The Dallas arts and cultural community is mounting a major campaign urging voters to support Proposition E in the upcoming May 4th bond election. Proposition E calls for allocating over $75 million from the bond package to fund critical infrastructure repairs and maintenance at 15 city-owned arts venues across Dallas.
This is not about anything shiny and new supporters of the bill highlight, but more so, it’s about taking care of what Dallas already has and addressing long-deferred maintenance like leaky roofs, outdated fire systems, and failing HVAC units at facilities like the Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Museum of Art, Kalita Humphreys Theater, Latino Cultural Center, Majestic Theatre, Meyerson Symphony Center, Moody Performance Hall, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, Sammons Center for the Arts, Sammons Park (AT&T Performing Arts Center), South Dallas Cultural Center, Strauss Square, Winspear Opera House, and Wyly Theatre
The repairs are sorely needed, with many of the venues having lingered in deteriorating conditions for decades due to lack of funding. However, the bond funding for Proposition E would come, most importantly, at no increase to the tax rate for Dallas residents while providing the funding needed for repairs.
Arts advocates argue the investment is vital, not just to preserve the city’s cultural assets, but to support the arts’ role in Dallas’ economy and quality of life. A 2022 study found that Dallas’ nonprofit arts organizations generate $853 million in economic impact annually, $20.5 million in local tax revenue, and attract 6.8 million visitors to the region.
The arts are a driving force for tourism, economic development, education, and more and Prop E ensures our venues can continue serving the community safely and effectively. The Together for Dallas coalition has provided a social media toolkit to arts organizations to rally patrons, donors, and the public to “Vote Yes on Prop E.” Early voting begins April 22nd, leading up to election day on May 4th. For more information, visit here.