City Commission passes resolution supporting creation of Arts and Culture District

A resolution supporting the creation of a downtown Arts and Culture District received unanimous support from the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday night.

Terry Vandell-Bell, chair of the Cultural Affairs Commission, presented the resolution to commissioners.
The panel voted on March 21 to approve a letter of support for the proposed downtown Arts and Cultural District, including a request for a resolution to be considered by the Board of Commissioners supporting Main Street’s efforts, in applying for the Cultural District Development Grant through the Oklahoma Arts Council.

The district would fall within the current Main Street downtown boundaries and would require a three- to five-year commitment to the program with a matching grant amount of $25,000 from Ponca City Main Street. Half of that amount would be in-kind services.

Hopes for the district would be to attract artists and creative entrepreneurs, along with cultural enterprises into the area. The district would provide a focal point for cultural identity and attract tourists, preserve historic buildings and enhance the image and visibility of the downtown area.