Arts & Cultural Organizations in Texas

The Fort Worth Tourism Public Improvement District Grant, administered through Arts Fort Worth on behalf of Visit Fort Worth, provides marketing and promotional funding to arts and cultural organizations. The core mission of this grant program is to promote and enhance the visibility of Fort Worth as an overnight destination, aligning directly with the broader strategic goals of increasing tourism and economic impact within the city. This initiative supports culturally based programs and events that draw visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, thereby expanding Fort Worth's reach and reputation as a vibrant cultural hub. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations whose main mission is to present or produce arts or cultural programming. For-profit organizations are not eligible. The grant aims to support these organizations in their efforts to attract and retain overnight visitors to Fort Worth, fostering a symbiotic relationship where cultural enrichment drives tourism. The impact goal is to significantly increase the number of hotel room nights booked within Fort Worth city limits, contributing to the local economy and bolstering the arts and culture sector. The grant prioritizes marketing and promotional efforts, with a specific focus on reaching audiences beyond a 50-mile radius of Fort Worth. At least 30% of awarded funds must be used for targeting this external market, while up to 25% can be allocated for marketing and promotions staff or contractors. This strategic allocation of funds is designed to ensure that the grant's resources are directly applied to initiatives that can effectively broaden Fort Worth's visitor base and enhance its appeal as a destination. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in overnight stays, greater visibility for Fort Worth's arts and cultural scene, and strengthened capacity for nonprofit organizations to market their initiatives effectively. Applicants are required to demonstrate an intent to grow the number of overnight visitors and to promote Fort Worth as an overnight destination. The theory of change underpinning this grant is that by investing in the marketing and promotion of cultural initiatives that attract external visitors, Fort Worth will experience increased tourism, economic growth, and a reinforced identity as a premier destination for arts and culture.