Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation: Strategic Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & PURPOSE

The Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation serves as the City of Duncanville’s official nonprofit partner for securing Armstrong Park’s designation as a Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts. This strategic initiative is designed to drive economic revitalization, tourism enhancement, property appreciation, sustained business growth, and community engagement through arts-focused development.

ABOUT THE ARMSTRONG PARK CULTURAL DISTRICT

  • Established in 1971, Armstrong Park has served as a community hub.
  • The 21-acre park hosts festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, community gardens, and recreational spaces.
  • Features pedestrian pathways connecting historic sites, public art, civic buildings, and cultural spaces.
  • Cultural corridors link the park to surrounding neighborhoods, businesses, and downtown Duncanville.
  • February 4, 2025, Duncanville City Council officially recognizes Armstrong Park as a cultural district

ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY IMPACT

Cultural Districts stimulate significant economic benefits:
  • Increase sales tax, tourism, job creation, and property values.

Case Studies:

  • Fort Worth: High impact due to existing cultural institutions.
  • Houston Theater District: Significant sales tax growth linked to urban density.
  • Waco & Winnsboro: Effective strategies demonstrating potential in smaller communities.

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

  • Board of Directors: Strategic oversight and financial governance.
  • Advisory Board: Community leaders and industry experts providing advocacy and guidance.
  • Steering Committee: Aligns programming with economic and community goals.
  • Executive Leadership: Ron Thompson as founding Executive Director; succession plan ensures stability.

MISSION & VISION

  • Mission: Secure cultural district designation, fostering economic growth, cultural heritage, and inclusive engagement through the arts.
  • Vision: Armstrong Park as a leading regional cultural hub and model for community arts development.

CORE VALUES

  • Collaboration: Building meaningful partnerships.
  • Sustainability: Long-term financial and environmental stewardship.
  • Inclusivity: Equitable arts access for all.
  • Innovation: Supporting emerging and experimental arts.
  • Integrity: Transparent and accountable governance.

DEVELOPMENT & FINANCIAL STRATEGY

Fundraising Goals:

  • Phase 1 (Years 1-2): Private donations, sponsorships, memberships.
  • Phase 2 (Years 3-4): Program revenues, business partnerships, foundations.
  • Phase 3 (Year 5+): Endowments and recurring funding.

Revenue Streams:

  • Grants
  • Corporate sponsorships
  • Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds
  • Earned income (ticket sales)
  • Membership and patron programs

Financial Oversight:

  • Quarterly financial reports, audit committees, and grant management.

CULTURAL DISTRICT DESIGNATION STRATEGY

Programming Expansion:

  • Arts festivals, residencies, public installations.
  • Artist grant initiatives.
  • Regional arts partnerships.

Economic Development & Tourism:

  • Marketing and business partnerships.
  • Cultural retail and workspaces.

Sustainability:

  • Transition to sustainable revenue models.
  • Long-term infrastructure and programming funding.

Community Engagement:

  • Public forums, surveys, diverse advisory panels.
  • Comprehensive Cultural District Master Plan.

Infrastructure & Placemaking:

  • Venue enhancements, public art, wayfinding.
  • Vibrant, accessible public spaces.

CULTURAL CORRIDORS

Definition:

  • Connect Armstrong Park to adjacent areas, promoting economic and cultural vitality.

Purpose:

  • Economic growth, urban connectivity, creative placemaking, tourism enhancement.

Strategy:

  • Shared vision and cultural asset inventory.
  • Public-private partnerships and funding incentives.
  • Urban planning improvements.
  • Arts activation and sustainable growth planning.

NEXT STEPS

  1. Authorize MOU: Formalize City-Foundation partnership.
  2. Populate Governance Structures: Recruit qualified board members and establish advisory board.
  3. Launch Internal Application: Begin asset inventory, community engagement, master planning, and data analysis.
  4. Initiate Fundraising: Activate Phase 1 strategies.
  5. Ensure Alignment: Maintain regular coordination between City and Foundation for cohesive strategic execution.