A group of Bluffton artists has formed the Bluffton Creative Initiative. The group would like for all of Old Town Bluffton and a few surrounding neighborhoods to be designated a cultural district by the South Carolina Arts Commission. The group feels the designation will attract artists and creative entrepreneurs, encourage economic and cultural development, attract more tourists, preserve historic buildings and create a supportive environment for arts and culture.
The state passed a law allowing the establishments of cultural districts in January. Spartanburg, Rock Hill and Lancaster all have recognized cultural districts. Bluffton Town Council is expected to vote on a resolution authorizing submission of the application to the arts commission this month. If it passes, an application could be sent to the South Carolina Arts Commission as soon as November.
