Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts And Culture topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EDC hears proposal to move Torrington's Cultural District into city government
Summary
Staff proposed shifting the Cultural District out of the Torrington Development Corporation into a city-managed arts and culture commission (or under Economic Development) to streamline oversight and provide a municipal home for volunteers and programming.
City staff told the committee that Torrington's Cultural District, currently managed under the Torrington Development Corporation, should be transitioned into city government so it can operate under an arts and culture ordinance or as a formal commission. Staff said the district is volunteer-run with members from local organizations including the Warner Theater and market and that many participants support moving under municipal oversight to access city resources and coordination. "We are the only cultural district that does not fall under neither of those categories, and DDC wants that rectified," the staff member said.
Committee members discussed whether the district would require bylaw changes and how volunteers and liaisons could maintain continuity. The staff member suggested the cultural district could be reactivated within the city's arts and culture ordinance and that a liaison role would help coordinate with EDC work to avoid silos; several members said they expected most volunteer participants to continue if the change is made.
