More than Lobsters, Lighthouses and L.L. Bean: Maine’s Statewide Cultural Tourism Program

The Setting

Although Maine is proud of being famous for lobsters, lighthouses and L.L. Bean, citizens knew there was even more that could be shared with visitors. The Maine Arts Commission and the Maine Office of Tourism took the first step by organizing a workshop for representatives of arts organizations, museums, state agencies, chambers of commerce, historical societies and businesses to discuss cultural heritage tourism.

What Happened Next

Following the initial workshop, a Task Force was appointed to begin building partnerships and seeking ways to build cultural heritage tourism. Among the results were:

• Expanded partnership to include the Maine Humanities Council and Historic Preservation Commission
• The four agencies formed the Arts and Heritage Tourism Partnership and contributed funds for grants.
• Conducted a statewide inventory of arts and heritage groups
• Created the Mid-Coast Arts and Heritage Map
• Created an out-of-state marketing campaign
• Created the staff position of Arts and Heritage Tourism Consultant

Results

• Some museums experienced an 80 percent increase in attendance.
• Publicity was generated in such publications as The New York Times.
• $3.6 million was awarded by the state legislature in 1999 for the New Century
• Community Program, providing funding through matching grants and direct services.
• The investment of state dollars leveraged $10 million in outside funding.

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