Smithville's Richard D. Latham Cultural District
In 2013, the City of Smithville partnered with the Lost Pines Artisans' Alliance to apply to become a Cultural District through the Texas Commission on the Arts (read the full Cultural District Application and watch the accompanying Video). On September 5, 2013, the Richard D. Latham Cultural District was designated the 25th such community, and has been growing its programming ever since. This designation illustrates Smithville's welcoming attitude towards art and culture, and opens the door to many funding opportunities.
Per TCA requirements, Smithville's Richard D. Latham Cultural District hosts a public meeting or workshop at least twice per fiscal year -- usually in October/November and April/May to prepare for the TCA grant funding cycle.
In Fall of 2015, the Smithville City Council, Lost Pines Artisans' Association, and Cultural District Steering Committee adopted the Cultural District Business Plan to set goals, highlight partnerships, and provide a framework for additional action items.
To see some of the projects and progress that the Cultural District has made over the years, check out the Richard D. Latham Cultural District website!
Your support helps to make it possible to do even more projects than the City, LPAA, or grant funds can do on their own. Click here to sponsor a Cultural District Project.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR FY 2023-24!
Do you have a great idea for public art? Please use this Cultural District Proposal Form and Budget Template (excel spreadsheet) to explain your idea.
Email your Proposal/Budget to Jill Strube no later than 8AM on August 8, 2023. All proposals received in time will be presented to City Council at the August 14, 2023 City Council meeting. You may be asked to explain your idea at that meeting or at a future Budget Workshop.
For more information, contact Jill Strube at 512-237-3282 x 2109.
Current Projects:
| 22-23 Youth Banner Projects | |
| 2023 Welcome Sign Project | |
| 2023 Banners on the Bridge Project | |
| 2023 Make/Do Week Project |
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Welcome Sign at Loop 230 and Hill Road
The City of Smithville, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Keep Smithville Beautiful are partnering to replace the Welcome sign at Loop 230 and Hill using funding from the St. David's Foundation. After the Call for Artists was completed and a project was selected, "Unity in Bloom," the artist had to withdraw from the project, but she agreed to let the City keep the project. Janus Lee has been coordinating this project and has worked with the community to create some very beautiful artwork. The Lost Pines Artisans' Alliance will be working the second part of August to take it across the finish line. Read the original proposal, "Unity in Bloom," as it was submitted and accepted by the City.
Call for Artists Selection Complete - a Summary Report
Please click on the link to read the full report on the 2023 Art Bridging Community 2.0 Project.
Smithville Cultural District Public Meetings / Workshops
May 8, 2023 Arts Bridging Community 2.0 Report
May 1, 2023 Agenda
May 1, 2023 Meeting Notes
May 1, 2023 YouTube Video of Meeting (Part 1 & Part 2)
November 8, 2022 Agenda
November 8, 2022 Meeting Notes
October 13, 2022 Workshop Agenda/Flier
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May 18, 2022 Agenda
May 18, 2022 Meeting Notes
December 14, 2021 Agenda/Flier
December 14, 2021 Meeting Notes
December 14, 2021 Video
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June 22, 2021 Agenda
June 22, 2021: Meeting Notes
June 22, 2021 Video
November 19, 2020 Agenda
November 19, 2020: Meeting Notes
November 19, 2020: Proposed Budget
YouTube link to November 19, 2020 meeting
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April, 2020 -- Canceled due to COVID-19
