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Events / Front Page / News / UncategorizedMay 17, 2022
WRR Open House for Public InputThe City of Dallas will hold 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.Directions The address is 1620 1st Ave., Dallas, TX 75210 – in Fair Park adjacent to WRR Radio across 1st Ave from Texas Discovery Gardens, in the former Science Place II Planetarium. Please enter through Gate 5 or Gate 6 off MLK Jr. Blvd. Take the first right on 2nd Avenue; take that all the way down to Pennsylvania, then turn left. The building is on the left by the Midway Arch parking lot. Parking is also available in Dos Equis Pavilion lot 8A.See map for directions/parking lot. ... 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! 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...
Front PageApril 29, 2021
Explore Public Art all around Dallas with a new Interactive MapIn celebration of Dallas Arts Month, the Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) and the Office of Data Analytics partnered to provide residents and visitors with a map to find and explore City of Dallas public art. The public can view art installations with new, high-resolution images, and detailed information about the installations. Art is everywhere in Dallas, in libraries, parks, recreation centers, and more. This public facing map of the OAC Public Art collection allows residents and visitors to easily explore Dallas for these Public Art pieces. Public Art distinguishes our community. It conserves our public history and evolving culture, revitalizes public spaces, and enhances our quality of life. With this new map, the OAC Public Art Program makes the work of many artists accessible and provides places to encourage arts and culture to thrive and grow citywide. Everyone wants to know where art lives because art enriches our lives. If you look for it, you’ll find art actually is all around Dallas. The map is available on any smart mobile device or desktop computer. ... Read more...
Call For Entries / Front PageApril 19, 2021
The Majestic celebrates 100 Years (Open Call)On April 11, 1921, 100 Years ago, the Majestic Theatre first opened its doors as one of many vaudeville theaters of “Theatre Row,” Dallas’ historic entertainment center on Elm Street. As the last standing theater of “Theatre Row”, the Majestic has hosted many figures such as Ginger Rogers, Mae West, Harry Houdini, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Jack Benny, Bob Hope and more. To this day, the Majestic continues to host concerts and movie nights. The Renaissance Revival-style building was designed by architect John Eberson. Eberson was nationally known for his “atmospheric theaters,” including the Majestic, which often featured ceiling “skies” of mechanically controlled floating clouds and twinkling stars. The Majestic Theatre was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It stands today as a reminder of the city’s architectural, social, and cultural heritage. Centennial Poster OPEN CALL Calling all Dallas-based visual artists, the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) requests the submission of your qualifications to design a commercial-style movie poster for the Dallas Majestic Theatre Centennial and celebration. Submission Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM  After submissions in response to the request for qualifications, a panel comprised of arts professionals, community representatives, and OAC staff will review qualified submissions of Requests for Qualifications in May 2021. Up to 4 artists will be asked to prepare their conceptual design proposal comprised of drawings, paintings, or digital renderings of the Majestic Theatre Centennial Poster. The artists selected for conceptual designs will be awarded $250 each. From the conceptual designs, one (1) artist will be awarded an additional $1,500 to complete the final design of the poster based on their conceptual design. For more information on the project, guidelines, and to submit your qualifications, please visit https://bit.ly/MAJESTICCENTENNIAL... Read more...

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