Dallas art galleries and alternative performance spaces have been subject to dated certificate of occupancy code requirements that do not reflect the reality of presenting arts today. Small, innovative, and developing arts organizations and businesses--which are the generating heart of the Dallas creative industry--have been shut down and threatened with survival.

The recent spate of over zealous code enforcement refers to outmoded building codes prescribed for larger and traditionally conceived art and performance venues and do not take into account modern building use conversions. The enforcement of antiquated codes will have a negative effect on the growth and development of the arts, its artists, and the quality of life in Dallas.  

We request that Mayor Rawlings, the Dallas City Council, the City Planning Commission, and the City Zoning Commission support code amendments that reflect the reality of presenting performance and art in the 21st Century. Amend the building codes and take into account building conversions, reuse, and alternative presentation spaces. The future belongs to those who adapt and evolve.

Some Facts and Figures to Consider:

Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Study provides compelling evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture are a significant industry in the City of Dallas—one that generates $450 million in total spending by the nonprofit arts and culture industry. This total includes nonprofit arts and culture organizations and audiences generated by both the Dallas Arts District and organizations citywide. This total is estimated to have grown by 50% to 60% today; Americans for the Arts prepared the 2012 study. Totals do not include money generated by the vibrant for-profit art galleries of Dallas, which are on the cusp of art world recognition. The arts are good for the city's reputation and identity--Dallas cannot become an international city without a vibrant and supportive arts scene. The arts are good for business and are big business in Dallas!

Something else to consider: The arts support 15,823 full-time or equivalent jobs, generating over $40, million in household income to local residents, and delivering $52 million in local and state government revenue. 

The impact of this study sends a strong message, that when we support the arts and artists, enabling them to flourish, prosper, and present their work we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in the City of Dallas’ economic well being.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV can be found at The Report

From the National Governors Association report, Arts and the Economy

 ·      Creative and their aligned new media industries are growing in number and playing increasingly prominent economic and social roles.

 ·      Companies’ decisions about where to locate their businesses often are influenced by factors such as the ready availability of a creative workforce and the quality of life available to employees.

 ·      Arts and culture can play a major role in community development and redevelopment by creating new jobs as well as fostering an environment and amenities that attract talented young workers.

·      Tourism centered on arts and culture can contribute to state and local economic growth by providing a diversified and sustainable means for creating jobs and attracting revenue.

·      Creative and new media industries are growing in number and playing increasingly prominent economic and social roles.

 ·      The market value of products is increasingly determined by a product’s uniqueness, performance, and aesthetic appeal, making creativity a critical competitive advantage to a wide array of industries.

 ·      The most desirable high-wage jobs require employees with creativity and higher order problem solving and communications skills.

 ·      Business location decisions are influenced by factors such as the ready availability of a creative workforce and the quality of life available to employees.

 ·      In this environment, Dallas’ arts and cultural resources can be economic assets. The arts and cultural industries provide jobs, attract investments, and stimulate local economies through tourism, consumer purchases, and tax revenue. Perhaps more significantly, they also prepare workers to participate in the contemporary workforce, create communities with high appeal to residents, businesses, and tourists, and contribute to the economic success of other sectors.

Sign the petition, talk about it, act on it, this is our city, become the change you envision!