Fort Worth Community Arts Center Restoration Advocacy
Artists and advocates unite to restore Fort Worth's historic community arts center, closed since December 2024 for $30M in repairs.
The Fort Worth Community Arts Center, a city-owned building located in the Cultural District, has been closed to the public since December 2024 due to significant infrastructure damage requiring approximately $30 million in repairs. A 2022 assessment identified critical problems with plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems throughout the facility.
Local artists, advocates, and arts leaders are organizing to advocate for the building's restoration and reopening. The center, which opened in 1954, historically served as a vital hub for the arts community, hosting organizations like Amphibian Stage and the Stolen Shakespeare Guild. The facility featured nine galleries and two theaters, including the 468-seat W.E. Scott Theatre.
On November 25, 2025, nearly 30 local artists and arts leaders gathered at Amphibian Stage to discuss advocacy strategies and develop talking points for city council members. The group is preparing unified public comments for Fort Worth City Council's December 2, 2025 meeting at 5 p.m.
Key advocacy priorities include emphasizing the building's historical significance dating back to 1954, highlighting the unique amenities and size of the facility compared to other local arts spaces, and advocating for temporary use by Texas Christian University (TCU) to facilitate renovations while the city develops a long-term plan.
Arts Fort Worth board chair Megan Henderson emphasizes the importance of presenting a unified message across all public comments to maximize impact. The advocacy effort seeks to restore this essential community resource that has supported emerging artists and cultural organizations for decades.