Illinois has a rich history of agriculture, music and more, and it’s thanks to the contributions of Illinoisans over the last few centuries that the state has seen increasing economic value and opportunities available to its residents.
To uplift and highlight these unique contributions, several State-Designated Cultural Districts were announced to highlight and celebrate specific cultural identities and history while also promoting equitable growth and opportunity without generating displacement.
Through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, grants were awarded to help communities preserve their unique cultural identities. Five State-Designated Cultural Districts were announced earlier this year, including:
- “Soul City” —Northeast Chicago
- “City of Bloomington’s Downtown Cultural District” — North Central Bloomington
- “Heritage District” — Rockford
- “Ukrainian Village” — Northeast Chicago
- “Historic District of the City of Vienna” — Southern Vienna
These five entities and geographic regions join 10 designees announced over the last two years, including: Champaign’s North First Street Cultural District, Chicago’s Bronzeville District, Chicago’s Chinatown, Chicago’s Clark Street/Camino Clark, Chicago’s Mahalia Jackson 79th Street Cultural District, Chicago’s Little Village, Chicago’s Puerto Rico Town, Chicago’s South Chicago Cultural District and both Springfield’s Central East Cultural District and Southtown Cultural District.
There are many other cultural spots across the state, and each year the list grows alongside available grants dedicated to preserving history and helping businesses thrive. Illinois continues to invest in small businesses and its diverse communities, proudly embracing the idea that the state is a melting pot that celebrates and displays its uniqueness.
