CTroyMathis
21 December 2002, 02:45 PM
More and more, Dallas looks with envy at Fort Worth
12/18/2002
By HENRY TATUM / The Dallas Morning News
Here we go again.
Congratulations, Fort Worth. Your new Modern Art Museum has architecture critics headed for the dictionary to find appropriate superlatives to describe the $65 million facility.
And before I forget, way to go on the expansion of the Amon Carter Museum. The $35 million addition by legendary architect Philip Johnson to the 1961 building also has drawn rave reviews.
Let's see, what else? Oh, yeah, the $21 million National Cowgirls Museum and Hall of Fame, which opened in June, is a great tip of the Stetson to Fort Worth's heritage.
I just have one question: Did the financial downturn that seems to affect every decision being made in Dallas bypass Fort Worth?
While city officials here look for ways to scrape up enough bond money to pave a few roads, Fort Worth has spruced up its cultural district to make way for this next phase of construction. The Will Rogers Coliseum has undergone major renovations, and roads have been improved and landscaped to provide a more attractive venue for all of the new facilities.
Fort Worth City Hall spokesman Pat Svacina said voters have supported the projects because they know they will be good for the city and like the "cowboys and culture" theme that is used to make art more accessible to the public.
Dallas city officials nod in grudging admiration for all that is transpiring 32 miles to the west. But they quickly point out that a half-dozen or so people are making it all happen.
Fort Worth's deep-pockets civic leaders such as the Bass brothers can put together plans fairly quickly for cultural projects and find the financing to make them leap off the drawing boards.
And there are the Sid Richardson Foundation, the Amon Carter Foundation and the Burnett Foundation, which always seem to be there when Fort Worth needs money for big plans.
But is it really that different in Dallas? Think what has been happening here culturally lately.
Longtime developer and art collector Raymond Nasher is hard at work on a new sculpture center downtown that should attract international acclaim for Dallas' arts district. The center, which will cost as much as $60 million to build, has been financed almost entirely by Mr. Nasher. Even more important, his collection of world-renowned sculpture will make this a must-see destination for tourists and area residents.
Meanwhile, a private fund-raising drive has as much as $125 million in commitments for a center for the performing arts in the downtown district. At a time when arts and social service groups are struggling to make ends meet, the center has more contributions from the private sector than any city project in Dallas history.
On the campus of Southern Methodist University, the Meadows Foundation has provided most of the financing for the new Meadows Museum, which houses one of the world's most impressive collections of Spanish art.
So, the money is there when the projects are worthwhile and the interest is strong enough. But frequently, Dallas doesn't show the necessary dedication to convince the private sector it wants a new cultural facility.
The center for the performing arts has been a good case in point. While fund raising continues at a breakneck pace, the City Council continues to struggle with its portion of the investment. As the budget tightens up, even Mayor Laura Miller is saying the next bond issue will have to be small.
So, we look with envy at what is being achieved in Fort Worth. But unless Dallas is willing to make the necessary financial commitments, there is no reason to think the situation will change.
12/18/2002
By HENRY TATUM / The Dallas Morning News
Here we go again.
Congratulations, Fort Worth. Your new Modern Art Museum has architecture critics headed for the dictionary to find appropriate superlatives to describe the $65 million facility.
And before I forget, way to go on the expansion of the Amon Carter Museum. The $35 million addition by legendary architect Philip Johnson to the 1961 building also has drawn rave reviews.
Let's see, what else? Oh, yeah, the $21 million National Cowgirls Museum and Hall of Fame, which opened in June, is a great tip of the Stetson to Fort Worth's heritage.
I just have one question: Did the financial downturn that seems to affect every decision being made in Dallas bypass Fort Worth?
While city officials here look for ways to scrape up enough bond money to pave a few roads, Fort Worth has spruced up its cultural district to make way for this next phase of construction. The Will Rogers Coliseum has undergone major renovations, and roads have been improved and landscaped to provide a more attractive venue for all of the new facilities.
Fort Worth City Hall spokesman Pat Svacina said voters have supported the projects because they know they will be good for the city and like the "cowboys and culture" theme that is used to make art more accessible to the public.
Dallas city officials nod in grudging admiration for all that is transpiring 32 miles to the west. But they quickly point out that a half-dozen or so people are making it all happen.
Fort Worth's deep-pockets civic leaders such as the Bass brothers can put together plans fairly quickly for cultural projects and find the financing to make them leap off the drawing boards.
And there are the Sid Richardson Foundation, the Amon Carter Foundation and the Burnett Foundation, which always seem to be there when Fort Worth needs money for big plans.
But is it really that different in Dallas? Think what has been happening here culturally lately.
Longtime developer and art collector Raymond Nasher is hard at work on a new sculpture center downtown that should attract international acclaim for Dallas' arts district. The center, which will cost as much as $60 million to build, has been financed almost entirely by Mr. Nasher. Even more important, his collection of world-renowned sculpture will make this a must-see destination for tourists and area residents.
Meanwhile, a private fund-raising drive has as much as $125 million in commitments for a center for the performing arts in the downtown district. At a time when arts and social service groups are struggling to make ends meet, the center has more contributions from the private sector than any city project in Dallas history.
On the campus of Southern Methodist University, the Meadows Foundation has provided most of the financing for the new Meadows Museum, which houses one of the world's most impressive collections of Spanish art.
So, the money is there when the projects are worthwhile and the interest is strong enough. But frequently, Dallas doesn't show the necessary dedication to convince the private sector it wants a new cultural facility.
The center for the performing arts has been a good case in point. While fund raising continues at a breakneck pace, the City Council continues to struggle with its portion of the investment. As the budget tightens up, even Mayor Laura Miller is saying the next bond issue will have to be small.
So, we look with envy at what is being achieved in Fort Worth. But unless Dallas is willing to make the necessary financial commitments, there is no reason to think the situation will change.