City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture -

Event
Calendar

Artist
Directory

Funding
Programs

Virtual
Programs

Community
Arts

Public Art
Program

101.1
WRR Radio

Spacefinder
Dallas

Arts & Culture
Advisory
Commission

Dallas
Cultural
Plan

Email
Sign Up

Cultural
Centers
& Venues

Front PageFebruary 24, 2021
New artist residency program launched by South Dallas Cultural Center FOR MORE INFORMATION: John Spriggins- Manager, South Dallas Cultural Center john.spriggins@dallascityhall.com 214.671.0058 The Office of Arts and Culture’s (OAC) South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Juanita J. Craft House Artist Residency Initiative- an immersive, interactive program for artists of all disciplines to meaningfully connect them with South Dallas neighborhoods. The residency initiative supports artists by offering non-living studio space and connecting them with residents, organizations, and institutions to develop a unique artwork, art series, or body of work centering community activism. This opportunity opens space for artists to capture the immediacy of the moment where historical neighborhoods are rapidly changing due to socio-economic shifts, to collect various visions of South Dallas for future residents, visionaries and developers. “I am a native of South Dallas and dreamed of making an impact on my neighborhood,” said South Dallas Cultural Center Manager John Spriggins. “I know the power of a residency and at the time, there weren’t many artist residencies in Dallas that focused on supporting artists of the African Diaspora. Residencies like Project Row Houses in Houston and Rebuild Foundation by Theater Gates in Chicago provided the inspiration, where specifically Black artists went into Black communities and developed art projects with a community focus, making a cultural impact. My hope is to connect creativity with community in South Dallas. It is the right time to launch the residency with all of the changes happening in the area.” Spriggins has lead the cultural center since 2017. The pandemic offered him the opportunity to hyper-focus on the development of the Juanita J. Craft House Artist Residency Initiative, which will officially start accepting applications in April 2021. In Fall of 2020, Spriggins worked with artist Nitashia Johnson to pilot the program. Johnson was raised in South Dallas and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in 2008. Some of her work includes, The Smart Project, a creative after-school program for artistic teens , and her 2018 photographic book series, The Self Publication, created to uplift the Black community and dismantle harsh stereotypes associated with the culture. Johnson’s unique voice and community-oriented work made her an excellent candidate to pilot the residency. “The art of storytelling has always influenced my multimedia artwork,” said Johnson. “My eagerness and love for the world and others have pushed me to produce a body of work highlighting environmental spaces, communities, and individual muses. When I started working on the residency project which I’ve titled The Beauty of South Dallas, Capturing the Now Before the Future, I was excited yet nervous about where to begin. South Dallas is a large area, and I wanted to make sure to capture the spirit of the people and the land.” South Dallas is experiencing rapid trends and changes with infrastructure, housing, and socio-economic shifts. Since the 1950s, South Dallas has been predominately populated by African Americans with 15 neighborhoods which vary from working middle class to working poor. Now, like many other near-downtown-neighborhoods around the country, it’s proximity makes it appealing for urban renewal and redevelopment. The area is being carved into trendy districts. The impact of this transformation is determined by perspective and this residency encourages artists of the African Diaspora to explore this with new working methods, such as developing socially engaging art experiences that interact with and are immersed within the neighborhoods of the South Dallas area. ... Read more...
Call For Entries / Front PageFebruary 23, 2021
NON-PROFIT RESIDENCY PROGRAM (Call for Proposals) The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture’s Community Arts Division is requesting proposals from Non-Profit Organizations with ALAANA-focused programming for an 8-week residency! The residency can be in-person or virtual, focusing on providing services in Districts 2-6, 8, and 10-13. These Districts do not have neighborhood cultural centers to connect arts organizations with new communities. Special consideration will be given to proposals providing services in the pink and green areas of the Dallas Cultural Plan’s typology map. Using any arts discipline, the proposed residency projects must address art and culture and create access to artistic and cultural programming for the residents of Dallas. Residencies must take place within the city limits of Dallas and must be completed by September 30, 2021. TIMELINE Open for Submissions: February 23, 2021 Info Session 1: Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 12 PM Info Session 2: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at 6 PM Submission Deadline: March 17, 2021 Panel Review: March 19-26, 2021 Award Notifications: April 5, 2021 APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MARCH 17, 2021 at 11:59 PM... Read more...
Front PageJanuary 28, 2021
Black History Month 2021Whether you’re staying in or looking for in-person, socially distanced programs, there are so many ways to celebrate Black History Month in February 2021. The Office of Arts and Culture offers a list events all over Dallas, from our cultural centers and our partners!... Read more...
Events / Front PageDecember 3, 2020
Holiday Events and Programs 2020Whether you’re staying inside and enjoying virtual events by the fire, or looking for in-person, socially distanced events, there are so many ways to feel the holiday cheer this season. The Office of Arts and Culture offers a list of holiday events all over Dallas, from our partners and our cultural centers! ... Read more...
