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Arts and Culture Advisory Commission / City of Dallas / Cultural Venues / Events / Front Page / NewsSeptember 13, 2022
National Hispanic Heritage MonthHispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The event which spans from September 15 – October 15 commemorates how Hispanic individuals and communities influenced and continue to influence and contribute immensely to American society at large. Yanga and the AfroMexican Experience Exhibition NOW – Saturday, October 15, 2022 Latino Cultural Center (2600 Live Oak St.) Yanga and the AfroMexican Experience features an entire gallery devoted to Yanga, exploring this historical story with documents from the Archivo General de la Nacion (National Archives) in Mexico City and Archivo General de Indias (Archive of the Indies) in Seville, Spain. Learn about the African experience in the Mexican state of Veracruz, as the main landing site for many of the enslaved Africans that went directly to Mexico on the Caribbean coast, Costa Chica, the southern Pacific area that crosses the Mexican states of Guerrero and Oaxaca and the Texas bordering state of Coahuila that became a refuge for former slaves from the US. Flor, Canto, y Grito! Friday, September 16, 2022 at 5 pm Latino Cultural Center (2600 Live Oak St.) The curated event highlights Hispanic and Native Cultures with food, drink, poetry, music, dance, and expressions of the spirit. The afternoon-into-evening program will delight the senses and give attendees a glimpse of the Hispanic and Native cultures of yesterday and today. There will be a mercadito with vendors and exhibitors offering folk arts, crafts, imports, and food. Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:30 am Dallas Public Library – Renner Frankford Branch (6400 Frankford Rd.) Celebrate Hispanic and LatinX Heritage Month with dance! Learn about the the spirit and traditions behind dances such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Folklorico, and more in this family friendly interactive program full of music and dance. Latinidad Festival 2022 Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 5 pm AT&T Performing Arts Center (2389 Flora St.) Join us as we kick off Hispanic Heritage month with the first Latinidad Festival 2022 in Annette Strauss Square presented by the AT&T Performing Arts Center and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico with a pop-up market curated by Hecho Con Amor. Celebrate the diversity of Latin America through food, music, dance, local vendors, and art. This festival is a FREE family-friendly event that brings the color and diversity of Latin America while also supporting and spotlighting local businesses, organizations, and artists. Family Movie Night: Coco! September 21, 2022 at 4:30 pm Pleasant Grove Branch Library (7310 Lake June Road) A boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a famous guitar player, despite the misgivings of his close-knit family. When his lofty ambitions cause him to run afoul of a curse, he must journey into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors. Hispanic Heritage Celebration Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 3:30 pm Fireside Recreation Center (8601 Fireside Dr.) Performances by Cara Mia Theater, Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico (with live Mariachi band), and our City of Dallas Poet Laureate. Sunny Sauceda Concert Friday, September 30, 2022, 8-10 pm, Doors open at 7 pm Latino Cultural Center (2600 Live Oak St.) Sunny Sauceda is a three-time Grammy-winning Tejano music artist from San Antonio, Texas. Sauceda plays the accordion and is known as the most energetic accordion player in the world. His accordion playing often overshadows his vocal prowess. Sauceda has a sultry but powerful modern voice. Hispanic Heritage Month Festival Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10 am The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (2922 MLK Blvd.) This year The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center are hosting our first ever Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 1, 2022, which will be an in-person community event with free activities for children, live entertainment, and local vendors. Special guests include Ballet Folklórico Ollimpaxqui and the Cristo Rey Dallas Aesthetic Literacy students. There will be a live Zumba demonstration by Ariana Zuniga. We will also have a special art display from local students showcasing original art reflecting the diversity of Hispanic and Latino culture. Fronteriza: A Collaborative Project by Nuestra Collective Exhibition from October 1 – November 4 Reception will be hosted Saturday, October 1 from 6 – 8 pm at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center Oak Cliff Cultural Center (223 W. Jefferson Blvd.) Nuestra Artist Collective is focused on creating a platform that includes only women artists in order to support and empower the often-excluded voices of Xicana and Latina artists. As women we approach art and themes about the border in a collaborative way. The interconnectedness in our work includes aspects of the female perspective about our family history, culture, place, and politics. During the past year, we have been fortunate to experience group meetings with the artists in the exhibit. This was an opportunity for us to exchange thoughts, share information, and learn from each other. Throughout our studio visits we discussed cultural identity, family history, socio-political issues, the environment, migration, and immigration policies. We realized the border is not just a line separating two countries, but it is also a cultural entity that unites us and informs the art we make. Explore Latin America: Colombia Saturday, October 1, 2022 10:30 am Audelia Road Branch Library (10045 Audelia Rd.) Bilingual Storytime, dance workshop led by Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico where you can learn to Cumbia, and craft paint your own Terra Cotta pot and learn about Ráquira, a small town known as the ceramics capital of Colombia. Explore Latin America: Puerto Rico Saturday, October 8, 2022 10:30 am Forest Green Branch Library (9619 Greenville Ave.) Bilingual Storytime, Dance workshop and learn some traditional Puerto Rican dances such as Salsa and Reggaeton including some craft! Learn about the Taino, the indigenous people of the Caribbean and make your own Taino rock art.... Read more...
