Fairfield is now officially recognized as a cultural district by the Connecticut Office of the Arts and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.

Officials say the designation is meant to support the local economy and promote tourism.

Fairfield is home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Fairfield Theatre Company, Burr Mansion, SHU Community Theatre, and the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

As part of the program, the town will create a Cultural District Commission to oversee development and ensure success.

"We are very blessed — an amazing assortment of arts-based businesses, arts venues, cultural organizations — and this just gives us an opportunity to shine a light on all the great work that all those organizations are doing," said Mark Barnhart, Fairfield's director of community and economic development.