Torrington Earns Designation as the State's Second Cultural District

The Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) announced on April 5th, 2022 that it has approved Torrington’s application to create a Cultural District in town. Torrington is the second municipality to receive such a designation.

Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a city that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets. These vibrant areas draw visitors from other towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact. Cultural districts:

● Promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses

● Promote tourism and increase visitation

● Improve the quality of life for residents

● Strengthen distinctive character of communities

● Drive economic growth and expand the tax base

● Highlight local culture and history

Here is some of the work that was undertaken in the application process:

“Just walking around Torrington you can see and feel the impact the arts is having throughout this historic downtown area,” said Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums. “The cultural district designation will provide a framework for local leaders and residents to collaborate and better capitalize on the amazing and diverse array of attractions in the city.”

Torrington is fortunate to be the home of so many Arts and Cultural organization, including the Warner Theatre, Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, KidsPlay Children’s Museum, and the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory and the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum—just to name a few.

The District encompasses, both of Torrington’s Historic Districts, all of Downtown (Including Coe Park & Fuessenich Park) and extends just beyond Christmas Village and the Hotchkiss Flyer House Museum.

Steph Burr, Rufus de Rham, and Eileen Marriott cut the ribbon for the cultural district designation.

“The Cultural District designation is a great way to celebrate how the community has come together through COVID-19. Now more than ever people are looking to our cultural assets in Torrington with a sense of pride and as places to come together as a community to share stories, learn our history, and heal together,” said Rufus de Rham co-chair of the Cultural District Committee. 

Eileen Marriott co-chair of the Cultural District Committee adds “Through the Cultural District Committee, we will have a sustainable structure in place to promote communication between stakeholders which will dramatically enhance our collective impact. Working together we will improve the quality of life for residents and Torrington’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.”

On April 5th, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and The Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) held a press conference to officially establish Torrington as a Cultural District in Connecticut.

Pictured: Judy McElhone of Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, Elieen Marriott of KidsPlay Children's Museum, Rep. Michelle Cook, Rufus de Rham of the Warner Theatre, Rep. Maria Horn, Mayor Elinor Carbone, Steph Burr of the NWCT Arts Council,  Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Rista Malanca, Economic Development Director for the City of Torrington, and JoAnn Ryan of the NWCT Chamber of Commerce.