City of Dallas / Events / Front Page / News / UncategorizedMay 31, 2022
Pride MonthJune is Pride Month, which means the LGBTQ+ community is ready to stand up for equal rights like never before. If you’re looking to celebrate, learn, sing and dance check out some events that Dallas has for you! City of Dallas Pride Kick Off Wednesday, June 1st at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Dallas Love Field (8008 Herb Kelleher Way) City Hall Plaza (1500 Marilla St) The Dallas Pride flag was adopted as an official city flag last year. By council resolution, the Pride flag will fly over Dallas City Hall for the month of June every year. A Night of Poetry Thursday, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m. Latino Cultural Center (2600 Live Oak St.) Arttitude is excited to announce a “Night of Poetry” for Pride 2022 with special guest Joaquin Zihuatanejo on June 2 at the Latino Cultural Center. Limited seats available. Featured artists: Ofelia Faz Garza, Poetix Guru, Eva Whatley, Thomas Dillard, Princess, Logen Cure, C.R.U.S.H. Hosted by Lady B Smoove. Dallas Pride (Festival/Parade) “Festival” Saturday, June 4th at 11 a.m. “Parade” Sunday, June 5th at 2 p.m. Fair Park (3809 Grand Ave.) Dallas Pride is out and proud with a return to Fair Park June 4-5 to celebrate love and inclusion. Pride weekend kicks off with the Dallas Pride Music Festival on Saturday, followed by Dallas Pride’s Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade on Sunday. Bring the whole family to these all-ages events, which make for a weekend of fun honoring the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, sponsors and supporters. Dallas Arts District Pride Block Party Tuesday June 17th at 6 p.m. Dallas Arts District (1900 N. Pearl St.) In celebration of national LGBTQ+ Pride Month, join Dallas Arts District for pride-themed tours, performances, story-time, movies, local artists, food trucks, makers, and artisans, drag shows, runways, outdoor activities, and more! Don’t miss this lively intersection of arts, culture, and LGBTQ+ community pride! The Queer Birth Project Exhibition through July 17th Nasher Sculpture Center (2001 Flora St) Liss LaFleur ‘s exhibition of the birthing experiences of queer people in America features neon sculptures of the body’s progression in pregnancy and a sound element. D.I.Y. Pride Wreaths! Saturday, June 18th at 11 a.m. Skillman Southwestern Branch Library (5707 Skillman St) Celebrate PRIDE Month by making your own door or wall wreath! Express yourself this Pride Month with this fun and decorative DIY craft. Make it a rainbow or in the colors of a specific flag, come and join this craft session! All supplies are provided in limited quantities. First-come first-serve. This program is brought to you by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library. Marsha & Friends Drag Brunch Two Performances June 19th at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Cedar Springs Tap House (4123 Cedar Springs Rd) JUNE 19 for SPECIAL PRIDE EDITION of Marsha & Friends Drag Brunch benefiting the Coalition for Aging LGBT. 100% of the tips and any other donations go directly to the Coalition for Aging LGBT. Slash/Off June 30th at 5:30 p.m. Skillman Southwestern Branch Library (5707 Skillman St) FanFiction, but make it Queer. Participants will get two random fandoms, it is your task to turn it into a whole new slash fiction with their characters. Could Harley Quinn (Batman) and Rowena (Supernatural) make it work? or Nandor (What We Do In The Shadows) and Prince Eric (Little Mermaid) blossom into true love? ... Read more...
