City of Aiken now designated cultural district
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) — Aiken now boasts an achievement shared by only a handful of cities across South Carolina. The city is designated as a cultural district. “It is truly a win win scenario for everyone,” S.C. Arts Commission Executive Director David Platts said.
The S.C. Arts Commission recently designated Aiken as a cultural district. The award highlights places dedicated to arts and culture. It’s the 12th in the state and the first in the CSRA.
“This award is another example of the essence of Aiken,” Mayor Teddy Milner said. “Whether we are talking about our trees or other natural beauty or the many contributions made by those that have come before us, let us celebrate this,” she added.
The district, located in the heart of downtown, features landmarks like the Aiken Center for the Arts, the Amentum Center, and The Alley. “South Carolina citizens and visitors to our state benefit from the richness of easy access to public art, amazing festivals, and all the other offerings that are offered here in Aiken,” Platts shared.
It also covers nearby streets like Chesterfield and York where you can find the Center of African American History Arts and Culture and events like Aiken’s Makin. “The value that arts and culture illustrates through our cultural districts is their contributions to cohesive, healthy, thriving communities throughout South Carolina,” /SCAC Public Art Coordinator Margot Lane Strasburger added,
Leaders say downtown cultural districts empower locals, attract creative businesses, and bring diverse cultural events to the city. “When places like Aiken implement strong social infrastructure, including integrated public artworks, community events, and creative placemaking interventions within their districts, they’re shining examples of what happens when creativity is employed. It’s community building, it’s greater welfare and it’s uplifting problem-solving resources,” Strasburger said.
Signs will be added to existing ones to highlight the area. Upcoming events in the cultural district include the Aiken Youth Orchestra concert, live music in The Alley, and Market in the Alley.
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