Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the Dallas Arts District Foundation serves the largest contiguous arts district in the nation! The mixed-use neighborhood is comprised of cultural, corporate, educational, residential, recreational, and religious institutions. A 501c3 organization, the Dallas Arts District is supported in part by the generosity of members, donors, corporate sponsors, the residents of Dallas through the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, and Texas Commission on the Arts. The neighborhood attracts more than 4.1 million visitors annually of which 500,000 are students, and was awarded the highest possible rating by the prestigious Michelin Green Guide, one of only five designations in Dallas. Dallas Arts District ranked 3rd in USA Today's 10Best Arts Districts in the nation for 2021, 2022, and 2023.
In addition to serving as the primary steward and representative for the Dallas Arts District, the Foundation supports local arts organizations annually through its grants program that provides assistance to produce performances or exhibits while introducing new, diverse audiences to the neighborhood. The Arts District supports safety, connectivity, and accessibility through the Dallas Arts District CONNECT Master Plan, an infrastructure streetscape plan that would replace the current Sasaki Plan. The Arts + Culture industry in the District has more than tripled its economic impact since 2010, according to the recent Economic Prosperity Study conducted by Americans for the Arts and an overall economic impact of nearly $400 million from 13 cultural institutions in Dallas Arts District, creating $43 million in revenue that goes directly to local and state governments. One of the most impactful programs of the Dallas Arts District is its grants program, reinvesting in the performing and visual arts in Dallas; these grants showcase the vibrant, dynamic and innovative arts scene that Dallas has to offer, bringing new programs and diverse audiences to the Dallas Arts District.
Dallas Arts District strives to create free, accessible events for the community through its Signature Block Party Series and other partnerships that provide street activation featuring exceptional local, national, and international artists.