Events / Front Page / News / UncategorizedMay 17, 2022
WRR Open House for Public InputOn Monday, May 23, 2022, the City of Dallas held a public open house to share information about the proposed WRR 101.1 FM Management Agreement with KERA and to receive input on the future of WRR.Click for more information about the proposed agreement. More than 50 people attended the meeting, and 24 written comments were submitted. The comments have been categorized and excerpts from each are below. Support KERA management proposal (13 comments):We’ve been WRR listeners for over 22 years. I’m the Board Chair for the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and our children learned about GDYO via programming back in 2008. Both our children joined GDYO, and my wife and I continued long after they graduated. WRR has been a great supporter of GDYO and all other youth and professional arts organizations in Dallas. We hope the City Council will approve KERA’s proposal. To have North Texas, Broadcasting (KERA) assume management of WRR would present a great opportunity to not just extend a 100-year legacy, but to realize many enhancements to the local music community. I am a Dallas native, having lived here my whole life, I have benefited significantly from listening to WRR. That station played and continues to play, a big role in my knowledge and appreciation of classical music It would be a terrible irreversible shame to sell WRR. Keep the station classical (5 comments):There are very few cultural and artistic treasures that are completely free to all and even fewer that are available to everyone anytime and anywhere in Dallas, WRR has given so much to so many that it would be impossible to quantify it. Please, on behalf of generations of listeners, save this gift to all our residents for generations yet to come. Do not sell the station (3 comments):DON’T SELL WRR, LEAVE IT THE WAY IT IS!!! General comment (2 comments)The conduct of the city with declaring bans on speech is not constitutional. KERA can’t talk to WRR, WRR can’t talk to KERA. DSO can’t talk to WRR, WRR can’t talk to DSO. The word for this would be dictatorial. Perhaps a little thought about how this was conducted would be good for the city. Sell the station (1 comment):To the City of Dallas: As a responsible steward, the city should explore all options: Relevant Radio is prepared to offer 15.6 million for the station. FCC and board approval should take less than three months. FM stations have dropped in value by 65% since 2010 with further decline projected. This asset will never bring greater value (10 million above the deficit to support the art) Please respond, thank you.... Read more...
Front PageMarch 21, 2022
Open Call for Pre-Qualified Artist ListThe City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture seeks emerging and established visual artists for its 2022 Pre-Qualified Artist list. Applications are open to artists, artist teams, and collectives working in studio-based media. Selected applicants are eligible for participation in various city led projects, and may be contracted to design, fabricate, and install public art commissioned by the city. Artwork sites include city properties such as libraries, fire stations, recreation centers, parks, sidewalks, and more. For a more complete picture of public art locations, visit https://dallasculture.org/publicartmap/ Artists will be selected based on history of past work, community engagement, and ability to collaborate with the OAC employees and project liaisons. A selection panel will convene to screen all eligible applications, which will then be reviewed by the Dallas Public Art Commission. Submissions will be accepted through April 17, 2022, via callforentry.org For questions, contact s.rodriguez@dallascityhall.com SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. Current professional resume 2. Artist Statement (500 word limit) 3. 6 images of previous projects with similar scope 4. Image: title, date, location, materials, dimensions, budget and commissioning entity 5. Letter of interest 6. Three (3) professional references All professional artists with a demonstrated record of successful completion of artwork at a similar cost and scale are eligible to apply, with the following exceptions: · Artists currently under contract with the City of Dallas Public Art Program, · Employees of the City of Dallas and their spouses, · Members of the Public Art Committee, or · Any consultants under contract for any phase of the projects. · Undergraduate students · Minors (persons under 18 years old) Dallas based artists are strongly encouraged to apply.... Read more...
