Overview

Executive Summary & Purpose

• The Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation is the proposed nonprofit partner of the City of Duncanville.

• Its primary goal is securing Cultural District designation for the Armstrong Park Cultural District from the Texas Commission on the Arts.

• This designation is expected to drive economic development, increase tourism, enhance property values, and support business growth.

Economic & Community Impact

• Cultural Districts lead to increased tourism, job creation, and rising property values.

• The Texas Cultural Trust and National Endowment for the Arts report that cultural infrastructure investments lead to economic revitalization.

• 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

• Armstrong Park Cultural District aims to replicate these successes by funding artists, strengthening local identity, and increasing community engagement.

Governance & Leadership

• Board of Directors: Oversees governance, finance, and strategy.

• Advisory Board: Provides expertise and advocacy.

• Cultural District Steering Committee: Aligns programming with community and economic goals.

• Executive Leadership:

  • Ron Thompson will serve as the founding Executive Director.

  • A leadership succession plan ensures long-term stability and continuity.

Mission & Vision

• Mission: Secure Cultural District designation, drive economic growth, preserve culture, and engage the community.

• Vision: Armstrong Park will be a regional cultural destination and a state model for arts-driven development.

Core Values

• Collaboration: Partnering with artists, businesses, and civic groups.

• Sustainability: Ensuring long-term financial stability.

• Inclusivity: Equitable access to arts experiences.

• Innovation: Supporting emerging and experimental arts.

• Integrity: Transparent and accountable governance.

Development & Financial Strategy

• The Foundation will be financially independent from the City of Duncanville.

• Fundraising Goals:

  • Phase 1 (Years 1-2): Private donations, sponsorships, foundation grants.

  • Phase 2 (Years 3-4): Earned income, program revenue, business partnerships.

  • Phase 3 (Year 5+): Endowments, memberships, recurring funding sources.

• Revenue Sources:

  • Grants & Foundations

  • Corporate Sponsorships

  • Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds

  • Earned revenue (ticket sales, rentals, workshops)

  • Membership & patron programs

• Financial Oversight:

  • Quarterly financial reports for transparency.

  • Grant tracking system to ensure funding compliance.

Cultural District Designation Strategy

• Cultural Programming Expansion:

  • Annual arts festivals and artist residencies.

  • New artist grant programs.

  • Expanding partnerships with arts organizations.

• Economic Development & Tourism Growth:

  • Marketing campaigns to attract visitors.

  • Strengthening local business partnerships.

  • Developing arts-related workspaces and cultural retail.

• Sustainability & Financial Growth:

  • Transition from fundraising to sustainable revenue.

  • Securing long-term grants for infrastructure and programming.

• Community Engagement & Governance:

  • Public forums, advisory panels, and surveys for community input.

  • Expansion of the Advisory Board with regional leaders.

  • Development of a Cultural District Master Plan.

• Infrastructure & Placemaking:

  • Venue enhancements, public art, wayfinding signage.

  • Partnering with urban planners for public space development.

Cultural Corridors: Expanding Beyond Armstrong Park

• Definition: A Cultural Corridor is a strategically planned pathway that links Armstrong Park to surrounding areas.

• Purpose:

  • Economic Development: Attract investment and business growth.

  • Urban Connectivity: Improve walkability and transit access.

  • Creative Placemaking: Activate underutilized spaces for arts.

  • Tourism & Branding: Position Armstrong Park as a cultural anchor.

• Strategy:

  1. Shared Vision: Cultural asset inventory, branding, and marketing.

  2. Public-Private Partnerships: Developer engagement, funding incentives.

  3. Urban Planning: Streetscapes, transportation access, zoning policies.

  4. Arts & Culture Activation: Public art, creative workspaces, festivals.

  5. Sustainability & Growth: Long-term financial planning and impact tracking.

Key Takeaways

• The Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation will drive arts-led economic and cultural growth.

• Cultural District designation will strengthen Duncanville’s identity as a regional cultural hub.

• A financially sustainable model ensures independence from city funds.

• Strategic partnerships and placemaking will foster a vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient arts community.