NY S00253

Amends Arts and Cultural Affairs Law to define "arts and cultural districts" as geographic areas with concentrations of arts or cultural facilities, allowing single or multiple local governments to jointly apply for designation.

Requires the Council on the Arts, in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development and other state agencies, to develop criteria and guidelines for designating state arts and cultural districts.

Establishes designation criteria including: attracting artists and cultural enterprises, encouraging job development, generating tourism, enhancing property values, and promoting arts preservation and education.

Directs the Department of Economic Development to provide state-supported assistance to designated districts, including technical assistance for grant applications, marketing expertise, and identification of available state resources.

Takes effect 120 days after becoming law.