Events / Front Page / News / UncategorizedFebruary 4, 2022
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022There are so many ways to celebrate Black History Month in February 2022. The Office of Arts and Culture offers a list events all over Dallas, from our cultural centers and our partners! Check out “RISING: THE HALL OF NEGRO LIFE” podcast available in sound cloud. To learn more about the documentary visit RISING: THE HALL OF NEGRO LIFE. Music & Black Health and Wellness Dallas Central Library (1515 Young Street) February (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) Performance highlighting the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well. The Rob Holbert Band North Oak Cliff Library (302 W. 10th Street) February 24th (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 pm.) Celebrate Black History Month by recognizing local artists in our community. The Rob Holbert Band is a smooth jazz band with credentials longer than Texas’ highways. Shades of Black showcase South Dallas Cultural Center (3400 S Fitzhugh Avenue) February 11th (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) We will be presenting six works by talented arts professionals, as we commemorate a range of Black experiences through the fluidity and power of movement and sound. Guests are invited to enjoy a selection of dance, spoken word and music in this 2-hour showcase. Love in Black Film Series South Dallas Cultural Center presents in The Texas Theatre (231 West Jefferson Blvd) February 8th, 15th, and 22nd (Show starts at 7:30 pm) Starting in February, we’re inviting the community to join us as we showcase three well-established movies focused on what it means to find, develop, and grow in love. Tickets are only $1.00 per screening! So grab your friend, boo, or come solo and enjoy a three week program full of film, Blackness, and love. Pastor’s Paradox Featuring the Aruán Ortiz Quartet South Dallas Cultural Center (3400 S Fitzhugh Avenue) February 10th (Champagne reception at 6:30 p.m. and Presentation from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) “Pastor’s Paradox” is a jazz conversation about art and activism in celebration of the lives of Ms. Juanita Craft and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and their relationship between their work and the current American moment. Tickets include a champagne reception prior to the event. This event is free with limited seating. The Beauty of South Dallas South Dallas Cultural Center (3400 S Fitzhugh Avenue) Show will run from February 11 – March 19, 2022 The South Dallas Cultural Center is pleased to present The Beauty of South Dallas created by artist Nitashia Johnson. The project documents the neighborhood of South Dallas and several of its residence, business owners, and community leaders. Afro Dance for Children (ages 6-11) Dallas Central Library (1515 Young Street) Registration for this event will close on February 17, 2022 @ 2:00pm. Take a fantastic journey across the African diaspora with Obi Asiama into the world of Afro-dance. Connect to the music and the culture of South and West Africa as well as the rhythms of Hip Hop and Reggaeton. Ebony Shakes Performance Pleasant Grove Branch Library (7310 Lake June Road) February 16th (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Celebrate African American History month with Mr. King as he presents performances from several Shakespeare works put to black and brown voices in a contemporary atmosphere. The Bandan Koro Experience- African Drummers North Oak Cliff Branch Library (302 West Tenth Street) February 26th (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Bandan Koro provides high energy interactive and dynamic display of African drumming, song, and choreographic dance performances in which the audience will experience brilliant attire, authentic instruments, and traditionally based dances. Sepia: Past. Pride. Power. African American Museum of Dallas (3536 Grand Ave) September 22, 2021 – February 26, 2022 An exhibition of African American politicians, community leaders, and entertainers from the Sepia Magazine Collection of the African American Museum. Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents (Cultural Awareness Series) Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre (2400 Flora Street) February 18-19, 2022 (7:30 p.m.) From a mountaintop experience to collaborating with North Macedonian jazz guitarist Toni Kitanovski, DBDT dancer/choreographer Claude Alexander III was inspired to choreograph “The Way of Clave”. Don’t miss the world premiere when DBDT dancers perform to the live guitarist during the Cultural Awareness series... Read more...
Events / Front Page / Public ArtOctober 14, 2021
Virtual Workshop for Visual Artists – October 27The Public Art Program will be hosting a virtual workshop: “How to Build a Professional Portfolio” for visual artists on Wednesday October 27, 2021. Learn from artists and arts professionals as they relay useful information on how to develop a professional portfolio, and tips on presenting your work to artist selection panels. RSVP to Ebony.McFarland (at) DallasCityHall.com for login credentials or if you have questions.... Read more...
Front PageSeptember 21, 2021
Public Art at Kiest Park pays tribute to musical legacy of Oak Cliff’s famous sibling musiciansThe public art at Kiest Park pays tribute to the musical contributions of Dallas natives and revered blues guitarists Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The artwork We Are Music & Music is Us honors the brothers as significant influencers in the music industry and in the history and culture of Dallas. Installed in March 2020, the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and the Park and Recreation Department will officially dedicate the public art installation at 4 p.m. Sunday, October 3 at Kiest Park, 3080 S. Hampton Road. Jimmie Vaughan and Kirby Warnock will make remarks during a brief presentation and recognize the many donors who supported this work. Warnock, a documentary film writer, producer and director, spearheaded fundraising activities for the art piece. Basque artist Casto Solano created the art to pay tribute the Vaughan brothers talents as significant innovators