Bolinsky Celebrates Newtown’s Designation as Connecticut’s 17th Cultural District

Bolinsky Celebrates Newtown’s Designation as Connecticut’s 17th Cultural District

NEWTOWN, CT — State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) is celebrating the Connecticut Office of the Arts’ approval of Newtown’s application to establish a state-recognized Cultural District, making Newtown the 17th community in Connecticut to receive the designation.

Bolinsky, was a proud supporter of the enabling legislation, Public Act 19-143, that created Connecticut’s Cultural District program and is particularly excited, not just about the recognition Newtown's talented arts community has earned, but for the spotlight under which it will grow.

“Putting forth legislation to nurture and build upon our town's enclaves of creativity, and planting seeds to help it grow is the aim of Connecticut’s Cultural District program, and I’m especially pleased to see Newtown become the 17th community in our state to receive this designation,” said Rep. Bolinsky. “This is a wonderful recognition of the history, character and incredible potential that make Newtown such a special place.”

Newtown’s Cultural District encompasses three distinct subdistricts — the Borough, Sandy Hook and Fairfield Hills — each representing an important part of the community’s identity and future.

“The beauty of Newtown’s Cultural District is that it tells a much bigger story,” Bolinsky said. “The Borough represents our past, with its historic buildings and longstanding character. Sandy Hook represents our present — a vibrant community that continues to thrive and grow. And Fairfield Hills represents our future, with tremendous potential for what that property can become.”

Bolinsky noted that Newtown, the largest geographic town in Fairfield County, has a unique combination of historic character, vibrant village centers and opportunities for future economic and cultural development.

“This designation gives us a tremendous opportunity to celebrate where we’ve come from while thinking creatively about where we’re going,” Bolinsky said. “Our history is worth preserving, our communities are worth investing in, and our future is full of possibility. I’m proud to see Newtown recognized for all three.”

The Connecticut Office of the Arts, part of the Department of Economic and Community Development, announced the approval Monday. Newtown now becomes the 17th state-recognized Cultural District in Connecticut.