Unadopted — MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Between the City of Duncanville and Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation, Inc.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into on this ___ day of __________, 2025, by and between the City of Duncanville, Texas (“the City”) and Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation”), a nonprofit organization supporting the Armstrong Park Cultural District.

I. Purpose

This MOU establishes a collaborative partnership between the Foundation and the City to support the cultural district designation by the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) and stakeholder development.

II. Terms of Collaboration

A. Independence and Strategic Partnership

  1. The Foundation operates independently and is responsible for its own programming, strategic planning, and fundraising toward shared goals.

  2. The Foundation recognizes the City as the official Cultural District Management Entity and will support a compliant, competitive TCA application.

  3. While independent, the Foundation will work strategically with the City to strengthen funding opportunities and expand stakeholder engagement.

B. Funding & Financial Collaboration

  1. The Foundation will not require or receive direct financial support from the City.

  2. Funding strategies will align with City economic development goals through:

    • Grant applications

    • Private sponsorships

    • Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds, as applicable

  3. The City may provide in-kind support, including:

    • Event space

    • Marketing assistance

    • Logistical coordination

C. Governance & Reporting

  1. The Foundation will provide periodic reports on district progress, finances, and key performance metrics.

  2. Both parties will designate liaisons for ongoing communication.

  3. The Foundation will align its strategies with City development plans while maintaining full autonomy over its decisions and programming.

III. Roles and Responsibilities

A. The Foundation Shall:

  1. Support the City's Role as Cultural District Management Entity

    • Assist in executing initiatives that align with the City’s responsibilities.

    • Ensure the Cultural District application to TCA is compliant and competitive.

  2. Fundraise and Secure Resources

    • Pursue and manage grants, sponsorships, and private donations.

    • Administer programming exclusively through Foundation-managed funding sources.

  3. Manage and Oversee Programming

    • Develop arts and cultural programs within the district and adjacent areas.

    • Foster partnerships with local artists, businesses, and nonprofits.

  4. Conduct Cultural Asset Inventory & Planning

    • Identify and document cultural assets within Armstrong Park and adjacent areas.

    • Collaborate with the City to integrate findings into Duncanville’s Comprehensive Plan.

  5. Expand Stakeholder Engagement

    • Develop relationships with state and regional arts organizations, community leaders, and funding partners to enhance cultural district impact.

B. The City Shall:

  1. Serve as the Official Cultural District Management Entity

    • Oversee the Armstrong Park Cultural District in accordance with TCA guidelines.

    • Submit and manage the Cultural District designation application, with Foundation support.

  2. Recognize the Foundation as the Official Nonprofit Partner

    • Establish a formal working relationship through this MOU.

  3. Facilitate Strategic Partnerships

    • Encourage relationships with Duncanville ISD, businesses, and community organizations.

    • Integrate the Cultural District into broader economic and cultural development plans.

  4. Provide In-Kind Support

    • Allow use of City-managed spaces for cultural programming.

    • Collaborate on marketing, logistics, and planning as needed.

  5. Assist with Cultural Asset Inventory

    • Partner with the Foundation to assess and document cultural assets.

IV. Term & Review

  1. This MOU shall remain in effect for three (3) years, with an option for renewal upon mutual agreement.

  2. The City and Foundation shall review this agreement annually to ensure continued alignment.

V. General Provisions

  1. Non-Binding Agreement – This MOU does not create financial or legal obligations beyond separately agreed terms.

  2. Modifications – Any amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.

  3. Termination – Either party may terminate this MOU with 60 days' written notice.