Galveston is a survivor. Not even the Great Storm of 1900 could eradicate it from the map. Nor would it keep its residents from forging onward. The aftermath of the storm created a thriving community. 

 That same indomitable spirit shown 124 years ago continues today. And it’s only growing stronger. 

 In 2012, a cultural renaissance got underway, spearheaded by the Galveston Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District. This initiative was officially designated in 2012 by the Texas Commission on the Arts. 

 Galveston has blossomed into a vibrant hub for the arts, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of key figures such as Sarah Piel. 

 Piel oversees The Grand Kids Festival, which has been nurturing young artists for nearly three decades. She also runs Artoberfest, a juried fine arts festival that attracts top artists from across the country. 

 She is involved in outreach work with local schools and acts as Camp Director for the Theatre Residency with the Missoula Children's Theatre. 

 “As I begin my 13th year at The Grand 1894 Opera House, I can confidently say that I have one of the best jobs there,” Piel said. “I’ve stayed for many reasons, but primarily because each day offers something new.” 

 The roots of Galveston’s Cultural Arts District can be traced back to 2009. That year, the Texas Commission on the Arts initiated a statewide project to establish cultural arts districts. 

 

 The goal was to create designated areas where art and culture could flourish. This would boost local economies, attract tourists, and enhance community pride. 

By 2012, Galveston had secured its place on this cultural map, with a district that spans from 19th to 27th streets and from Broadway to the bay. 

 The establishment of this district was not without its champions. Martha Terrell was the chair of the City of Galveston’s Cultural Arts Commission. She worked with past chair Maureen Patton to bring the district to life. 

 “They saw the potential in Galveston's rich art scene and pitched the idea to the city, suggesting they apply for a cultural arts designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts,” Piel said. 

 “Their successful efforts highlighted Galveston’s cultural treasures and opened new funding avenues for local arts organizations,” she added. 

 A key figure in securing the new designation was Kathy VanDewalli, a member of Galveston’s Cultural Arts Commission. VanDewalli put together the formal application which ultimately helped secure Galveston’s designation. 

 The district’s evolution continued in 2016 when it became a nonprofit organization. Under Patton’s leadership, The Grand 1894 Opera House played a crucial role in this transition. 

 Patton was vested in the city’s Arts Commission as well as the Texas Commission on the Arts. She took the lead in establishing the nonprofit position for The Grand and other arts organizations, allowing them to apply for funds. 

 Initially, The Grand and the Galveston Arts Center were the first to meet the criteria for these funds. Other groups, such as the Galveston Symphony and the Galveston Arts League, were also in line to benefit.

 However, the major hurdle was securing a budget for the district itself, a challenge that was further complicated by the lack of city support. 

 Despite these efforts, the nonprofit struggled with funding until Piel stepped in and wrote the first grant request in 2023. 

 “I spoke with Patton about writing grant requests [to get] the organization funded and make it a self-sustaining nonprofit. She gave me the green light, and in September 2023, I brought together 12 stakeholders who operate within the Cultural Arts District footprint. I then wrote our first grant request to The Mitchell Foundation,” said Piel. 

 “By the end of November, they awarded us $50,000 in seed funding to support our first year of operations. The Mary Moody Northen Foundation also recognized the potential and came on board with help.” 

 The grants marked a turning point, securing the support needed to propel the district forward, she said. 

 “With the support of these foundations, we continue to seek funding. [This will] ensure ARTS Downtown GTX can thrive and contribute to a more culturally rich Galveston. We’re incredibly grateful to those who share our vision and are helping to make it a reality.” 

 Each member of the new ARTS Downtown GTX brings unique expertise to amplify the voices of Galveston’s artistic community. 

 “This board is a dynamic group of individuals, each deeply connected to different aspects of the arts. Their diversity in expertise and experience across various art forms is what makes this board so unique and powerful,” she said. 

 “Together, we represent a wide range of perspectives within the artistic community, ensuring that all voices are heard. By bringing people together, from visual arts to performing arts and everything in between, we’re able to address the needs and aspirations of the entire community.” 

 A particularly noteworthy trend is the increasing number of artists seeking collaboration with ARTS Downtown GTX for their projects. For example, artists Karla Mock and Michael Balsham brought forward the concept of ART Week Galveston. 

 “We’re now partnering with them, along with many other organizations within the Cultural Arts District footprint, to bring this incredible event to life.” 

 “ART Week will make its debut from January 6-12, 2025, and we’re already buzzing with excitement,” Piel said. “And that’s just the beginning - there are plenty of other plans in the works that we can’t wait to share.” 

 One of the district's primary aims is to boost the local economy by cultivating a vibrant and diverse arts community. 

 Piel emphasizes that these efforts are crucial in attracting a broad audience. This can lead to increased investment, revenue generation, and job creation. 

 In 2023, the City of Galveston unveiled its Cultural Arts Master Plan, which Piel describes as targeting four key areas: enhancing local arts infrastructure; positioning Galveston as a leading arts destination; building strong community connections to the arts; and promoting the development of arts-related businesses. 

 “It’s all part of making Galveston a vibrant and dynamic place to live and visit,” she said. 

 The success of Galveston’s Cultural Arts District highlights the power of collaboration. The development of the Cultural Arts Master Plan is a prime example. 

 This plan brought together the Park Board of Trustees, the Galveston Art Center, and The Lakota Group to create the plan that was ultimately adopted by the city.  

“Everyone seems to agree that there are endless possibilities ahead for arts and culture in downtown Galveston. It’s great to see that enthusiasm and to know that we’re on the right track.” 

 Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to dive into Galveston’s thriving cultural scene. A great way to get involved is by visiting the ARTS Downtown GTX website at www.artsdowntowngtx.com. 

 Those who are interested can join the artist registry, make a donation, or sign up for the mailing list to stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities.