From the Michelson Museum in Marshall to Tyler’s Gallery Main Street, AT&T’s monetary support continues to benefit the arts in East Texas communities. Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass has announced a $25,000 grant the Rose City has received from the telecommunications giant to finance downtown arts programming for local youth. The gift was revealed at a press conference and reception held to commemorate the first anniversary of Gallery Main Street and the 20th anniversary of the city’s being designated as part of the Texas Main Street Program.
“The City of Tyler is overwhelmed by AT&T’s generosity, and we pledge to make excellent use of the funding they have provided,” said Bass.
The grant will pay for a new stage and programming intended to introduce local children to the arts. AT&T Director of External Affairs Candice Gast explained her company’s decision to provide the donation.
“We are proud to support the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition in its work toward stimulating children’s interest in the arts,” she said. “We are happy to follow the lead of State Senator Kevin Eltife in supporting Mayor Bass and the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown Tyler.”
The senator was there, too, and seconded Bass’ expression of gratitude.
“It was my honor to work with AT&T in securing this funding to continue the excellent downtown arts programming begun by the City of Tyler,” said Eltife.
Late last year, Tyler opened Gallery Main Street and the Tyler Main Street Department/Heart of Tyler offices at 110 West Erwin. The gallery hosts new juried art exhibits every six weeks in addition to such special events as ArtWalk and artistic workshops. According to Bass the grant will expand art instruction of all kinds for area children.
“Now we can introduce children and families to dance, folklore, storytelling, music and so many other genres, thanks to AT&T’s generosity,” said Bass.
Apart from announcing the grant, Bass and other city officials celebrated the first anniversary of the gallery, which opened in August 2009.
“This beautiful gallery is a perfect example of public-private partnerships and how they can benefit an entire community,” she said. “From the construction phase that involved donated materials and time to the programming and events that are generated by volunteers, many people have worked together to create this resounding success story.”
The twenty years since Tyler’s designation as a Main Street community were also commemorated. Two decades ago the Rose City became one of Texas’ first “urban” Main Street program communities. This recognition by the Texas Historical Commission comes through a competitive application procedure. A community’s historic preservation ethic, presence of historic structures and a supportive business community are all considered in the evaluation process. Since that time more than $100 million have been invested in Tyler’s downtown, including property sales and renovation expenses.
Some recent downtown projects have included Gallery Main Street, Balance Pilates and Dance, Subway, Downtown Coffee Lounge, Moore Grocery Lofts, housing development, and the construction of various downtown loft-style residential units.
For more information please visit www.downtowntylerarts.com of call (903) 593-6905.













