CAMBRIDGE - The city of Cambridge, in partnership with Alpha Genesis CDC, has invited interested members of the public to attend an inclusive listening session on Feb. 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Art Bar 2.0, 420B Race St. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Cambridge Arts & Entertainment District redesignation and its goals for the next several years.

Every 10 years, the Maryland State Arts Council reassesses the Arts & Entertainment District designation. Cambridge has had a recognized Arts & Entertainment District since 2002, and this designation was renewed in 2013.

The city is in the process of working with the state of Maryland to complete its second redesignation process. To this end, the city requests input on the current state of the arts in Cambridge and hopes to review the city’s forward-looking plan for economic and arts and entertainment development.

City of Cambridge officials would like residents’ feedback as a starting point for developing this plan. Some questions that will be discussed during the listening session on Feb. 16 include:

• How can the city and its residents help enhance the arts in Cambridge?
• What can the city do to attract more artists to live and/or work in Cambridge?
• What can the city do to enhance the tourist experience of the arts in Cambridge?
• How can the Pine Street Historic District expand both its retail and arts experiences?
• Are there any arts/entertainment experiences that went on hiatus or ended, due to covid, that should be reinstated?
• What roles can volunteers and/or students play in expanding the arts in Cambridge?
• How can the city’s art plan advance goals of economic inclusion, racial reconciliation and lifting all voices?
• What sort of public art should the city invest in?