TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS DESIGNATES DBCAD-DOWNTOWN BEAUMONT CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT AS A NEW CULTURAL DISTRICT!
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TO COMMEMORATE THIS DESIGNATION, DBCAD IS PROMOTING “ARTOBER!” A SERIES OF ARTS EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN BEAUMONT DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER AND WILL BE HOSTING A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DESIGNATION DURING THE ART MUSEUM OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS’ “EAT-A-BUG!” EVENT AT NOON ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 26, 2019.
The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has approved the designation of DOWNTOWN BEAUMONT Cultural Arts District (DBCAD [pronounced dee-bee-cad]) as a new cultural district. Cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization. Cultural districts are marketable tourism assets that highlight the distinct identity of a community and encourage in-state, out-of-state, and international visitors. Cultural district development helps a community boost its economy while realizing other cultural and civic benefits. Official designation allows cultural districts and qualifying resident arts organizations to be eligible to apply for significant Cultural District Project funding through TCA.
DBCAD is the site of many arts and cultural venues, including the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Music Studio, The Art Studio, Inc., the Julie Rogers Theatre, the Jefferson Theatre, the Downtown Event Centre, and the Civic Center. The Symphony of Southeast Texas is also an important feature of DBCAD with nearly all of its performances occurring within its boundaries. These venues and organizations are frequent hosts to exhibitions, concerts, and dance performances that attract large crowds. Events like the Neches River Festival, the Fourth of July celebration, and the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ Free Family Arts Day attract thousands and enhance the quality of life along the Gulf Coast.
To commemorate this designation, DBCAD is promoting “Artober!” throughout the month of October and will include 12 art and cultural events. In addition, a formal ceremony recognizing this designation will take place at noon on October 26, 2019, during the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ (AMSET) “Eat-a-Bug!” event. Representatives from TCA, DBCAD, member organizations and elected officials will be present for this important ceremony.