What makes Nazareth so Special?

We have some exciting news to share. The Nazareth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) and the Nazareth Center for the Arts along with the Creative District Advisory Board  are officially applying for Pennsylvania’s first-ever Creative District designation!

This new state initiative, launched by Pennsylvania Creative Industries (powered by the PA Council on the Arts), is designed to boost downtown revitalization, upgrade public spaces, drive tourism, and build stronger local identities through the power of arts and culture. 

If selected, our community can receive up to $50,000 annually for five years to support local programming, public art projects, community engagement, and creative small business development. 

Why Your Voice Matters Right Now

Achieving this designation is a collaborative effort. To submit a successful final application by the state's January 15, 2027 deadline, we must complete a series of required planning and community readiness activities.

The most vital step right now is gathering direct input from the people who live, work, and create here. We want to know what makes our community unique, and we need your feedback to prove our community is ready and eager for this investment.

Take the 5-Minute Survey

Whether you are a local artist, a small business owner, a lifelong resident, or someone who loves spending time in our downtown, we need to hear from you.

• It’s Quick: The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

• It’s Impactful: Your answers directly shape our master planning and funding proposals.

• It’s Required: High community participation is essential to winning this grant.

What a "Creative District" Means for Us

If we are awarded this five-year state designation, here is what we can unlock together:

• Vibrant Public Spaces: Funding for murals, streetscape improvements, and outdoor community areas.

• Economic Growth: Resources to help local creative entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses.

• More Community Events: Support for festivals, performances, and seasonal cultural programming.

• Statewide Promotion: Tourism marketing and visibility backed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Thank you for your continued support in making our community a more vibrant, beautiful, and economically thriving place to live. Please take a moment to complete the survey and share this link with your local friends, family, and neighbors!