A Month of Giving Thanks: Grateful for Downtown's Creative Culture

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”

- Voltaire

Throughout the month of November, we're shining the light of gratitude on the diverse people and places that make up our Downtown Arlington community. Let's begin by celebrating the many kinds of creativity that our Cultural District artists, places, and partners share with us and inspire in the world.
     

Downtown's Creative Culture

Downtown Arlington Creator Club: The Creator Club is for artists, musicians, and working creative professionals who are looking to get involved in and make a difference in their city. Creator Club members attend Arlington Cultural District mixers and educational events, have access to Creator Kits, and are featured in Downtown Arlington social, enewsletter, and the website.

Create Arlington: A co-working community for visual and digital artists, Create Arlington provides a host of programming, entrepreneurial opportunities, events, and networking for its members and the community. Are you an artist looking for an opportunity to exhibit and sell your work? Contact Create Arlington now about their 2023 West Main Arts Festival.
     

Discovering the Artist Within

Catalyst Creative Arts: If you've ever wanted to try your hand at just about any kind of artistic medium, Catalyst Creative Arts is the perfect place. The perfect time to get to know them is this Saturday, Nov. 5, when Catalyst Creative presents their 4th Annual Art Market featuring 10 local artists and live music.

Board & Brush: The holidays are the perfect time to discover -- or rediscover -- the fun of DIY gift-making and gift-giving! Check out Board & Brush's class and workshop schedule, or book a private party with your friends.

The University of Texas at Arlington: A Tier One university in the heart of Downtown Arlington, generations of UT Arlington students studying visual and performing arts have infused our Cultural District with their energy and their talent. Learn more about the programs, performances, and exhibitions at events.uta.edu/cola.
       

The Power of Music

Songwriters Circle: Downtown Arlington's new music series, Songwriter Circle, brings together groups of musicians around a campfire in Knapp Heritage Park, jamming with their own songs and classics everyone knows. Every Wednesday in November at sunset. 

Levitt Pavilion: Since 2008, the Levitt Pavilion Arlington has been a cultural arts anchor in Downtown Arlington. The Levitt's mission is to provide free, culturally-diverse entertainment that can be enjoyed by everyone while building community through music.

Franklin Imagine Group: In 2018, multiple Grammy award-winning Kirk Franklin transformed a vacant furniture warehouse in Downtown Arlington into a $2 million, state-of-the-art recording studio. He's been making beautiful music there ever since, including his inaugural Camp Lotus for aspiring young musicians.

Arlington Music Hall: Opened in 1950 as a movie theatre, the Arlington Music Hall has been a jumping-off point for superstars like LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton, Box Car Willie, Wanda Jackson, and many others. Now a non-profit organization, the Hall promotes the concerts, and brings top artists to Arlington year-round.

Symphony Arlington: In its home at Arlington Music Hall, Symphony Arlington presents a full season of classical selections. The orchestra is comprised of 93 professional musicians who regularly perform with internationally renowned featured soloists.

Downtown live music venues: With well over a dozen small live music venues, Downtown Arlington has plenty of great music to choose from nearly every night of the week! Click here to visit our directory.

Applause, Applause!

Miss Persis Studio of Dance: A staple in Downtown Arlington since 1954, Miss Persis Studio of Dance teaches tap, jazz, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop and lyrical movement to kids, young adults, and adults who are young at heart.

Theatre Arlington: What's new at Theatre Arlington? Everything! From a brand new stage and auditorium to an eclectic and totally entertaining performance schedule, you won't want to miss a single show. Up next? A great family show: James and the Giant Peach.

UTA Box Office: Through the UTA Box Office (utatickets.com), you'll be front row center to great jazz, theatre, dance, lectures, special events, and NCAA Division I athletics, all on the campus of The University of Texas at Arlington which right here in Downtown Arlington.
     

Matters of the He(art)

Arlington Museum of Art: The current exhibition at the Arlington Museum of Art surrounds you in the world of Medieval and Renaissance knights! In addition to this blockbuster exhibit of arms and armor, be sure to check out Downtown Knights, our series of programs and specials inspired by the exhibition.

Downtown galleries, including Spark Studio Art, Studio 204, and the Upstairs Gallery offer exhibitions of local artists and a myriad of classes and special events.

Murals and public art: With over 35 murals and public art installations (and counting), Downtown Arlington is earning a strong reputation as North Texas selfie hot spot. 

         
Learn more by visiting our Cultural District directory.