Executive Summary


Purpose & Objectives

As the proposed nonprofit partner of the City of Duncanville, the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation is committed to securing a Cultural District designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts for Armstrong Park Cultural District. This designation is expected to support economic development by increasing tourism, enhancing property values, and fostering business growth.

Economic & Community Impact

The Foundation seeks to enhance visitor spending, generate employment opportunities, and improve property values through strategic investments in arts-driven development. According to the Texas Cultural Trust’s State of the Arts Report, Texas cultural districts have experienced significant increases in tourism-related economic activity within five years of designation. Similarly, a National Endowment for the Arts study on creative placemaking indicates that cultural infrastructure investment can contribute to economic revitalization, particularly in underserved communities.

Case studies illustrate the potential impact of cultural districts.

  • Fort Worth Cultural District (2017–2021)

    • Received $427,500 in annual Cultural District Grant funding

    • Increased sales tax collection by 18%, reaching $1.9 million annually

    • Boosted property values by 14%

    • Draws 2.5 million visitors annually to a community of 2,000 residents and 540 businesses

  • Theater District Houston (2017–2021)

    • Received $530,951 in annual Cultural District Grant funding

    • Increased sales tax collection by 232.9%, now at $91,663 annually

    • Boosted property values by 33%

    • Draws over 1 million visitors annually to a community of 200 businesses

  • Waco Downtown Cultural District (2020–2021)

    • Received $42,500 in annual Cultural District Grant funding

    • Increased sales tax collection by 26%, reaching $1.77 million annually

    • Boosted property values by 35%

    • Draws up to 2.1 million visitors annually to a community of 600 businesses

  • Winnsboro Cultural Arts District (2021)

    • Received $199,000 in Cultural District Grant funding

    • Increased sales tax collection by 22%, reaching $60,000 annually

    • Boosted property values by nearly 30%

    • Draws up to 40,000 visitors annually to a community of 3,400 residents and 57 businesses

The Armstrong Park Cultural District aims to replicate these successes by providing artists and cultural organizations with expanded funding opportunities, reinforcing local identity, and increasing community engagement through arts programming.

Governance & Leadership

To effectively implement its mission, the Foundation will establish a structured governance model comprising:

  • Board of Directors: Responsible for governance, financial management, and strategic decision-making.

  • Advisory Board: Provides non-binding guidance, industry expertise, and advocacy.

  • Cultural District Steering Committee: Facilitates coordination among community stakeholders, city officials, and arts organizations to align programming with community needs and economic objectives, with Duncanville City Management.

Leadership Succession

Ron Thompson will serve as the founding Executive Director, responsible for overseeing daily operations and coordinating with governing bodies. To ensure long-term stability, the Foundation will implement a formal succession plan, including leadership development initiatives, periodic evaluations, and a structured transition process overseen by the Board of Directors. An interim leadership framework will also be established to ensure continuity in the event of unexpected leadership transitions.

Mission Statement

As the proposed nonprofit partner of the City of Duncanville, the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation is dedicated to securing Cultural District designation through the Texas Commission on the Arts, fostering economic growth, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

Vision Statement

The Armstrong Park Cultural District will be an award-winning, regional cultural attraction recognized as a state model for innovation in the arts and community development. As an incubator and accelerator for creative talent, the district will foster groundbreaking artistic endeavors, support emerging and established artists, and cultivate a dynamic cultural economy that enhances community identity and engagement. Through strategic partnerships, forward-thinking programming, and sustainable development, Armstrong Park will set a new standard for cultural districts in Texas and beyond.

Values

Core principles guiding the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation. Each value represents a fundamental aspect of the Foundation’s approach to achieving its mission

  • Collaboration: Building partnerships among artists, businesses, and civic organizations to advance shared objectives.

  • Sustainability: Implementing financial strategies that ensure long-term viability.

  • Inclusivity: Expanding equitable access to arts and cultural experiences.

  • Innovation: Encouraging emerging arts initiatives that reflect contemporary cultural expression.

  • Integrity: Maintaining transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance and programming.