic evaluation of the success of a designated cultural district and the periodic recertification of the district; and
(3) pursue partnerships and collaborative agreements with other public agencies and the private sector to maximize the benefits and value of cultural districts designated by the commission."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
This web page was last updated on March 26, 2014 at 10:45 AM