ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Frederick is one of 28 Arts and Entertainment Districts designated by the State of Maryland. Frederick’s A&E District is located in historic downtown Frederick, primarily following the same geographic lines as the historic district, and is managed by both the Arts Council and the Downtown Frederick Partnership.
Arts and Entertainment (A&E) Districts have been defined by the Americans for the Arts as “well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use areas of cities in which a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities serve as the anchor attraction.” In 2001, Maryland in fact became the first state in the country to develop Arts and Entertainment districts state-wide. The program was developed from a similar initiative originating in Providence, RI. Since then, many other states have looked at Maryland’s model as a successful tool for downtown redevelopment.
The program is endorsed by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and supported by legislators across the aisle. To be designated as an A&E district at the state level, Frederick’s local jurisdictions are required to grant property tax credits and an abatement from the local admissions and amusement tax.
For more information on the economic impact of A&E Districts across the state of Maryland, see the FY2018 Impact Analysis from the Maryland State Arts Council.
FAC AFTER HOURS: MEDITATIVE DANCE MOVEMENT
FAC After Hours: Bijou Film Screening