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.

It's time to market Pawtucket's assets

As the economic globe flattens and government budgets shrink, communities increasingly compete to retain and grow their tax base.  To thrive, cities, regions and states, like the private sector, must market economic opportunities to residents, businesses and visitors.

An overarching community brand could complement existing resources and opportunities.  Pawtucket can benefit from increased tax revenue by strengthening its identity and leveraging locally-generated commerce.  Interestingly, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and planning consortiums like KeepSpace are pondering how to market urban communities in the state.  Step one is designating a marketing budget -- and this might be difficult for many cities facing budget deficits.

I-95 Bridge 550, Pawtucket, RI

Pawtucket is well poised for resurgence and must make strategic investments to ensure it maximizes its assets.  Pawtucket is already preparing for an infusion of over $200 million in infrastructure improvements.  An iconic Interstate-95 Pawtucket Bridge is scheduled to open in 2013.  At the same time, the City has hired a local firm to redesign traffic patterns, streetscapes and make zoning recommendations in the downtown.  Progress continues towards restoring MBTA commuter rail service to Pawtucket with a $2M federal planning grant.  Funds are in place to construct bus access to the South Attleboro MBTA station and rapid bus downtown Pawtucket.  Design plans for Pawtucket Segment 3b of the Blackstone Valley bicycle path are in progress.

Rendering of I-95, Bridge 550 replacement

Transportation improvements will aid residential, commercial and tourist investment that is already occurring.  In the last ten years, 700 housing units have been created in and around the downtown, creating demand for retail and service commerce.  Five new businesses have opened in the downtown in the last year, and more are expected in the future.  The entertainment and tourist industry continues to be strong.  The Pawtucket Red Sox, Slater Mill Historic Site, Pawtucket Arts Festival and active theater companies draw three quarters of a million visitors a year.  A vibrant arts community, historic architecture, diverse cultures, community pride and a scenic riverfront also benefit Pawtucket.

Developing a Pawtucket brand and marketing plan to promote these assets will help draw residents, businesses and visitors to the City of Pawtucket.  Developing a brand and marketing a community takes careful consideration. The campaign must be authentic and connect the inside truth about Pawtucket to the outside world.  As the branding process continues, participants must focus on promoting an existing reality rather than an idealized future.  Consumers must be able to validate the experiences sold during the campaign.

We went to work on this and produced A Prospectus for Marketing Pawtucket's Assets.  We outlined specific goals and audiences to help guide the process.  We determined three primary focus areas should drive the process and help target audiences.

DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL DENSITY. 



Bayley Lofts, Pawtucket, RI



Increasing residential density will increase the tax-base, create a demand for development and support local business development.  Identifying the populations most likely to live in the desired mix of housing typologies will narrow the focus. 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. 


In the central core, Pawtucket hopes to attract a broad base of service, retail, office and arts related businesses to infill land or redevelop existing buildings.  Business development will increase tax revenue, quality of life, character of downtown, walkability and sustainability.  

Main Street, Pawtucket, RI

Aside from the isolated mill sites, there are significant industrial opportunities at the former thread factory on Conant Street and the industrial park on Narragansett Park Drive.  Manufacturing continues to be the primary employment sector in Pawtucket and will likely remain for some time.  Identifying growth in this and the other top job sectors is paramount. 

TOURISM & CULTURE. 

Pawtucket Arts Collaborative Gallery

We have the Pawtucket Red Sox, performing and visual arts scene, Slater Mill, the BVTC Visitor Center...a lot to offer!  With a number of existing successful assets, Pawtucket must understand the attendance and revenue impact of each segment.  Opportunities to maximize tax revenues from these attractions lie not just in helping to increase visitors, but from linking attractions to opportunities for business commerce.

A number of potential partners, including The Pawtucket Foundation, are available to help guide and support the branding work.  Local artists, residents, businesses and City officials should participate in the development and review of a successful campaign.