Franklin has one of six new Cultural Districts

Franklin has one of six newly created Cultural Districts announced Wednesday by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Office of Cultural Development’s Division of the Arts.

The new districts bring the statewide total to 124 in 77 municipalities and 44 parishes.

Certified Cultural Districts benefit from two targeted tax incentives: renovation projects on historic buildings may qualify for state historic tax credit, and qualifying works of original art are exempt from local sales tax. Created by Act 298 of the 2007 Regular Legislative Session, the program’s goal is to spark community revitalization based on cultural activity through tax incentives, technical assistance, and resources.

The new districts are:

—City of Crowley African American Cultural Historical District (Crowley, Acadia Parish)

—Divine Nine Cultural District (Monroe, Ouachita Parish)

—Franklin Cultural District (Franklin, St. Mary Parish)

—Gretna South Cultural District (Gretna, Jefferson Parish)

—Jean Lafitte Cultural District (Jean Lafitte, Jefferson Parish)

—Pointe-aux-Loups Cultural District (Iota, Acadia Parish)

Cultural Districts are a unique reflection of local heritage, history, and cultural development, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office said.
“Many are found in downtown areas, but they can be in suburban, rural, and neighborhood locations," Nungesser said.

Americans for the Arts define Cultural Districts as “a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of the city in which a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities serve as the anchor attraction.”

The most recent economic impact data available for Cultural Districts in 2021 show:

—193,584 people attended 536 events

—398 new businesses opened

—649 commercial renovation projects began

Sales tax exemption on qualifying, original art sales directly benefitted:

—1,824 businesses
—526 artists
—184 events
—52 organizations

Boundary changes can be applied for after two years of certification.