Over the last ten years, Silver Spring has come into its own as a hub of music and culture in the DC Metro area, earning a designation as an official arts and entertainment district. This past week Montgomery County voted to continue this designation for another decade, and the state will make its decision in early October.
For those seeking a variety of activities, Silver Spring is a perfect destination. During the summer, the downtown area was home for 20 different festivals and the weekly Fenton Street Market. Performance centers abound and include the Round House Theatre, Bonifant Theatre Space, Lumina Studio Theatre, and the recently opened Fillmore Music Hall. For movies and visual arts, there are the AFI Silver Theatre Cultural Center, the Regal Majestic 20 and the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center.
There are also many financial advantages to being a designated arts district including tax breaks for businesses, theatres and arts nonprofits in the area. And as one member of the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment Advisory Committee noted, “The designation is an economic development tool that will bring more money to the arts community, local businesses, the county and the state.”
Unlike some of the other DC neighborhoods, Silver Spring is a diverse community. The arts play a huge role in helping residents to learn more about and understand the different cultures around them.
Committee members have big plans for the years ahead with a major goal to make Silver Spring an arts and entertainment destination for much of the East Coast, from Richmond, VA north to Philadelphia, PA. They also plan to host smaller local programs with more indigenous music, have local artwork in neighborhood bus stops, and expand the Silver Spring Blues Festival.
Of the 19 designated arts and entertainment districts in Maryland, three now reside in Montgomery County: Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Wheaton. The next ten years hold challenges but also many opportunities to make Silver Spring thrive for its residents and those in the surrounding communities.
Theatre, arts, music—the DC Metro area offers a variety of enjoyable activities. Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.
No comments:
Post a Comment