8758.
(a) As used in this chapter:(1) “Program” means the competitive state-designated cultural district certification and technical assistance program established by the Arts Council pursuant to subdivision (b).
(2) “State-designated cultural district” means a geographical area certified pursuant to this chapter with a concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or arts venues that does any of the following:
(A) Attracts artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural enterprises.
(B) Encourages
economic development and supports
entrepreneurship in the creative community.
(C) Encourages the preservation and reuse of historic buildings and other artistic and culturally significant structures.
(D) Fosters local cultural development.
(E) Provides a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the community.
(F) Promotes opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality.
(b) The Arts Council shall establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts. In executing its powers and duties under this chapter, the council shall do all of the
following:
(1) Establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district.
(2) Provide technical assistance for state-designated cultural districts from, among others, artists who have experience with cultural districts and provide promotional support for state-designated cultural districts.
(3) Collaborate with other public agencies and private entities to maximize the benefits of state-designated cultural districts.
(c) A geographical area within the state may be certified as a state-designated cultural district by applying to the council for certification. Certification as a
state-designated cultural district shall be for a period of five years, after which the district may renew certification every three years.
(d) The Arts Council shall designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the program. The ongoing staff person shall enable the council to do all of the following:
(1) Provide technical assistance.
(2) Serve as a resource to state-designated cultural districts.
(3) Guide best practices for the program.
(4) Conduct regular and updated program evaluations.
(5) Study the program’s impacts.
(6) Provide the ability to build upon and maintain interagency agreements.
(e) Upon appropriation by the Legislature for purposes of this chapter, the Arts Council may expend program funding for any of the following:
(1) Program staff.
(2) Program analysis.
(3) Planning grants.
(4) Evaluations.
(5) Building out the program.
(6) Providing guidance to emerging cultural
districts.
(f) (1) The Arts Council shall create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts.
(2) The interdepartmental advisory group shall work with other agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and, particularly, the Department of Transportation to facilitate signage for state-designated cultural districts.
(3) The interdepartmental advisory group shall work with Visit California to promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations and to highlight California’s richly diverse cultural communities.
(4)Visit California shall feature state-designated cultural districts in at least one publication per calendar year.
(5)Visit California shall work with the Arts Council to develop an online interactive map and visitor’s guide for each state-designated cultural district.