Waco’s Cultural District
On September 7, 2016, Texas Commission on the Arts unanimously voted to designate downtown Waco a State of Texas Cultural District.
A state designation that recognizes Waco’s active investment in its creative and artistic life — and opens doors for funding, recognition, promotion, and opportunity.
About the designation
Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), our state arts agency, has a cultural district designation program that recognizes communities taking an active approach to growing and investing in their creative and artistic life. This is important because:
Learn more about the statewide program from the Texas Commission on the Arts cultural districts initiative.
A thriving creative sector is a powerful economic development asset. Cultural district development is one strategy that helps a community boost economies while realizing other cultural and civic benefits. The outcomes of cultural districts extend beyond the arts and benefit all members of a community.
Along with cultural organizations and community leaders, Creative Waco spearheaded the cultural district application process, helping Waco become the cultural hub it deserves to be.
Watch the application story
A city-wide effort
If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire city to raise a cultural district.
From the Cultural District application
Around the district
Benefits of the Cultural District
The designation puts Waco on the map as a cultural destination — and opens four doors:
Funding
Grow Waco's identity as a cultural destination. State investment is earmarked for cultural district projects. Waco arts organizations can apply for support to execute great ideas in our city.
Recognition
Successful cities are culturally vibrant cities. Our cultural district identity helps engage Waco's citizens, businesses, and stakeholders in how arts and culture enhance quality of life and economic success.
Promotion
Promote Waco as a vibrant cultural destination at the state level and beyond. Texas cultural districts are promoted as great destinations.
Opportunities
Cities with a thriving cultural life are more successful at retaining talent and attracting companies and individuals who want to live, work, and thrive in Waco.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Cultural District, and what can be found there?
A cultural district is a designated area within a community that spotlights art, culture and entertainment. It is an area where residents and tourists can experience the unique character of a city. Waco's Cultural District contains museums, art galleries, public art, performance venues and restaurants and bars serving locally produced food, wine, beer—even award-winning whisky. There are numerous stores selling locally designed and manufactured art, crafts, home furnishings, clothing and jewelry. Cultural attractions include a thriving farmer's market, diverse festivals, live music, exhibitions, poetry readings and events for the whole family.
What are some benefits of establishing a Cultural District?
The designation puts Waco on the map as a cultural destination and opens doors for funding, recognition, promotion, and opportunities. State investment of $5 million is earmarked for cultural district projects so arts organizations can apply for support—and so companies and individuals choose Waco as a place to live, work, and thrive.
Where is Waco's Cultural District?
The Waco Downtown Cultural District spans the Brazos River, encompassing Historic and Main Street designated zones on both banks. This area holds the greatest concentration of entertainment venues, retail, restaurants, festivals, museums, public art, and cultural and historic landmarks. Key attractions are connected by the free trolley and bike trails. The boundaries also benefit from Waco's Public Improvement District and Tax Incremental Fund zones.
Do organizations and businesses outside the Cultural District lose out?
No. When we promote Waco as a cultural destination, residents and visitors become more aware of all the great things Waco has to offer. The District is a concentrated, walkable area—but that does not stop us promoting the whole of Waco, including MCC and Baylor campuses, the Zoo, Mayborn, and Mammoth Site.
Who manages Waco's Cultural District?
In 2015, a Cultural District Task Force was gathered by Creative Waco. Its members represent civic, cultural, education, business, and community interests. This group is now the Cultural District Committee and takes a partnership approach to developing Waco as a cultural hub managed by Creative Waco.
What next?
Since designation, our community has created artistic wayfinding and signage, marketed Waco as a cultural destination, and supported new businesses, restaurants, festivals, and other endeavors. We launched the Creative Waco Arts Match Program to support initiatives that advance the cultural plan, and continue investing in downtown arts facilities.
How can I find things to do in the Downtown Cultural District?
Check the Waco Heart of Texas Calendar for events, venues, activities, festivals, and hidden gems. Also see our calendar round-up and listings from The Waco Tribune, Act Locally Waco, Wacoan Magazine, The Waco Insider, and KWBU.
How can I be involved?
There are many practical and fun ways to help Waco’s Cultural District grow. See Get involved below to sign up for updates, hang out downtown, promote cultural gems, donate, or pursue Arts Match support for innovative, high-impact ideas.
Get involved
There are many practical and fun ways to help Waco’s Cultural District grow. Sign up for updates, hang out downtown, promote cultural gems, donate, and do cool things.
Hang out downtown
Support the district downtown: local artists, theater, music, food, and spirits. Explore Downtown Waco — First Friday is a great start.
See CalendarsPromote
Write a review on TripAdvisor or Yelp, share a great experience with #creativewaco, or write for our blog.
Write for the BlogDonate
Support the vision of a cultural district for Waco and the hard work it takes to make it a reality.
DonateDo cool things
Help make downtown Waco a hub for art, performances, festivals, and ideas no one else has thought of yet. Innovative, high-impact projects may get support from our Arts Match Program.
Explore Arts Match