PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: May 27, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Office of Arts and Culture
PRIORITY: N/A
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the ArtsActivate 2027 Program, a project-based cultural support program within the Office of Arts and Culture to support art and cultural services in the City of Dallas for FY 2026-27 and approve the program guidelines - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
*In alignment with Dallas Cultural Plan.
Body
BACKGROUND
The updated Cultural Policy of the City of Dallas, adopted on November 28, 2018, by Resolution No. 18-1683 and amended most recently on December 10, 2025, by Resolution No. 25-1895, provides that guidelines for the various Cultural Support Programs will be submitted for review and approval of the City Council. This serves to affirm the artistic nature of services to be provided through these various cultural programs and to specify the review and selection process for cultural services.
ArtsActivate 2027, as it will be referred to for FY 2026-27, is the project-based funding program for Dallas-based arts and culture organizations, individual artists, social service organizations, and other eligible non-profit organizations. ArtsActivate 2027 will continue to emphasize the goals of public benefit, and neighborhood/community engagement. The goals of ArtsActivate 2027 are as follows:
1) Grow Dallas' artistic footprint by providing new artistic services across Dallas, including in nontraditional spaces and through unique artistic disciplines.
2) Provide public benefit by building and enhancing artistic and cultural experiences available to the residents of the City of Dallas.
3) Connect individuals across Dallas to strengthen communities and/or neighborhoods through the arts.
The program will open for three rounds for funding in FY 2026-27. ArtsActivate 2027 proposals should be i...
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