Cultural District Designation Event to be Hosted Oct. 17
The Original Denton District (ODD) is Denton’s first official cultural district, joining 42 others across Texas. The district is a walkable zone at the heart of Denton’s unique cultural arts scene, including the downtown area, Quakertown Park, and Oakwood Cemetery.
“Art, music, history, and culture make Denton what we know and love,” said Mayor Chris Watts. “Denton is a vibrant destination for creativity thanks to the hard work of our community, and we are honored to have those efforts formally recognized by the Texas Commission on the Arts.”
Cultural districts harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization, according to TCA. These districts can be focal points for generating business, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development, and fostering civic pride. With the designation, the Original Denton District and qualifying resident arts organizations are eligible to apply for significant Cultural District Project funding through TCA.
The Original Denton District application was crafted with a vision of a thriving downtown Denton, energized with arts, entertainment, music, affordable housing, and shopping. The City sought input from residents, visitors, business owners, and the creative sector before submitting the application in June.
The City will celebrate the designation at an event at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will include a proclamation by TCA representatives and a celebration of the art, artists, music, and businesses that make the Original Denton District a special place in Texas. The celebratory event is free and open to the public. Additional details will be provided closer to the event.
“We are pleased to highlight the wonderful work these districts are already doing to attract visitors to their communities, and to enhance the quality of life in our great state,” said Gary Gibbs, executive director of TCA. “Each approved cultural district provided extensive information on their qualifications, and was considered through a highly rigorous review process. We congratulate them on this achievement.”
For more information on the Cultural Districts Designation Program, visit www.arts.texas.gov. For a map of the Original Denton District’s geographic boundaries and to view the application, visit www.originaldentondistrict.com.
Staff Contact: Jessica Rogers, (940) 349-7531, Jessica.Rogers@cityofdenton.com