Call For Entries / Front PageDecember 1, 2020
Beautiful Communities (Request for Proposals)If you are a visual artist or muralist who can envision a blank canvas in any space, this project is for you! The Office of Arts and Culture and the Department of Code Compliance of the City of Dallas are embarking on a project to beautify our neighborhoods. This venture involves decorating a roll off container (20 feet in length and 7 feet in height) which will be displayed in various neighborhoods in the City of Dallas as it is requested for Community Clean-Up events. This is an opportunity for artists to showcase their work around the city providing an artistic focal point in our Dallas neighborhoods as we enhance the look of our city one community at a time. Artists are welcome to submit proposals as individual artists or artist collectives. Submissions will only be accepted from artists with a residential or administrative office within the city limits of Dallas. ... Read more...
Events / Front PageNovember 9, 2020
Join us November 18th for… Dallas Cultural Plan: Responding to 2020The Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) and their partners are ready for another year-in-review! Join us virtually as we report out on the Dallas Cultural Plan and discuss how the Dallas arts scene has adapted to all the changes of 2020 and how we will continue to work together in this new future. 2:45 PM- Musical preshow by CAP Artist Kamica King. 3:00 PM- Opening statements including welcomes from Mayor Eric Johnson, Chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Sam Santiago, and an artist statement by Tina Medina. To brush up on our 2018 Dallas Cultural Plan visit: https://dallasculture.org/about-us/dcp2018/ ⇒ RSVP HERE ⇐ Únase a la Oficina de Arte y Cultura (OAC) y a nuestros socios mientras informamos sobre el Plan Cultural de Dallas y cómo nuestro mundo artístico se ha adaptado a todos los cambios de 2020 y cómo continuaremos trabajando juntos en este nuevo futuro. 2:45 PM- Musica preshow de CAP Artista Kamica King. 3:00 PM- Apertura da la bienvenida del Alcalde Eric Johnson, el presidente de la Comisión Asesora de Arte y Cultura Sam Santiago, y una declaración de artista Tina Medina. Para obtener más información sobre nuestro Plan Cultural de Dallas, visite: https://dallasculture.org/about-us/dcp2018/ ⇒ ENLACE del EVENTO AQUI ⇐... Read more...
Call For Entries / Cultural Programs / Front PageNovember 3, 2020
ArtsActivate 2021 is now open for project proposals.The Office of Arts and Culture Funding Programs is seeking proposals from individual artists, non-profit organizations, social services organizations, artist collectives and other eligible non-profit organizations for ArtActivate 2021. This year, there will only be 1 ROUND of ArtsActivate. Applications are open from November 3- November 30, 2020. ArtsActivate 2021: is a project-based cultural funding program is open for proposals from non-profit arts/cultural organizations, social services organizations, individual artists, artist collectives and other eligible non-profit organizations will open for one round for projects taking place during the 2020-21 fiscal year (October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021) OAC Cultural Funding Programs staff will also be hosting 4 virtual events to help applicants with their applications or with any questions they may have. The 4 virtual events include two info sessions (one in English and one in Spanish) and two sets of office hours with both english and spanish speaking staff available to answer any questions! For more information on our Cultural Funding Programs department please visit www.dallasculture.org/cultural-funding-programs Funding Programs is a division of the Office of Arts and Culture that is dedicated to providing funding each fiscal year (FY) to eligible artists, nonprofits, and Dallas residents who apply through our funding programs.... Read more...
Front Page / South Dallas Cultural CenterOctober 21, 2020
OAC Seeking Applicants for Performing Arts Coordinator at the South Dallas Cultural CenterApply Online The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) seeks qualified candidates for the Performing Arts Coordinator position at the South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC), a multi-disciplinary arts center that provides a wide array of programs inspired by the vibrancy and diversity of the African Diaspora.As part of the Office of Arts and Culture team at the South Dallas Cultural Center, working under the SDCC manager, this position primarily provides oversight, coordination and support to the performing arts events at the Center, including theater, dance, music, film, festivals, meetings, and other events. The position will have frequent interaction with clients and patrons, and will be expected to act in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Performance of the duties and responsibilities of the position will require a flexible schedule, with frequent evening and weekend shifts for events. Essential Functions Coordination of venue’s technical needs, including inventory and maintenance of all technical equipment. Budget development and monitoring for theater, recording studio and offices. Records management related to rental of SDCC spaces. Coordinating the SDCC’s calendar of events in conjunction with the center’s manager. Supervising event load-ins, performances, and strikes. Training and monitoring users on the proper and safe use of space and equipment. Assisting with gallery exhibits and receptions as needed. Serve as manager-on-duty during many performances and events. Participation as part of the team of technicians and coordinators at OAC’s other cultural venues. Participation in OAC-wide or City-wide special projects as needed. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Arts related field is required. Equivalencies: Associate’s degree in an Arts related field plus at least three years of experience in a technical theater field or other relevant professional experience At least five years of experience in a technical theater field or other relevant professional experience Possess a valid driver’s license, and have a good driving record. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of technical theater. Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills preferred. Strong constituency service skills required. Ability to speak comfortably in public. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to manage multiple projects on a tight deadline. Strong computer skills preferred. Knowledge of Dallas neighborhoods, and a history of civic engagement and volunteerism a plus. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to a high standard in a sometimes hectic work environment. Flexibility – Ability to work regular evenings or weekends. Ability to work well and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other departmental staff. Team player who will thrive in a highly collaborative environment. Demonstrated ability to be resourceful, flexible and adaptable in response to changing situations. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job. Application Period closes 11/4/2020 11:59 PM CT Apply Online ... Read more...
Front Page / NewsSeptember 28, 2020
Office of Arts and Culture launches online marketplace to match artists, community groups, organizations to creative spacesSpacefinder Dallas is here! The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) has launched Spacefinder Dallas, an online rental database that helps artists, community groups and cultural organizations find affordable rental venues for arts and cultural events or services. SpaceFinder Dallas addresses the inaccessibility of creative spaces across the city needed to make and present art. “Given the challenges of the pandemic, finding safe and accessible spaces for artists is even more of a challenge, and Spacefinder is here to assist. It will help activate our venues – with a new focus on outside options – as our community begins to recover,” said Director of the Office of Arts and Culture Jennifer Scripps. In the 2018 Dallas Cultural Plan, “space” was one of the top priorities citywide for artists and organizations. Space owners do not always have connections to the artist community or understand the creative events, services and opportunities that artists can provide. Through the Spacefinder website, OAC works to increase the visibility of space options, help artists, organizations and community groups find the space they need and promote local venues. The idea to implement Spacefinder Dallas came from a similar project in Seattle. In April of 2018, Randy Engstrom, the Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Arts and Culture, presented Spacefinder Seattle at the Dallas Arts Month’s Arts Advocacy Day. The project quickly emerged as a priority initiative. By 2019, Spacefinder Dallas was developed into an official website, and in late 2019, OAC staff worked to populate the website with diverse locations across the city. “SpaceFinder Dallas is extremely beneficial to venues located outside the traditional art scene in the Design and Arts Districts,” said Joseph Yeh, co-director of the Goldmark Cultural Center. “Through Spacefinder Dallas’s comprehensive and easily searchable database, Dallas area artists are now discovering those spaces and bringing art resources and cultural events to the outlying districts of the city.” With 2018’s OAC Cultural Plan highlighting the historical lack of equity and access to space in the Dallas cultural arts scene, OAC understood that Spacefinder Dallas would be an actionable step towards supporting a sustainable arts ecosystem. This website will bridge the gap between inequities of accessibility and connect organizations, community groups and artists to Dallas spaces. “As a Latino performing arts group, being able to use the Latino Cultural Center plaza has really helped us continue to offer classes for our students,” said Alegre Ballet Folklórico’s founder and director, Pedro Perez. “OAC’s Spacefinde r helps organizations like ours find non-traditional art spaces within our city, especially during these difficult times.” For more information on how you can find or add your venue, visit Spacefinder Dallas online at www.spacefinderdallas.com.... Read more...
Front Page / News / UncategorizedMarch 13, 2020
Dallas Arts Month 2020 has been CanceledToday, March 12, 2020 , with the well-being of our community in mind, the Office of Arts and Culture has made the decision to cancel Dallas Arts Month 2020, which was to take place this April. The cancellation comes out of an abundance of caution and due to all the recent closures and event reschedules in relation to COVID-19. We salute all our artists and arts organizations for continuing to spread light during this time of uncertainty.Thank you all and we look forward to reigniting Dallas Arts Month in 2021! In regards to other cultural happenings throughout the City, please contact the presenting organization directly for details regarding scheduled events, cancellations, and other information. This situation is rapidly evolving and in most cases, the organization is best placed to give you information on if something is happening (or not) and if it is rescheduled (and when). For more information on COVID-19, the CDC guidelines on travel, events, and more, please refer to the City of Dallas COVID website: https://dallascityhall.com/Pages/Corona-Virus.aspx For the OAC update on the Dallas County Declaration Regarding COVID-19, please visit: https://dallasculture.org/2020/03/an-update-on-dallas-county-declaration-of-local-disaster-for-public-health-emergency-regarding-covid-19/... Read more...

OAC News & Updates

Cultural Funding Programs

Cultural Venues

Public Art Program

About OAC


CITY OF DALLAS \| Contact Us \| Disclaimer \| Privacy Policy The Office of Arts and Culture is a division of the City Manager's Office of the City of Dallas