Chewelah parade float

What is a Creative District?

A Creative District is a defined area where art, cultural, social, and economic activity takes place. It includes cultural facilities, artists, creative industries, and businesses that support these activities.

A Creative District is:

  • a vehicle to grow jobs, create opportunities in the arts & creative industries, and make the most of the community's art & cultural heritage.
  • a focal point for people to gather and enjoy a vibrant active community.
  • a showcase for the innovation and entrepreneurship that makes our rural town unique.

The Road So Far

Throughout this challenging year, the Chewelah Creative District has been quietly building steam. This work has shined light into the lives of our volunteer board members by giving all of us something beautiful to visualize and build during a time when looking beyond now has felt impossible at times.

We want to share that light with you! We hope our big news and big plans brighten your day. We’d love for you to join us as we continue to grow!Our official designation as a Creative District by the Washington Arts Commission makes us part of a growing consortium of Creative Districts throughout the state. This presents many opportunities to share resources, learn from each other, and to request state funding as a singular caucus.

Since June of 2019, much has been accomplished through the generous donation of time and money by a broad range of individuals and organizations.

Here are some of the highlights:

  • After a year of financial oversight by the Chewelah Chamber of Commerce, the CCD was able to become a stand alone 501c(3) nonprofit in May of 2020 . CCD is registered with the State and the IRS as a nonprofit corporation.
  • With the initial funding by the Washington Arts Commission and a generous donation from the Spokane Tribe of Indians, we were able to establish the CCD logo and brand development, Facebook page, website, and a membership program.
  • In July of 2020, the CCD applied for a capital funding grant from the State of Washington that required matching funds. Once again, this wonderful community stepped in raising $11,545 in matching funds. We were awarded the $26,466 capital projects grant on October 15, 2020.
  • The capital funding grant is to be used for place-making projects including several murals throughout town, stylish wayfinding signs, and a beautiful, interactive information kiosk. These projects have completed the design phase and are ready for implementation. Each project has a team leader to ensure they are completed by the project deadline of 6/30/2021.
    • Our goal is for the majority of the work to be completed by local entrepreneurs & artists. If you are interested in being on one of these project teams please read more about them on the website or emailing for more information.
  • In December of 2020 WSDOT installed highway signage letting travelers know about our Creative District. These signs are on Hwy 395 on both sides of town.

Map to Murals of Chewelah

We've put together a map of the murals that have been painted all throughout the City of Chewelah. Download, print, and set out to find them all!