Millville, NJ

Millville, NJ, population 27,000, made use of local legislation to create economic incentives for arts-based revitalization. 

In 1998 Millville’s local government, businesses, and residents began to discuss the feasibility of creating an arts district.  Over the next two years they worked together to conduct a market feasibility plan, establish a local ordinance defining an arts district overlay zone, create an arts district logo and marketing plan, and pass a local bond issue financing a cultural center and public improvements in the arts district. Today, Millville has the Glasstown Arts District, a thriving area anchored by the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts.

Key components of the Millville initiative:

•    Creation of the Glasstown Arts District, a two block by six block retail area adjacent to the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts

•    Pioneer Artists Program – up to $5,000 low-interest loans are offered to relocating artists and artisans

•    Billboards, rest-stop brochures, and radio and TV ads are used to promote the District

•    Grant program (1:1 match) allows artists to upgrade facades

Addition articles:
Milleville - Brimming with Accomplishments, New Jersey State League of Municipalities

The Birth of a Gallery, ARTFaces|ARTPlaces