An exciting initiative is under way along Del Paso Boulevard in North Sacramento to develop an arts district that is designed to support artists living, working, and exhibiting their work as the catalyst of a redevelopment effort based on creative reuse and arts related businesses. The Uptown District encompasses a 49 block area primarily on Del Paso Boulevard and Arden Way and includes artist live/work studios, galleries, an imported furniture store, and other facilities for performing and visual arts. This theme focused redevelopment and reuse of space has been very successful.
The North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce began in 1992 to explore ways to support the artists living and working in the community and to use arts-based development projects as a catalyst for commercial revitalization along Del Paso Boulevard, the central commercial corridor. The Chamber has brought together members of the local arts community, business and property owners, and elected and government officials as partners in the vision of the District. That effort has flourished with the designation of the "district" as a Redevelopment Area, a State Enterprise Zone, and the establishment of zoning tools like a Special Planning District, Design Review, and a Commercial Facade Grant Program.
The Chamber's premier program Phantom Galleries (Second Saturday/Second Shift) began on Del Paso Boulevard in 1993 and continues today. Phantom Galleries are temporary art exhibits in vacant storefronts. This program provides the opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work while fostering economic development by focusing attention on available retail space. A wide variety of individual and organizations exhibit in the galleries including performing, visual, and digital artists. In partnership with local schools, elementary and high school students exhibits are included throughout the year, providing encouragement for these young artists by providing them an opportunity to display their work. Phantom has introduced hundred's of artists to Sacramento!
