Established by ordinance in 1989, the Office of Cultural Affairs (now know as Office of Arts and Culture) has its origins in the City Arts Program, which was established in 1976 as a division of the Dallas Park & Recreation Department. The purpose of the City Arts Program was to coordinate details of existing cultural programs and increase opportunities for cultural activities in Dallas.
In 1989, the City Council, by ordinance, created the Office of Cultural Affairs within the City Manager’s Office and established a Director of Cultural Affairs to oversee the operations of this department. Many of the functions of the City Arts Program were transferred to the new Office of Cultural Affairs, which no longer reports to the Parks and Recreation Department. In 1989 the City Council also authorized the establishment of an advisory board, the Cultural Affairs Commission, to be appointed by Mayor and Council.
Today, the Office of Arts and Culture operates a budget of over $20 million, has oversight of 19 cultural facilities, and employs nearly 100 people dedicated to advancing the arts in Dallas and ensuring that all residents and visitors have access to a broad array of arts and cultural opportunities.