Greater Denton Arts Council

The Greater Denton Arts Council (GDAC) provides leadership to support, promote, and encourage the arts in the Greater Denton Area.

The Greater Denton Arts Council began in 1968 as the “Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Committee” through the Denton Chamber of Commerce. The organization was renamed to the Greater Denton Arts Council and separately incorporated in 1970. In 1985, the GDAC completed a four year, $1.5 Million capital campaign and renovation of the city’s old steam power plant on the corner of Hickory and Bell in downtown, creating the Center for the Visual Arts, now known as the Patterson-Appleton Center for the Visual Arts. The Center originally contained a large multipurpose space, a dance rehearsal hall, art studio and the organization’s first gallery. Subsequent renovations added another gallery, offices and art studio and storage space.

In 1990, the Campus Theatre was purchased to serve as the performing arts facility for the GDAC. The facility re-opened in 1995 after a $2 million capital campaign and renovation. The facility is now home to the Denton Community Theatre, Music Theatre of Denton, and other local performing arts organizations. The Campus Theater is managed by the Denton Community Theater and their board.

The Arts Guild (TAG) is the supportive arm of the GDAC, and its board and members execute its purpose by providing fundraising projects and encouraging volunteer services that benefit GDAC's grants, operations, and public programs.

In addition to providing community programs and physical space for local arts organizations to meet, perform, learn and connect with the community, the Greater Denton Arts Council also advocates for the arts. The GDAC works with government officials, city commissions, task forces, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, parks and recreation department and local businesses to ensure that the arts participate in all segments of the community.