$25,000 Arts Grant for Tyler

TYLER — Mayor Barbara Bass announced Thursday that the City of Tyler has received a $25,000 grant from AT&T in support of downtown arts programming for youth. The announcement was made at a press conference and reception held to celebrate the first anniversary of Gallery Main Street and the 20th anniversary of Tyler’s designation as a Texas Main Street Program community. “The City of Tyler is overwhelmed by AT&T’s generosity, and we pledge to make excellent use of the funding they have provided,” said Mayor Bass. The grant will be used to purchase a stage and provide programming with a focus on introducing children to the arts.

“We are proud to support the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition in its work toward stimulating children’s interest in the arts,” said Candice Gast, director of external affairs for AT&T. “We are happy to follow the lead of State Senator Kevin Eltife in supporting Mayor Bass and the City’s efforts to revitalize downtown Tyler.” Eltife said, “It was my honor to work with AT&T in securing this funding to continue the excellent downtown arts programming begun by the City of Tyler.”

In late August 2009, the City of Tyler opened the new Gallery Main Street and the Tyler Main Street Department / Heart of Tyler offices at 110 W. Erwin. The gallery is host to new juried art exhibits every six weeks in addition to special events such as ArtWalk and arts workshops. Bass said the arts programming will expand with the grant for arts instruction for children. “Now we can introduce children and families to dance, folklore storytelling, music and so many other genres thanks to AT&T’s generosity,” Bass said.

The mayor added, “This beautiful gallery is a perfect example of public-private partnerships and how they can benefit an entire community. From the construction phase that involved donated materials and time to the programming and events that are generated by volunteers, many people have worked together to create this resounding success story.”

Two decades ago, Tyler became one of the state’s first “urban” Main Street program communities. Main Street designation by the Texas Historical Commission is achieved through a competitive application process. A community’s historic preservation ethic, the presence of historical structures and a supportive business community are all part of the evaluation criteria.

Since Tyler became a Main Street community, more than $100 million has been invested in downtown. That figure includes property sales and property renovation costs. Recent downtown renovation projects have included Gallery Main Street, Balance Pilates and Dance, Subway, the Downtown Coffee Lounge, the Moore Grocery Lofts housing development, and development of numerous downtown loft-style residential units. Those who want more information should go to http://www.downtowntylerarts.com or call Gallery Main Street at (903) 593-6905.