Edmonds Creative District

Washington's first Certified Creative District

 


Visit Edmonds Creative District

The Edmonds Creative District is a walkable small-city downtown featuring a rich mix of arts, culture, creative-sector businesses, public gathering spaces, and historic structures. Approximately one mile in diameter, the district creates an intimacy which is key to the experience of visitors and residents alike (Open the District Map to see the district boundaries).

The array of creative experiences available is impressive.  The district includes the expected arts and culture experiences such as live theater, dance, visual arts, food, beverage, jewelers, landscaped and naturally preserved parks and, of course, the Edmonds waterfront. The less obvious creative sector businesses such as graphic design, software development, media, architectural design, and technology businesses also populate the district.  The Edmonds Creative District brings it all into focus featuring a broad range of creative activities which sustain economic vitality and quality of life experience (View a list of the district Businesses and Organizations).

Edmonds is a small town but a regional player in arts and culture.  While many of the arts anchors in Edmonds are over 50 years old, recently established events in the Creative District include a neighborhood-sponsored Porchfest Edmonds music festival, an expanded Lunar New Year celebration, Juneteenth celebration, Sketcher Fest, Jazz Walk, a plein air festival, and a Pride event. Well-established organizations like Edmonds Center for the Arts, Driftwood Players, and Olympic Ballet provide live events throughout the year, Cascadia Art Museum is celebrating 10 years, Graphite Arts Center hosts a full program of classes and juried exhibits, and Write on the Sound writers’ conference continues to flourish after 40 years. 

To take in all that Edmonds has to offer, visit Explore Edmonds.


Doing Business in Edmonds Creative District

 

How does being located in the Edmonds Creative District benefit a business in terms of marketing?

The Edmonds Creative District has focused on creating a brand, marketing and placemaking with both support from the Washington State Arts Commission and the City. The marketing success works largely because of the “critical mass” of creative/artistic organizations. The Edmonds message goes farther and reaches more people because of the larger offerings and budgets.

In addition, that “critical mass” of interconnected creative talent – marketers, software designers, graphic designers, musicians, visual artists, stage managers, writers, talent buyers, etc. offers an incoming business a wealth of local creative talent from which to grow their business.

Are there incentives provided by the City of Edmonds or the Creative District?

While specific incentives are not available, in general, the district is an incentive in itself. The district's advisory committee is a group of businesses and non-profit organizations that routinely meet, plan and execute on its priorities, keeping Edmonds a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Is there specific funding to support the Creative District's projects?

ArtsWA and the WA State Commerce Department are exploring ways to bolster the creative economy throughout the state. As part of the State’s new strategic plan for this sector, increased investment in certified creative districts is specifically called out. As the State's Creative District program evolves, the goal is to provide capital support for districts for placemaking and other improvements. Edmonds has already benefited through the capital grants program from partial funding for signage and for a gateway art element.

About WA State Certified Creative District Program

A certified Creative District is a geographically defined area of cultural and creative economy activity, recognized by the State of WA, as a place for people to live, work and gather within a community's creative sector, fostering economic vitality. State certification endorses creative activities, recognizes the potential for growth, and provides an avenue for the promotion of existing businesses and organizations.

For complete information, visit WA Creative District Program.


Edmonds Creative sector businesses and organizations

There is an array  of arts, culture and creative economy businesses, retailers and organizations in Edmonds:

Businesses/Retailers
Organizations