The role of the arts in Pawtucket's economic development

Pawtucket Arts Collaborative Gallery

Pawtucket is widely known for its enclave of artists and art-related businesses who occupy various mills, lofts and commercial spaces throughout the City.  Thanks to some innovative policies which paved the way for a state-designated arts and entertainment district, artists see great value in producing work in Pawtucket.

The City didn't just create a tax incentive though.  The council approved zoning changes that allowed the City's first live/work typologies so that artists didn't have to rent space; they could own their studio.  Riverfront Lofts was, I believe, the first "legal" live/work" building typology to be developed in Pawtucket...if not the first, at least the most celebrated and widely marketed.  The building is still occupied by a variety of artists, designers and the like.  Lorraine Mill and 545 Pawtucket Avenue are other fantastic artist hot spots.

Herb Weiss, the City's Art Czar will argue the City's "creative community" slogan came long before Providence spent a ton of money on the orange P and Creative Capital brand.  Regardless, Providence has really bolstered its reputation, and Pawtucket is a key contributor and benefactor of the metro's national identity as a destination for the arts.

Although the arts won't replace manufacturing and the economic impact is harder to measure in terms of documented revenues and job creation, the arts has become a cornerstone of Pawtucket's economic development marketing strategy.  Hope Artiste Village and several other mills have become the poster children for the City's blossoming arts economy composed of skilled artisans, designers, artists and performers.

artist Holly Gaboriault

Fine arts, theatres, music recording studios, sculptors, glass blowers, and construction trade manufacturers are just a sampling of the creative class who call Pawtucket home.  A high-end violin maker, coffee roaster, graphic design firm, a fashion designer and a techy product development firm are neighbors in an incubator setting at Hope Artiste Village.

Pawtucket is really a unique, gritty place.  It's mostly still affordable, and it's close to everything.  Pawtucket has  great transportation access, and the City's working to install bicycle paths, commuter rail and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.  I think artists really value a quality sense of place and urban character. 

There's a lot happening here that doesn't always make the headlines.  Touring the studios in the various mill communities is always an eye opener.  Check out Open Studios Pawtucket!

Without question, the creation of a state-designated arts and entertainment district has helped market Pawtucket regionally to artists.  This year, Mayor Grebien is pushing for legislation to expand the geographic bounds of the district to include areas that currently have the highest concentration of qualified "artists" in the City.  This is a logical move and will benefit continued growth as a regional destination for the arts.  Hopefully the General Assembly will see the value, and it will help the City by passing the necessary legislation to expand the arts district.