Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art, is weaving tradition with innovation to redefine its tourism landscape.
As global travelers seek deeper, more meaningful experiences, Paducah embraces creative tourism to meet this evolving demand.
Here, visitors don’t just observe—they engage, create, and connect with local artisans.
This participatory approach fuels a sustainable cultural ecosystem rooted in community and craft.
By spotlighting heritage and creativity, Paducah fosters economic resilience and cultural preservation.
Today, we explore how this small city is making a big impact through the power of creative tourism. Alyssa Phares, Executive Director of Paducah, shared with us Paducah’s experience and strategies.
Local artists, businesses, and cultural organizations are at the heart of every program.
-Alyssa Phares, Executive Director of Paducah, UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art
Q: Could you please briefly introduce your city’s cultural and creative DNA?
A: Paducah, Kentucky is a river town with global reach. At our core is a deep commitment to storytelling—whether through fabric, food, art, or music. We’re perhaps best known for our quilting heritage, anchored by the National Quilt Museum, but our creative DNA is far more expansive. From generational folk artists like Helen LaFrance to contemporary chefs pushing culinary boundaries like Sara Bradley, Paducah thrives where tradition meets innovation. Our community takes pride in creating and sharing work that’s meaningful, rooted, and ever-evolving.
Q: Why did your city choose to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
A: Paducah joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2013 to recognize and elevate the rich tradition of craft and folk art that defines so much of who we are. But the motivation went beyond recognition—it was about connection. Joining the network opened the door to international collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and the opportunity to reimagine how we engage with heritage, education, and economic development through creativity. It’s been a platform to amplify our voice and share our story globally.
Q: What are the main cultural and creative policies or projects currently being developed in your city?
A: We’re currently focused on deepening community engagement and cultural inclusion through several key projects. These include a collaborative arts study that measured the economic impact of our creative sector, a regional storytelling initiative tied to the U.S. Semiquincentennial, and multi-city partnerships with other Creative Cities in the works. The city is also investing in public art, expanding interpretive programming, and supporting local organizations through in-kind marketing assistance and grants. All of this is underpinned by a commitment to elevate underrepresented voices and foster generational continuity in the arts.
Q: How would you define creative tourism from your city’s perspective?
A: In Paducah, creative tourism is immersive. It’s not about seeing art—it’s about making it, tasting it, hearing the story behind it. Visitors come here to learn a new quilting technique, to meet the maker behind a handmade piece of jewelry, or to hear the story behind a mural. Creative tourism here is personal, hands-on, and grounded in authentic cultural exchange.
Q: What are the key creative tourism assets that contribute to your city’s development strategy?
A: Our key assets include the National Quilt Museum, Yeiser Art Center, Maiden Alley Cinema, and our historic downtown galleries, shops, restaurants, and studios. But it’s the people—the working artists, chefs, musicians, and storytellers—who are the real draw. We also have annual events like AQS QuiltWeek, Lower Town Arts & Music Festival, and Cinema Systers that showcase Paducah’s diverse creative voice. These assets not only attract visitors but also inspire residents and foster a vibrant year-round creative economy.
Q: Could you share some successful initiatives or best practices that illustrate your city’s approach to creative tourism? What made them effective?
A: One recent example is our partnership with Santa Fe’s Creative City team to develop a shared exhibition focused on intergenerational creativity. Another is our collaboration with American Cruise Lines to bring curated cultural experiences to riverboat passengers. What makes these efforts successful is the authenticity—they’re rooted in real community partnerships and deliver unique, place-based experiences.
Q: How does your city assess the impact of its creative initiatives, particularly in the field of creative tourism?
A: We use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods—visitor data, economic impact reports, audience surveys, and post-event evaluations. We also listen carefully to feedback from community partners, artists, and attendees.
Q: What challenges has your city encountered in promoting creative tourism, and how have you addressed them?
A: One ongoing challenge is balancing tradition with innovation. It’s important that we celebrate the legacy of craft and folk art without becoming static. Another is ensuring equitable access and representation across all programs. We’ve addressed this by refining our grant processes, emphasizing community storytelling, and building partnerships with diverse local groups. We also face the challenge of seasonal visitation, which we’re working to balance through strategic off-season campaigns and events.
Q: How do local communities participate in or benefit from creative tourism projects?
A: Local artists, businesses, and cultural organizations are at the heart of every program. Grants, vendor opportunities, and workshops directly benefit our residents, while increased tourism supports jobs, small businesses, and cultural preservation. On a non-economic level, these projects create pride, foster intergenerational connections, and help keep cultural practices alive and visible. Many Paducahans don’t just experience creative tourism—they help define it.
Q: What role does digital innovation or technology play in your city’s creative tourism efforts?
A: Digital storytelling is increasingly central to how we share Paducah’s creative spirit. From video shorts on artists to ad campaigns targeting niche markets, we’re using tech to extend the reach of our stories. Our new marketing efforts include a data-forward Google and Meta dashboard to track where visitors are coming from and how they engage with content—helping us improve and personalize our approach.
Q: What are your future goals or visions regarding creativity and tourism in your city?
A: Our vision is to continue positioning Paducah as a creative destination that values authenticity, equity, and connection. We aim to expand regional and international partnerships, support artist-led placemaking, and build programming that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly around inclusive economic growth and cultural resilience. Ultimately, we want people to come to Paducah not just for what they can see—but for what they can do, feel, and contribute.
