The Cedars Union

The Cedars Union was established as a 501c3 in 2015 to offer North Texas artists more opportunity to advance professional careers while forming meaningful collaborations. The concept for The Cedars Union emerged after siblings Matthew and Megan Bowdon graduated from art school and recognized a lack of support and resources for emerging artists and creatives. The CU team focused on how to bridge that gap for a successful career in art, looking to help artists learn business entrepreneurship and advance their craft. After identifying a need for entrepreneurial training for artists, The CU began public programming in 2016, working with community partners like the Dallas Public Library to hold programs and workshops.The Cedars neighborhood near downtown Dallas was chosen as the home location for the project based on its centralized urban location and established arts community. After preparative research including feasibility studies, community surveys, and focus group discussions, an architectural plan was designed to fulfill the artistic community's needs. In late 2017, construction started on the Annex, the proof of concept space for The CU model. The Annex opened in the summer of 2018, featuring modular artist studios, a woodshop, tech labs, and shared work spaces designed specifically for the needs of emerging artists. That August, the first Cohort of CU artists - determined through a juried selection process - began moving into their new "microstudios." During their time at the Annex, the Cohort artists have experienced unprecedented growth, not only honing their craft to professional standards but also fostering a rich network of collaborations and opportunities that have been instrumental in shaping promising, sustainable careers in the arts. Since our doors opened in 2018, the facilities have served 68 Studio Artists through four Cohorts, 108 Community Member artists, and have delivered programming for over 6,000 North Texans!The CU has now operated out of the Annex for five years, and is working on plans for expansion into the Boedeker, a nearby 45,000 sqft historic ice cream factory. With the initial seed funding ending from The Bowdon Family Foundation, The Cedars Union is working to expand fundraising and public support. We appreciate your contributions to helping us keep our mission going - thank you!

Nurturing professional artists and creatives in a vibrant art community, The CU provides affordable working space in a collaboration based format with low walls and no doors. Community and studio members have 24/7 access to a woodshop, tech labs, and sewing, photography, and printmaking equipment. The CU provides safe, in-person and online programs and workshops in entrepreneurship, legal aid, artist community panels, critiques, and more.

Our Needs

Dear Friends & Followers,

As we continue our journey of nurturing creativity and supporting the arts, we reach out to you on North Texas Giving Day with a heartfelt request for financial assistance. Your generous contributions play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding our organization's mission, allowing us to provide even greater value to our community.

Your financial gift goes beyond mere donations; it becomes an investment in the growth and development of our vibrant artistic ecosystem. Here's how your support will make a meaningful impact:

1. Expanding our Programming: Your contribution will enable us to continue diversifying and enhancing our programs. From workshops and exhibitions to educational initiatives, your support fuels innovation in North Texas.
2. Infrastructure and Maintenance: We face an electrical issue in our wood shop that requires immediate attention. Your contribution will directly contribute to resolving this problem, ensuring the safety and functionality of our space for all members.
3. Enhancing Equipment Accessibility: Your support enables us to invest in and maintain equipment, such as cameras and tripods, that our members rely on for their endeavors. This not only fosters creativity but also elevates the quality of work produced.  

We also extend a warm invitation to join us on November 18th for Cedars Open Studios. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand how we collaborate with emerging artists and champion the visual arts in North Texas. You'll experience the creative energy that flows through our organization and see the tangible results of your support.

Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and nurturing space for artists to thrive and for the arts to flourish. We look forward to your generous contributions and the opportunity to celebrate our shared passion for the arts on November 18th.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.

Best Wishes,

The Cedars Union Staff & Board of Directors