CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) – The Massachusetts Cultural Council has designated four new state cultural districts, one each in Cambridge, Essex, Marlborough and Sandwich.
The districts are walkable areas with a concentration of cultural attractions. The designation by the state agency is meant to, among other things, help attract artists, enhance property values and promote tourism.
Friday’s announcement brings the number of cultural districts to 14 statewide in just over a year since the initiative was launched.
The new districts include the Central Square area in Cambridge, home to a mix of startups and independently owned shops.
The Essex River district includes the seaside town of Essex’s historic shipyards and marinas.
The downtown Marlborough district includes a skyline unchanged over time because utility wires are underground.
The district in Sandwich, on Cape Cod, is focused on the Sandwich Glass Museum.
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