Got an idea for an art workshop that could change lives? A music series that celebrates Black culture? An exhibition that tells untold stories? The South Dallas Cultural Center wants to hear from you – and they’re ready to help make it happen.
What They’re Looking For
The center is calling for proposals in three exciting categories for their 2025-26 season (September 1 – May 31):
PROJECTS: Original programs that uplift, educate, or inspire through workshops, community activations, classes, or performances
EXHIBITIONS: Visual artists and curators can propose shows for the Arthello Beck Gallery (this is an ongoing call – proposals accepted year-round)
MUSIC LOUNGE: Intimate performances celebrating music rooted in Black culture and innovation
Who Can Apply
Artists and organizations submitting proposals must be located in the City of Dallas. That’s the only age or location requirement – whether you’re an established artist or just starting out, if you’re Dallas-based and have a compelling program idea, you’re eligible.
The center welcomes proposals from:
- Individual artists at any career stage
- Art educators
- Cultural organizations
- Anyone with a well-crafted program that aligns with their mission
Two Ways to Partner
PROJECT TRACK – Perfect if you want to:
- Test out a new program idea
- Offer a short-term workshop or class series
- Create community programming
- Try something experimental
Project proposals can be submitted by artists/organizations in any stage in their career as long as they have a well-crafted program that is short and meets our main criteria.
PARTNERSHIP TRACK – Ideal if you’re:
- An established artist or organization
- Looking for a long-term relationship (full program year)
- Ready to commit to detailed reporting and evaluation
- Seeking substantial support and resources
Partners are artists of standing whose content or artistic point-of-view closely relates to our mission, values, and/or community. Only up to 10 partnerships per year are available, making this track highly competitive.
What You Get
For PROJECT participants:
- Free venue space
- Equipment access
- Marketing and promotional support
- Staff coordination assistance
- Community connections
For PARTNERSHIP participants:
- All project benefits plus:
- Potential funding support (awarded in tiers)
- Extended marketing campaigns
- Priority scheduling
- Administrative support
- Long-term relationship building
Your Proposal Needs to Show
Community Impact: How does your program serve the South Dallas community and celebrate Black culture?
Clear Vision: What exactly will participants experience and learn?
Practical Details: What space, equipment, and support do you need?
Your Qualifications: Why are you the right person to lead this program?
Measurable Outcomes: How will you know if your program succeeds?
The Application Process
This year, all proposals submissions must be submitted through an online application. Applicants must also complete the Support Materials document, providing samples of work and more information about the proposed program.
For Projects:
- Submit anytime, but at least 3 weeks before your proposed start date
- Multiple submissions allowed per program year
- Each proposal judged separately
For Partnerships:
- Applications accepted April 1 – May 31st only
- Responses given in July or August
- Only one partnership proposal per artist/organization per year
Why This Matters
The South Dallas Cultural Center explores the vibrant tapestry of identity woven by the journeys, resilience, and triumphs of millions of individuals of African descent spread across the globe. Your proposal could be part of that story.
The Dallas Cultural Plan 2018 taught us to engage the communities, neighborhoods, and residents of Dallas through meaningful artistic and cultural experiences, to look at our city and see where gaps and inequities of cultural access and experience exist.
This is your chance to fill those gaps with programming that matters.
Real Talk About Getting Accepted
The center uses a joint staff and community programming panel to review proposals. During the review process, applicants may be asked to provide more details or come to the office for an in-person interview.
What increases your chances:
- Clear alignment with their mission celebrating Black culture
- Detailed, realistic budgets and timelines
- Strong community connections
- Professional presentation materials
- Evidence of past success (even if small-scale)
What doesn’t work:
- Incomplete applications (they won’t be considered)
- Vague descriptions of programming
- Unrealistic resource requests
- Programs that don’t serve their target community
Ready to Apply?
Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. But don’t wait – the best programming spots fill up fast, and partnership applications have that strict April-May deadline.
Next Steps:
- Contact [email protected] for detailed application instructions
- Download the Support Materials template
- Start crafting your proposal
- Submit through their online application system
The Bottom Line
The South Dallas Cultural Center isn’t just looking for programming – they’re looking for partners who understand that art can transform communities. If you’ve got an idea that celebrates Black culture, serves the South Dallas community, and brings people together through creativity, they want to help you make it happen.
Your vision could be the next program that changes someone’s life, introduces them to their new favorite art form, or gives them a creative outlet they never knew they needed.
Contact:
[email protected]
South Dallas Cultural Center
Part of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture
The future of South Dallas arts is waiting for your big idea.
