Member Since:
04/09/2013
The Grand Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) was incorporated in 1979, as an independent 501(C)3 cultural arts organization, to produce and promote visual and performing arts in Grand Prairie, Texas. GPAC continues to be the only cultural arts organization operating year-round in the city of Grand Prairie with a paid Executive Director, and volunteer Board of Directors.
Each year GPAC produces four theatre productions, four weeks of Children’s Arts Programming, a month-long Outdoor Concert Series, Adult Juried Art Show and various Student Juried Art Shows. GPAC also provides funding to local arts organizations, and educational scholarships.
GPAC provides free and low cost visual and performing arts experiences for the local community, and encourages cultural tourism by advertising programming and events to the entire region. A 2012 sampling of zip codes collected at various events verifies that GPAC is drawing patrons from throughout the area. From 6811 zip codes - 3718 were local and state tourist from outside the city, and 2504 were from Grand Prairie.
GPAC operated successfully for 29 years in various venues borrowed and rented throughout the city, but was hindered by the lack of a permanent location and professional space. In 2005, the city of Grand Prairie purchased the Main Street Uptown Movie House and reconstructed the facility into a live performance theater space. The Uptown features a 400-seat theater with professional backstage facilities, Orchestra Pit, Lobby Art Gallery, and Studio Theater. The Uptown is a city-owned and operated facility providing GPAC with a performance venue.
The Arts Council operates from rental space at 116A East Main Street, next door to the Uptown; the Studio is GPAC’s home base with workshop and storage space. In 2012, GPAC secured additional space at the city's Veteran's Park Center. This facility has allowed GPAC to mimic the stage at the Uptown Theater and rehearse productions uninterrupted for entire rehearsal periods of 6-8 weeks. It also provides classroom space for GPAC's Summer in the Arts Children's Program.
The theatre branch of the organization provides revenues needed to fund additional free and low-cost programs and events throughout the year. GPAC obtains additional funding support for productions, events and exhibits through grants, local hotel/motel tax, private and public foundations, and individual donations.