Cultural Districts are well-known as a successful strategy not only to revitalize downtowns, but also enhance quality of life. Angelina Arts Alliance, through its strategic planning efforts, found a large cultural void surrounding the greater Lufkin area. Working alongside the City of Lufkin, Angelina Arts Alliance convened a stakeholder advisory committee to formally undertake a feasibility assessment to determine Lufkin’s readiness and ability to achieve a state-designated cultural district for Downtown Lufkin. This project worked in coordination with the Lufkin Forward effort, which is geared toward improving downtown’s infrastructure and existing events.

In 2021, we achieved a lot of success, including:

• 10+ news articles sharing our progress over time
• 5 Advisory Committee meetings to deliberate on findings
• 4 Spark Sessions to learn and share best practices
• 3 Task Forces to do a deep dive into specific focus areas
• 2 site visits to Longview and Waco to stimulate future thinking
• 1 brochure developed to showcase local arts & culture resources

In 2022, we finished the report and 100% of the Advisory Committee voted to pursue becoming a cultural district in 2023. The Cultural District Collaboration Microgrant Program was also completed in 2022.

Now, we are launching Phase 2 with Action Committees to work on our application, cultural and marketing plan, and video to the Texas Commission on the Arts in June 2023. If you are interested in serving on an Action Committee, contact us here.

For information about more about Cultural Districts as defined by the Texas Commission on the Arts, click here.

Thank you to our partners Neighborhood STRONG, Parks & Recreation, City of Lufkin and Angelina Coalition.

The project is being funded by a grant from the T.L.L Temple Foundation with the end goal to put Lufkin on the map of State designated cultural districts — attracting business leaders, renowned artists and leading hoteliers.