Programs

The Duncanville Forum for the Arts develops programs that use creative practice to strengthen civic participation, cultural leadership, and public engagement. Each program is designed to respond to local needs while building long-term capacity for collaboration and innovation through the arts.

Programs are currently in development and will launch in phases. Early efforts focus on leadership training and place-based revitalization to support both individual growth and broader community impact.

Summer Leadership Seminars

Structured workshops exploring the intersection of arts, public policy, and civic life. Designed for individuals interested in leading arts-related initiatives or working at the intersection of culture and local government.

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

  • Civic leadership development for artists and cultural workers

  • Understanding local government, public policy, and funding systems

  • Skills for advocacy, partnership-building, and project design

Main Street Labs

A place-based program supporting artist-led projects in underused or overlooked downtown spaces. Focuses on revitalization, experimentation, and creative community engagement.

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

  • Temporary activations and pop-up cultural experiences

  • Collaboration between artists, property owners, and local businesses

  • Testing ideas for long-term arts-based revitalization in the downtown core

Fund Development

The Duncanville Forum for the Arts engages in fund development to support civic leadership, public art, and community-based cultural programs. This work focuses on building sustainable revenue through grants, partnerships, individual giving, and philanthropic investment.

Fund development efforts are designed to align with Duncanville’s public priorities and long-term goals. Resources raised support initiatives like leadership training, artist-led downtown activations, and policy-driven arts programs that contribute to the city’s cultural vitality and civic growth.

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

  • Securing public, private, and philanthropic investment

  • Aligning funding strategies with community and civic priorities

  • Supporting long-term sustainability for Forum-led initiatives

  • Building donor, partner, and funder relationships

  • Creating pathways for community members to invest in the arts