Our Vision of Eureka
Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is….
The defined image of the arts and cultural heritage destination for Arkansas
A vibrant arts community centered in a picturesque Ozark Mountain haven that is recognized as:
A historic
town listed as Nationally Significant on the National Register of
Historic Places by the National Park Service.
One of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, National Trust for Historic
Preservation
A Preserve America Community
One of 100 Best Art Towns in America in all editions of the book by John Villani
One of Top 25 Arts Destinations by American Style Magazine, 2005, 2006, 2007
A community that prides itself on protecting the integrity of its neighborhoods, nature,
personality and history, while being open to planned, compatible growth,
The Mid-America regional destination of choice for travelers seeking an open
environment where individuals can freely express their personal passions,
Where arts and cultural heritage experiences enrich local, regional residents
and visitors through diverse discovery and life-long learning opportunities,
A year-round destination offering:
Entertainment in the streets and parks day and night,
Historic architecture set amid awesome natural beauty,
A welcoming air of small-town ambience and safety,
Activities for families of all sizes and generations, artists of all media, eco-
adventurers, romantic couples and those who just want to relax into an
easier life for a while.
Prepared by
the Mayor’s Task Force to Develop and Promote the Arts and Cultural Heritage
Assets of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Spring 2006.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Marketing the arts & cultural heritage assets of
greater Eureka Springs:
1. Eureka Springs has been chosen as one of the case studies for the Creativity in the Natural State, a recently published study of the economic impact of the creative industries conducted by Regional Technology Strategies, Inc. for the Arkansas Arts Council. http://www.rtsinc.org/
2. Working on a several cultural heritage projects funded by a Preserve America grant: directories and itineraries in a variety of media, increased arts & cultural heritage presence in the Visitor Centers and on the trolleys, bannering, wayfinding improvements with new gateway signs, and life-size sculptures of people from different eras. The banners are currently being designed and display posts researched. The first of several rotating exhibits is in place at the Visitor Information Center.
3.The Community Development Partnership has received an Arkansas Heritage Month Grant to produce a traveling photographic exhibit, brochure and website on the Automobile Age in Eureka Springs and US Highway 62. This is also one of the components of the Preserve America grant directory and itineraries. http://www.eurekaspringsthenandnow.org/
Creation of an Arts District on North Main Street.
3. Working with the City to install sidewalks, banners, interpretative signage and other amenities on North Main.
4. Working with groups and individuals interested in relocating and/or developing in the Arts District.
Eureka Springs has been accepted into the Main Street Arkansas Downtown Network, a proven program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation designed to enhance commercial revitalization of the downtown central business district.
The geographic area of the program will be:
South Main Street, North Main Street, Spring Street to Howell Avenue, Center Street.
This is a new program that will have four standing committees:
Design: improving the downtown image by enhancing its physical appearance
Organization: builds consensus and cooperation between the groups that play roles in the downtown
Promotion: marketing downtown’s unique characteristics and creating a positive image through retail promotional activities, special events and ongoing programs
Economic Restructuring: strengthening the existing economic base of downtown while diversifying it.
Eight Guiding Principles of Main Street:
1. Comprehensive; 2. Incremental; 3. Self-Help; 4. Public/Private Partnership
5. Identifying and Capitalizing on Existing Assets; 6. Quality;
7. Change; 8. Action Oriented
Arkansas Community of Excellence (ACE) Program
This is a program of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission designed to empower a community to thoughtfully and methodically determine the desired direction for its future and to develop a plan to achieve its goals. It is a process of self-analysis, organization and goal setting. ACE is a change agent for future prosperity in a continually changing economic environment.
Eureka Springs received our official ACE designation in 2006.
ACE is a volunteer, citizen-based program.
There are currently six ACE Action Teams active in Eureka Springs:
Arts & Culture
Technology
Recreation
Community Beautification
(Most Action Teams have a dual identity with other programs.)