The Arts!Longview Cultural District has been awarded more than $166,000 in state grant funding that will allow Arts!Longview and its partner organizations to bring high quality programming and enhancements to the community.
The Texas Commission on the Arts in September approved more than $17 million in state grants to arts organizations across 131 cities in Texas. The Arts!Longview Cultural District was awarded $166,025 in total grants across six nonprofit arts organizations – Arts!Longview, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Longview Symphony Orchestra, ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Theatre Longview, and the East Texas Symphonic Band.
“We are so thankful to the Texas Commission on the Arts for the most recent grant funding that will allow us and our partner organizations to bring incredible arts programming and enhancements to our community over the next year,” Arts!Longview Executive Director Christina Cavazos said.
Arts!Longview received a $27,225 Cultural District Project grant to support artistic enhancements to Mobberly Avenue between the Historic Train Depot and LeTourneau University. Cultural District Project grants offered through the TCA are available only to communities with state-designated Cultural Districts.
The grant requires a 1:1 match, bringing the total project investment to $54,450. The project will include the installation of Cultural District banners along Mobberly Avenue and artwork wraps on six utility boxes.
The centerpiece of the project will be significant improvements to South Ward Community Park, located adjacent to Clarence W. Bailey Elementary School. Plans include the installation of a musical soundscape featuring large-scale, percussion musical instruments for children to interact with, as well as a music-themed sculptural art bench.
“Since 2019, we have worked to bring enhancements and new experiences to the Cultural District, and we are excited to continue that work along Mobberly Avenue,” Cavazos said. “We are particularly excited about the improvements planned for South Ward Community Park. The goal of the soundscape is to bring people together and build community through the creation of music.”
Longview Symphony Orchestra received a $33,000 Cultural District Project grant to support its “Harry Potter” concert in April 2027 at the LeTourneau University Belcher Center.
Longview Museum of Fine Arts received a $30,000 Cultural District Project grant to support the “Waltz Across Texas” exhibit that opened Oct. 10 at the museum. The exhibition is a collection of Gail Wendorf’s large-scale paintings celebrating the rich heritage of Texas dance halls and the enduring traditions of dance, music, and the community they represent.
Theatre Longview received a $25,500 Cultural District Project grant to support its summer 2027 musical, “Addams Family the Musical,” which will feature performances by local and regional actors and professional-quality technical elements.
ArtsView Children’s Theatre received a $14,300 Cultural District Project grant to support its fall production of “Disney’s Frozen,” which includes performances Nov. 13-22.
Other grants received include:
- ArtsView Children’s Theatre: $15,000 in Arts Create operational support, $3,500 in Arts Respond support
- LMFA: $14,000 in Arts Create operational support
- East Texas Symphonic Band: $3,500 in Arts Respond support
To learn more about the Arts!Longview Cultural District, visit artslongview.org.
