Fort Worth is fortunate to have citizens who lead the way in private funding of both business and philanthropic ventures. Through private donations and foundations of prominent families, Fort Worth enjoys the nation’s third largest cultural district as well as other world-class amenities. The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, built entirely with private funds, opened in 1998 and is already listed among the 10 top opera halls in the world. In addition to its world-renowned Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth now enjoys the recently renovated Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the spectacular new Modern Art Museum. Plus, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame has joined other museums in the cultural district.

The Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County has provided fundraising and leadership for the arts since 1963. Over 40 organizations benefit from Arts Council funding each year.

The Fort Worth City Council approved an ordinance in October 2001 to set aside two percent of capital construction costs for the creation of public art. The Fort Worth Art Commission (FWAC), was established by the same ordinance, and in February 2002, the mayor appointed nine qualified individuals to advise the city council on matters of public art and the development of the Fort Worth Public Art Program. Numerous public art projects located throughout the city will emerge in connection with the city’s capital improvement program and from community-generated initiatives.

In February 2004, Fort Worth residents approved a $273.5 million bond package, with approximately $5 million allocated to public art.