WHAT IS THE INITIATIVE?

We are seeking to designate a part of the Dorchester neighborhood as Little Saigon Cultural District. This process involves submitting an application to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the designation will last for five years.​

 

Little Saigon Cultural District seeks to attract more businesses and tourism to the neighborhood and encourage further arts and cultural development in the community.

HOW WILL THIS INITIATIVE IMPACT THE COMMUNITY?

1.

  • Provide spaces for creative arts through neighborhood murals, electrical boxes, cultural events, etc.

  • Instill a sense of pride and ownership in the community.

2.

  • Encourage and support resident artists by exploring grant opportunities.

  • Educate youth through the coordination of existing cultural events and language programs (Au Co Vietnamese Pre-School, Van Lang Vietnamese Language School, Tet in Boston Festival, Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Hung Kings Commemoration, Trung Queens Commemoration, Black April Event, etc.).

  • Provide opportunities for residents to meet one another, learn from one another, and enjoy what the neighborhood has to offer.

3.

  • Establish the district as a tourist destination, thereby bringing in more potential customers for current businesses.

  • Attract new businesses into the area and create more job opportunities.

4.

  • Establish a point of attraction for Vietnamese American cuisine, events, language programs, businesses and organizations, etc.

MAPPING OF CULTURAL DISTRICT

The current mapping proposal for Little Saigon Cultural District is a half-mile stretch along parts of Dorchester Ave, Charles St, Park St, and Adams St (streets with dense Vietnamese businesses and activities).

 

Cultural District Asset Highlights include:

  • Vietnamese American Community Center

  • Buddhist Temple

  • Vietnamese markets

  • Vietnamese restaurants

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. What is a Cultural District?
    Cultural districts help local arts and humanities improve the quality and range of their public programs so that more local families can benefit from them. The Mass Cultural Council encourages communities to strengthen the sense of authenticity while stimulating economic activity, improving the experiences of visitors to our communities, and creating a higher quality of life for residents.
     

  2. Are you changing the name of the area?
    No. The Dorchester and Fields Corner name will remain and will not be changed. Little Saigon would be an additional name that would highlight the Vietnamese American culture that is present including Vietnamese resources, residents, events, etc. In fact, cultural district designations are not exclusive to one designation. It is possible to have multiple designations overlapping the same geographic area. This initiative to have the Little Saigon Cultural District does not prevent other cultural district names to be designated in the same place.
     

  3. Is this district only for Vietnamese businesses?
    No. Little Saigon Cultural District looks forward to working with the area’s Vietnamese AND non-Vietnamese community to discuss how their businesses and communities can benefit from a Little Saigon Cultural District. Our intention is not to promote or recognize one culture at the expense of others. We respect Dorchester’s rich and diverse history. We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate.

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Stay up-to-date with Boston’s Little Saigon by following the Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/BostonLittleSaigon

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