Paducah Artist Relocation Program - Partners for Livable Communities

Paducah, KY

A planning strategy that brought local artists back into a declining neighborhood, changing the face of an entire city.

The ambitious Artist Relocation Program (ARP) , originated in one resident's initiative to improve his neighborhood. Mark Barone, the founder of Paducah's ARP, was a concerned citizen alarmed by the increasing deterioration of his neighborhood in Lower Town, Paducah. Mark Barone pushed the local government and the Paducah Planning Department to make improvements in the area. In response, the Paducah Planning Department asked Barone to collaborate with them on brainstorming projects for the area. The Artist Relocation Program was a result of these brainstorming sessions. The Artist Relocation Program attracts artists to the Lower Town area by offering them finance and loan incentives to purchase, renovate, and build properties in the area. Along with these incentives, the low cost of living in Paducah allows artist the possibility of owning their own home, work, and gallery space. In most urban areas where artists reside, gentrification and rising rental costs often push artists out, and prevent them from maintaining workspace.

Nuts and Bolts:

In order to apply for the program, artists are required to submit a brief proposal for intended property use. A licensed subcontractor then assess the property and estimates renovation cost. After conducting a credit check, Paducah Bank then offers a loan amount, and the artist then submits a timeline for construction.
Through the Paducah Planning Department and the Paducah Bank, relocating artists are provided with 100% financing; a basic loan package includes a 30-year 7% fixed rate up to 300% of the appraised valued of the property.
The City of Paducah pays up to $2,500.00 for architectural services or other professional fees. Because of the extreme economic blight in the area and the need for economic and community development, vacant lots are offered for free for new construction.
As Lower Town is designated an Enterprise Zone, all materials for construction are tax-exempt. The area is also zoned for both commercial and residential use, which allows artists to both live and work out of their home, maintaining gallery, studio, and living space.

Successes:

Since its beginning in late 2000, Paducah's ARP has dramatically revitalized the Lower Town area into a thriving artist's colony.
To date, over forty artists have relocated to the Lower Town area; they have invested $12-15 million dollars into the local economy.
Lower Town holds a First Friday event, in which visitors can tour the artists' galleries. Many artists are involved in mentoring efforts with local schools. Efforts have begun to start a Fine Arts School in conjunction with the local community college.
The Artists Relocation Program has won numerous honors for its success and vision in reviving the Lower Town area and bringing community and economic prosperity to Paducah. These honors include the Governors Award in the Arts, The Kentucky Chapter of the American Planning Association Distinguished Planning Award, The American Planning Association National Planning Award, and most recently, the Kentucky League of Cities Enterprise Cities Award.

Keys to Success:

Unique partnership between lending institutions, local government, and artists.
A shared vision that affords value to the presence and ability of artists to lead a revitalization effort.

How can you do it?

Attempt to identify state and local agencies, financing sources, and interested constituencies that might work together in an effort to revitalize and develop blighted real estate.
Speak with local planning agencies, lending institutions and city officials about the possibility for development partnerships.