on the vanguard of blue’s music in the 1970s. We Are Music & Music is Us “links the material world with the ephemeral ecstasy of music,” according to Solano. “The sculpture creates a place of belonging on which to forge our images together with theirs. A piece that will stand as a homage to two remarkable men,” he added. Office of Arts and Culture Director Jennifer Scripps stated, “We are so pleased to see this artwork that pays tribute to the contributions and accomplishments of the Vaughan Brothers in Kiest Park near where they grew up. It is the first public art to celebrate Dallas musicians.” The sculpture is constructed from four COR-TEN or weathering steel-framed screens, formed by ribbons of cut metal. Panels measuring 10’ x 8’ each show imagery of the brothers’ lives and music including the lyrics to their most well-known work Tick-Tock. It stands near the trail crosswalk off the park’s main entrance. “City of Dallas parks feature many diverse public artworks. Parks connect us to outdoor spaces and public art bridges that connection. Art tells stories, starts conversations, and encourages visitors to appreciate diverse visual art forms,” said John D. Jenkins, Director, Dallas Park and Recreation. ““This is a wonderful recognition to these gifted brothers who grew up in Oak Cliff and transformed music worldwide. We are excited to spotlight this harmonious and energetic tribute to the Vaughan brothers in our park system,” Jenkins added. Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan were born and grew up in Oak Cliff near where the sculpture stands. They started playing guitar as children, and by their mid-teens, they were professional musicians. Relocating to Austin in the 1970s, they formed individual bands that influenced the blues revival of the 1980s. Stevie Ray Vaughan died in 1990. “I’m glad to see Dallas finally claim its rich musical heritage with the tribute to the Vaughan Brothers, and I hope it will continue by honoring its other artists,” said Kirby Warnock Warnock, widely known for his documentary When Dallas Rocked, established The Vaughan Brothers Art Project to raise money to build and maintain the artwork. Individuals and foundation donations totaling $60,000 were received for the project with major donors including The Cabaniss Family Foundation, Jeffrey Stephen Davis, John and Lisa Dennis, The Kessler Theater, The North Texas Music Foundation, The Oak Cliff Foundation and Kirby Warnock. In conjunction with the artwork dedication, KERA TV (Channel 13) is re-broadcasting When Dallas Rocked on the following nights and times: Friday, October 1 at 9:30p Sunday, October 3 at 5:00p Late night Sunday, October 3 at 1:00 am (technically, early Monday, October 4) Late night Saturday, October 9 at 1:00 am (technically, early Sunday, October 10) CDC Safety Protocols will be followed at the dedication.... Read more...
Front PageJuly 6, 2021
Majestic Centennial CelebrationThe Historic Majestic Theatre in the City Center District of Downtown Dallas is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The theatre first opened its doors in 1921 and is the last standing theater of “Theatre Row,” Dallas’ historic Elm Street entertainment center For this momentous event, the Office of Arts and Culture is celebrating with a Community Open House at the theater and at the adjacent Pacific Plaza Park on the afternoon of September 19th, 2021 from 12-3pm. Neighbors and community partners are invited to participate this extraordinary indoor and outdoor experience that will feature music by The Herbie Johnson Jazz Quartet, performances by Dallas Black Dance Theatre, a family movie screening of Charlie Chaplin’s silent film “The Kid” from 1921 accompanied by pianist Paul Slavens, tours of the theater, food trucks, games, performances at Pacific Park Plaza, and so much more. All events are at no cost to the public. The Majestic Theatre will close out its 100th year celebration with a third major event, a special concert in April 2022, kicking off a brand-new Majestic century. We look forward to celebrating with you! Additional information may be found on... Read more...
Front PageJuly 2, 2021
Office of Arts and Culture statement on WRR Classical Music Radio StationThe City of Dallas and Office of Arts and Culture greatly values the classical music broadcasts and arts organizations support that Classical WRR 101.1 FM radio provides. Unfortunately, due to reduced advertising revenue during the global pandemic and legal restrictions on the government employees of WRR to comply with ethics regulations, WRR 101.1 FM has operated at a deficit for eight years in a row, with a declining fund balance in operating reserves of $5.1M since 2012. The station’s operating results have ranged from nearly breakeven to losses of over $1.2 Million, not including capital obligations. As a responsible steward, the City of Dallas is exploring new management for WRR 101.1 FM to ensure it remains a City-owned classical music format radio station. All RFP respondents must operate as a nonprofit. If the station’s operating and capital reserves were exhausted, the City would not be able to require it remain a classical station. In the current RFP for management adhering to all City protocols, the City will retain ownership of the station and WRR will be a classical music station continuing services to arts organizations. This is similar to Dallas’ other City-owned, privately managed cultural assets such as the Moorland YMCA Building managed by Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the Sammons Center for the Arts. Following the close of the procurement, the City will begin negotiations with bidders to recommend one for Council action to ensure continued classical music radio on City of Dallas-owned WRR 101.1 FM.... Read more...
Front PageJune 9, 2021
OAC Cultural Center Summer Camps accepting applicationsIt’s summer camp application season here at the OAC! Our South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC), Oak Cliff Cultural Center (OC3), Bath House Cultural Center (BHCC), and Latino Cultural Center (LCC) are all open for applications. Please view details and deadlines below.... Read more...

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