The DeKalb Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Corridor (A.C.E.)
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Geographic Area
The A.C.E. Corridor will include surrounding blocks in the area extending from the Convocation Center on the west end of the Northern Illinois University Campus to the East of Downtown DeKalb.
Vision
The DeKalb A.C.E. (Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment) Corridor is established by the DeKalb Area Arts Council to identify a destination where people can view and participate in artistic, cultural, and entertainment events. It is a vital area of arts and cultural activities for the region showcasing the positive impact of the arts on the community.
The A.C.E. Corridor is an economic development tool through its enhancement of the quality of life and increased activity. The corridor attracts new businesses, new development, new activities, new families, and new students to the area. Existing businesses are enhanced and property values are positively impacted through the success of the A.C.E. Corridor.
The A.C.E. Corridor is a cultural hub for DeKalb. It is an attractive, pedestrian friendly environment with a high concentration of public art, gathering spaces, and creative enterprises.
City of DeKalb Resolution (Approved and adopted on March 14, 2016)
WHEREAS, the DeKalb Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment (A.C.E.) Corridor is established by the DeKalb Area Arts Council to identify a destination where people can view and participate in artistic, cultural, and entertainment activities and because the A.C.E. Corridor is a vital area of arts and culture for the region showcasing the positive impact of the arts on the community; and
WHEREAS, the A.C.E. Corridor includes surrounding blocks in the area extending from the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center on the West end of the NIU campus to the East side of Downtown DeKalb; and
WHEREAS, this corridor is an attractive, pedestrian friendly environment with a high concentration of public art and gathering spaces representing a physical and cultural hub for DeKalb; and
WHEREAS, the Ellwood Historic Neighborhood is an important neighborhood along the A.C.E. Corridor containing historic and architecturally significant homes and where the history of DeKalb is celebrated through preserving the integrity and historic nature of the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the A.C.E. Corridor is intended to promote arts, culture, and entertainment and thereby increase economic development, enhance the quality of life, attract new businesses, spur new development, and encourage new activities that will draw families and students to the area; and
WHEREAS, these initiatives have the potential to benefit existing businesses and increase current property values; and
WHEREAS, the A.C.E. Corridor will encourage a wide range of artistic, cultural, and entertainment experiences in existing and future public spaces and facilities that can accommodate a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities appealing to diverse audiences; and
WHEREAS, the A.C.E. Corridor includes existing and future potential venues and facilities such as galleries, studios, theatres, performance spaces, educational spaces, and practice spaces that can enhance the unique character of the corridor for artists, audiences, and the public; and
WHEREAS, the A.C.E. Corridor has a distinct image and character that reflects the unique cultural and artistic heart of DeKalb; and
WHEREAS, the A.C.E. Corridor will help enhance the vibrancy of surrounding neighborhoods by capitalizing on the tremendous artistic assets Northern Illinois University has to offer and will help foster involvement with the community; and
WHEREAS, the A.C.E. Corridor will also help spur development not only within the corridor, but in surrounding areas and throughout the County by making the region more attractive to businesses, residents, and students and by enhancing the quality of life for these constituents;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of DeKalb, Illinois, recognizes the A.C.E. Corridor as an effort to promote arts within the City of DeKalb and its surrounding areas.
References
National Cultural Districts Exchange (Americans for the Arts)
How the Arts and Cultural Tourism Spur Economic Development (Western City)
Arts Districts as a Tool for Community Revitalization and Economic Development (Author Unknown)
DeKalb Area Arts Council 