AUSTIN, Texas – September 3, 2026 – The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has approved the designation of four new cultural districts. Cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community vitality. These districts can be focal points for generating business, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development and fostering civic pride. The new cultural districts are: the Edinburg Arts District, the Galveston African American Cultural Heritage District, the Lufkin Cultural District, and the Mitte Cultural District in Brownsville. These designations bring the total number of cultural districts in Texas to 61.
The Texas Commission on the Arts is the only body able to officially designate cultural districts on behalf of the State. Cultural districts are marketable tourism assets that highlight the distinct identity of a community and encourage in-state, out-of-state, and international visitors. Cultural district development helps a community boost its economy while realizing other cultural and civic benefits. The outcomes of cultural districts extend beyond the arts and benefit all members of a community. Official designation allows cultural districts and qualifying resident arts organizations to be eligible to apply for significant Cultural District Project funding through TCA.
The Edinburg Arts District is positioned along Interstate 69 (US Highway 281), a major trade corridor. At the center of the district is the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events (ACE) Center, a state-of-the-art facility with classrooms, a dance studio, gallery space, and a ballroom supporting classes, performances, and festivals. The cultural district has a robust calendar of festivals, performances, and events that attract regional audiences throughout the year. Signature events include UTRGV’s Festival of International Books and Art (FESTIBA) and a series of City-led festivals, including the Edinburg UFO Festival, FridaFest, South Texas International Film Festival, and Los Muertos Bailan Day of the Dead celebration. These assets, combined with the district’s proximity to the US-Mexico border, create a culturally rich environment shaped by shared history, traditions, and public art.
On the edge of the Gulf stands the Galveston African American Cultural Heritage District (GAACHD). This newly designated district in Galveston, the birthplace of Juneteenth, is rich with history, culture, and the arts. In between its north south borders of the beach and the Emancipation Trail, GAACHD is activated year-round through a diverse schedule of cultural events, festivals, performances, educational programs, heritage celebrations, and community gatherings that engage residents and visitors alike. Programming regularly occurs throughout the district’s museums, parks, performance venues, beaches, galleries, and public spaces, creating consistent opportunities. This area has historic and boutique lodging, beachfront accommodations, locally owned restaurants, breweries, nightlife venues, cultural gathering spaces, and coastal attractions that enhance the visitor experience while reflecting the unique character of Galveston.
The Lufkin Cultural District is located in East Texas, 140 miles north of Houston. This walkable community is where art is woven into the everyday experience. The Museum of East Texas, which provides free public access to exhibitions, educational programming, classes, workshops, and community art experiences, is the cornerstone of this creative hub. The historic Pines Theater, Angelina Arts Alliance, Angelina Community Theatre, Lufkin Art Guild, Lufkin Creative, and the Lufkin Limners provide year-round creative programming that activates the city. Beyond these anchor institutions, the Lufkin Cultural District offers restaurants, stores, public art, artist studios, galleries, and opportunities for artists to earn an income while making art accessible to the public. The district is an ever-growing community and an artist cultural destination in East Texas.
At the southernmost tip of Texas, where the United States and Mexico meet, the Mitte Cultural District celebrates the rich history, creativity, and cultural heritage of the borderlands. The district fosters a vibrant and collaborative arts ecosystem encompassing visual arts, performing arts, dance, music, film, literary arts, public art, culinary arts, and heritage traditions. Major cultural assets include the Mitte: the Cultural Center, the Children’s Museum of Brownsville, Camille Playhouse, the Brownsville Historical Association, the George Ramirez Performing Arts Center, and numerous galleries and creative spaces. Public art is a defining feature of the district, highlighted by Murals in the Mitte, a collection of twenty murals connected through an interactive bilingual GPS-guided audio experience. Home to more than twenty collaborating arts and cultural organizations, the district showcases artists whose work reflects the history, resilience, and vibrant culture of the border region.
“We are pleased to highlight the wonderful work these cultural districts are already doing to attract visitors to their communities, and to enhance the quality of life in our great state,” said Gary Gibbs, executive director of TCA. “Their applications to the designation process provided extensive information on their qualifications, and were considered through a highly rigorous review process. We congratulate them on this achievement.” For complete information on the Cultural Districts Designation Program, please visit https://www.arts.texas.gov/initiatives/cultural-districts/.
In the future, each new cultural district will host an event where TCA representatives will provide a proclamation marking the official designation.
About the Texas Commission on the Arts
The mission of the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is to advance our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit arts.texas.gov.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Anina Moore
Director of Artist Services & Communications
