Anina Moore, Texas Commission on the Arts
AUSTIN, Texas – September 8, 2023 – The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has approved the designation of two new cultural districts. Cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community vitality. These districts can be focal points for generating business, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development and fostering civic pride. The new cultural districts are Garland’s Bankhead Arts District and the Granbury Cultural District. This designation brings the total number of cultural districts in Texas to 54.
The Texas Commission on the Arts is the only body able to officially designate cultural districts on behalf of the State. Cultural districts are marketable tourism assets that highlight the distinct identity of a community and encourage in-state, out-of-state, and international visitors. Cultural district development helps a community boost its economy while realizing other cultural and civic benefits. The outcomes of cultural districts extend beyond the arts and benefit all members of a community. Official designation allows cultural districts and qualifying resident arts organizations to be eligible to apply for significant Cultural District Project funding through TCA.
Through tourism, the historic Bankhead Highway’s cultural and economic impacts were significant to…
