DORCHESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A portion of Fields Corner in Dorchester has been designated as Boston Little Saigon Cultural District.
This area is primarily Vietnamese American, and showcases the city's immigration history through art and cultural experiences.
“This area of Dorchester has long been a hub for Vietnamese American culture and community, and it’s great to see the vibrancy and diversity of the neighborhood recognized in this way,” Boston Mayor Kim Janey said. “I look forward to seeing the cultural district inspire residents and visitors to support local businesses, try new restaurants, and participate in arts and cultural events happening in the neighborhood.”
The City of Boston and NOVA approved a $75,000 Our Town grant to support the confirmation of the district.
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"This is one of 63 grants nationwide that the agency has approved in this category to support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes, ultimately laying the groundwork for sustainable systems change," the city stated.
Talk from community members of this area becoming a cultural district started in March 2014.
“We hope to bring more awareness of Vietnamese arts and culture that our older generation has instilled in us and captivate new ideas from the younger generation. We look forward to working with everyone to create more arts and business supports in the Fields Corner area,” Annie Le, board president of Boston Little Saigon, said in a statement issued from the mayor’s office.
Boston Little Saigon is now the forth cultural district within Boston; joining Boston’s Latin Quarter, the Fenway Cultural District and the Roxbury Cultural District, according to the state council’s website.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) spoke to a local restaurant owner in the area:
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Written by Edyn Jensen
(Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio)