The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC), a division of the City Manager’s Office, fosters support, partnerships, and opportunities for Dallas residents, visitors, artists, and arts and cultural organizations. The Director of Arts and Culture, Martine Elyse Philippe, is responsible for the implementation of the City’s cultural policy and programs. The director reports to the Assistant City Manager for Neighborhood Quality of Life.
Vision
A vibrant and welcoming community where all residents and visitors have the opportunity to engage in enriching artistic and cultural experiences throughout Dallas.
Mission
The Office of Arts and Culture enhances the city’s vibrancy and enriches the lives of Dallas residents and visitors by fostering an environment where artists and cultural organizations flourish; people of all ages engage in creative expression; and the city’s rich artistic traditions are celebrated.
Our mission is to support and grow a sustainable cultural ecosystem that ensures all residents and visitors have opportunities to experience arts and culture throughout the city.
Statement on Commitment to Arts and Culture
Dallas is a city where residents and visitors have opportunities to grow, succeed, and enjoy a fulfilling life. Artistic and cultural expression enrich neighborhoods, strengthen connections, and contribute to a thriving community. Opportunities for participation in creative activities should be available throughout the city. We assert the right for all people to have access to arts and cultural experiences throughout Dallas.
As such, the Office of Arts and Culture should direct resources toward a broad range of artistic expressions, strengthening artistic and cultural programs and opportunities. Efforts will focus on fostering a thriving artistic community that adapts to the evolving needs of Dallas.
The Office of Arts and Culture will serve as a central hub for artistic collaboration, working with partners to encourage broader participation in arts and culture initiatives. This includes engaging organizations and private supporters to promote measurable progress in artistic and cultural outreach and engagement. Each year, the Office of Arts and Culture will evaluate its efforts in supporting artists and organizations, measuring overall reach and impact.
As we work together to celebrate the rich culture of Dallas, the Office of Arts and Culture remains committed to fostering community engagement to strengthen the innovative arts and culture landscape that reflects the city’s vibrant character.
About the Office of Arts and Culture:
The Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) is a City of Dallas department that works to enhance the city’s vibrancy and enriches the lives of Dallas residents and visitors by fostering an environment where artists and cultural organizations flourish; people of all ages engage in creative expression; and the city’s rich artistic traditions are celebrated. The OAC does this by supporting artists, arts organizations and Dallas residents through grants, partnerships and other critical resources. OAC is also the custodian of 19 city-owned cultural facilities, where a wide variety of arts and cultural programs are offered for residents and visitors. These facilities consist of many of our community’s most important cultural venues, and when combined, represent more than 1.5 million square feet of space dedicated to arts and cultural functions in our community. OAC also oversees a 300 plus-work citywide public art collection. dallasculture.org.
2018 Dallas Cultural Plan & Cultural Policy
Cultural Plan – Summary
Cultural Plan – Full Text
Cultural Plan – Appendices
Cultural Policy
Previous Cultural Plans & Policies:
2002 Cultural Policy
2001 Cultural Master Plan
