Near Southside Arts, managed by community development organization Near Southside, Inc., is one of 5 prestigious designations announced by TCA, also including the Red River Cultural District in Austin, the Deep Ellum Cultural District in Dallas and two districts in Houston: the Fifth Ward Cultural District and the Historic Third Ward Arts District.
This cultural district designation will open the door for new funding opportunities. Not only will Near Southside Arts (NSA) and other nonprofits located inside the district have the opportunity to apply for TCA grants, but the nearly 1,400-acre district will be recognized by the state as a destination for arts investments.
“We’re proud that the Near Southside is gaining recognition as a hub for creativity and growth.” Mike Brennan, Near Southside, Inc. President said in regard to receiving cultural district designation, “This community is filled with dreamers, artists, and risktakers that deserve to be recognized, and we are so honored to see our thriving district receive this support and validation.”
The neighborhood encompasses Fort Worth’s medical district, design district, and is the hub for local businesses and acclaimed restaurants. Near Southside Arts proudly joins the museum district as Fort Worth’s second cultural district.
For over two decades, the Near Southside has placed cultural investment at the center of its revitalization. The district hosts arts-centric community events including ArtsGoggle, Open Streets, Friday on the Green, and Park(ing) Day that together attract over 100,000 attendees from around North Texas annually. In addition, the Near Southside is home to many of Fort Worth’s notable theaters, live music venues, recording studios, chef-led restaurants and art schools. Leaders from Amphibian Stage, Stage West, SiNaCa Studios, Studio Cufflink, and various other arts organizations serve on the NSA Cultural Committee established last year to guide the application and planning process as the district sought designation. The committee was chaired by pioneering cultural investor Jennifer Henderson, founder of J.O., Gallery 440, and the The Cause Agency, and the effort’s branding and communications are a direct result of her involvement.
“To us, this designation is proof that Near Southside has our priorities right,” said Megan Henderson, Director of Events and Communications Near Southside, Inc. “We’re proud to see our creative community and unique Near Southside culture flourish for the past 25 years and now, with the support of TCA, we know Near Southside Arts will be an important catalyst as we begin our next chapter of growth.”
For more information about the Near Southside Arts application, cultural plan, steering committee, and district overview, visit www.nearsouthsidearts.org.
