This month, the City of Dallas, through its Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), is launching a year-long process to create a cultural plan. The Dallas Cultural Plan—our first since 2002—will analyze the city's cultural priorities, determine how Dallas residents experience culture in their daily lives and plan how the city can continue to stay arts-friendly. Dallas' cultural plan will provide a roadmap for increasing equity and access to art and culture for city residents.

“Dallas already has an amazing arts scene and arts community,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “It has grown tremendously, and there is something to do, see and experience artistically, every day and in every part of Dallas. But, we need to think about the future to further the growth of the arts. This cultural plan will guide our policies and programs, and I encourage everyone to take part in this process.”

Through community events held across the city, residents of Dallas are invited to contribute to the development of the plan. “Tell us what you like, what you need, what you imagine,” said Jennifer Scripps, Director of the OCA. “Whether you attend events in the Arts District or in your neighborhood, whether you like making art or just experiencing it, you are a vital part of Dallas’ cultural ecosystem.”

OCA will kick-off community engagement with a four-part series of conversations across the city. All events are free and will be held at the following locations, dates and times:

• 6 – 8 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Dallas Museum of Art

• 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Dallas Children’s Theater

• 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Walnut Hill Recreation Center

• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Southwest Center (Redbird) Mall

“Share your thoughts on ways that arts and culture are part of your life and help shape a creative and equitable vision for our City,” said John Paul Batiste, Chair of the City’s Cultural Affairs Commission.

Visit dallasculturalplan.com to sign up for updates, get the latest information about the plan, and share feedback throughout the year.

About the Office of Cultural Affairs

The Office of Cultural Affairs works to enhance the vitality of the City and the quality of life for all Dallas citizens by creating an environment wherein arts and cultural organizations thrive and people of all ages enjoy opportunities for creative expression and the celebration of our community’s multicultural heritage. Our mission is to establish a cultural system that ensures all Dallas citizens and visitors have an opportunity to experience the finest in arts and culture.

MEDIA CONTACT: Director of Cultural Affairs: Jennifer Scripps - jennifer.scripps@dallascityhall.com Assistant Director: David Fisher- david.fisher@dallascityhall.com