The Massachusetts Cultural Council has approved the creation of a cultural district in Springfield.
The cultural district designation will help promote attractions such as the Springfield Museums and Symphony Hall and encourage the growth of art and music festivals and the so-called creative economy. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said there are huge benefits to having an official state-recognized cultural district in the heart of the city.
Sixteen cultural district designations have been issued in Massachusetts since the program started in 2011.
