Live in Arlington: 10 Ways to Explore Arts & Culture in Downtown
By Ryan Hunt
Posted on December 02, 2016, December 02, 2016

Live in Arlington

 

The City of Arlington recently launched a new website titled "Live in Arlington" for new home buyers looking to call The American Dream City their place of residence.

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) recently approved the designation of the Arlington Cultural District in Downtown Arlington as one of only seven new cultural districts in the state.

According to the TCA, cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization.

Here are 10 examples of why Downtown Arlington is evolving into a burgeoning cultural district:

1. Arlington Museum of Art

The Arlington Museum of Art is dedicated to providing access to art for the cultural enrichment and economic development of the Arlington community. The AMA is also a family friendly museum that routinely features blockbuster exhibits, including the Vivian Maier: Lost and Found exhibit earlier this year and the Pablo Picasso: Ceramics exhibit, which is open now until February 12, 2017.

2. Theatre Arlington

With the addition of new lighting and sound, a full-time professional staff of eight, two buildings and serving more than 33,000 per season, Theatre Arlington has grown from a small group of people performing in a dance studio to the second largest and second oldest theater in Tarrant County. Read about Theatre Arlington"s latest production of A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley, which is open until December 18, 2016.

3. Miss Persis Dance Studio

Miss Persis Dance Studio began in 1954 in a three-story house. Now it"s an Arlington institution located in Downtown. The studio teaches kids, young adults, and not-so-young adults in a fun, safe learning environment. The woman behind the dance studio that has touched so many people of all ages over the years talked about living her American Dream right here in Arlington.

4. Arlington Music Hall

Arlington Music Hall possesses some of the richest performing history in all of the Metroplex. Willie Nelson, The Platters, Loretta Lynn, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, Clint Black, KANSAS and Wynonna Judd have all graced the stage of this historic venue. Read about Arlington Music Hall"s Christmaspectular!, a holiday show for the whole family to enjoy through December 11, 2016.

5. The Levitt Pavilion

The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Arlington presents more than 50 free outdoor concerts a year with a broad-based concert calendar of professional musical artists, from world music to jazz and home-grown Texas country to hot Indie artists. Last concert season, the Levitt Pavilion attracted more than 115,500 people to Downtown Arlington.

6. Studio 204

Virgil Scott and Kim Neiman opened the business in Downtown at 204 S. East Street in 2008 after years of collecting, rescuing and resurrecting vintage letterpress equipment. Using a 1949 Vandercook flat-bed letterpress, and an 1897 Chandler Price platen press, the talented duo designs and prints limited edition posters, cards, books and many other custom projects. Studio 204 was also the subject of a recent episode of "Culture Buzz" on MyArlingtonTV.

7. Symphony Arlington

Founded in 2000, Symphony Arlington is considered a Level 1 Artistic organization by the Texas Commission for the Arts with over 100 professional musicians representing over 19 different nations, complemented with internationally renowned featured soloists and guest conductors. Check out a complete performance calendar on Symphony Arlington"s website.

8. The Gallery at UTA

Located in the fine arts building at The University of Texas at Arlington, the 4,900 square foot gallery includes lectures, symposia, screenings, and publications created by visiting artists, faculty and students. The gallery is free and open to the public. Check out a complete calendar of upcoming events and exhibits.

9. Studio Art Center and Gallery

A UT Arlington student-run gallery sits adjacent to these university studios that host programs in clay, glass-blowing, metals, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Call the Studio Arts Center (located at 810 S. Davis Dr. Arlington, TX 76012) at 817-272-2891 for more information.

10. The Planetarium at UT Arlington

One of the most sophisticated theaters in Texas, the Planetarium at UT Arlington hosts public shows year-round, private functions, and special star-gazing events for all ages. Teachers: To schedule a field trip to the planetarium, click here.

To learn more about upcoming cultural arts events, venues, shopping and dining in Downtown Arlington, please visit https://downtownarlington.org/.

Theatre Arlington, Downtown Arlington
Arts & Culture, Community, News