Arts Funding Requests

At a glance

What: Arts supporters pressed for funding in the budget, and Council approved two arts actions on September 23, 2026.
Where it stands: Public comment on August 25 and September 2 (at least five speakers on September 2, including representatives of the Dallas Arts District, the Writer's Garret and the Dallas Museum of Art). On September 23 Council unanimously adopted the Dallas Cultural Plan 2018, Revised and Restated 2026, replacing the 2018 plan, and approved Resident Company Use Agreements for two theaters.
Use agreements: Cara Mia Theatre Co. and Teatro Hispano de Dallas each license the Latino Cultural Center theater and performance hall for 12 to 20 weeks a year over five years (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031), with three five-year renewal options through 2046; estimated annual revenue to the General Fund $36,000. Representatives of both companies spoke.

Cultural Plan: Gracey moved and Ridley seconded; unanimous with Johnson and Bazaldua absent.
Use agreements: Moreno moved and Ridley seconded; unanimous with Johnson, Blair and Bazaldua absent.
A related federal grant of $30,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts for the project "The World is Ours" was accepted on consent on August 25.

Cultural Plan and theater use agreements adopted.

Arts funding speakers during budget public comment.

One arts support speaker; National Endowment for the Arts grant accepted.