An arts district or cultural district is a demarcated urban area, usually on the periphery of a city centre, intended to create a 'critical mass' of places of cultural consumption - such as art galleries, theatres, art cinemas, music venues, and public squares for performances.

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail is open year-round. Opening and closing times may vary for some shops. Most have hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What makes for an inspiring arts district? Revitalized and renewed urban spaces in once derelict neighborhoods, big-name museums with architecture as impressive as the art housed within, or streets lined with small galleries and studios interspersed with trendy cafes.

Public art differs from art produced for display in a museum, gallery, or other public place, and from art collected by individuals, in three major ways: It is commissioned by a very public process, in which the community has a clear and defined role in selecting the artist, the site, and the artwork.