The Garland Cultural Arts Commission was formed in 1986 by the Garland City Council to serve as a liaison between City and community-based arts and historic groups. The Commission's primary goal is to increase visibility of the arts in Garland. The GCAC sponsors the Arts In Action Newsletter, an annual Senior Art Show with the GISD, and the annual Business for the Arts Award in association with the Garland Chamber of Commerce. The GCAC, Inc. administers a Sub-Grant program for local groups. These activities are made possible through 1% of the hotel/motel tax revenues. Cultural organizations designated by the Garland Cultural Arts Commission as Affiliates/Associates are:
Garland Civic Theatre
The Garland Civic Theatre was founded in 1968 and is the oldest community theatre group in Dallas County. Their season begins in September and ends in May. GCT also reaches the youth audience through their Children on Stage Program, which has its own season each year. In addition, GCT offers year round classes for youth. For further information call 972-485-8884. For regular ticket sales call 972-205-2790.
Garland Country Music Association
GCMA sponsors the Garland Opry which stages local and visiting country groups each Saturday night in their theatre at 115 N. Sixth Street. One of GCMA's major projects is the Annual Talent Search Competition. For further information call 972-494-3835.
Garland Summer Musicals
The GSM was founded in 1983 by the Performing Arts Center Guild in order to create a professional musical theatre program for Garland. Over the years, the GSM has worked closely with Eastfield Community College in offering scholarships to theatre students who are cast in the productions. The GSM has received critical acclaim for the quality of their productions. Auditions are in March and shows are presented in June and July. Call 972-205-2780 for information.
Garland Symphony Orchestra Association
The GSO provides quality entertainment within the Garland community. Founded in 1978, the GSO is a professional orchestra which offers six subscription concerts. The GSO Season is from October through May. Guest artists are featured throughout the season and season ticket prices are available. For further information call 972-926-0611.
Jim R. Henderson Garland Chorale
Jim R. Henderson founded the Jim R. Henderson Garland Chorale in 1996. The membership is open by audition and based at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church in Garland. The concert season consists of two fall concerts and two spring concerts. For more information call 972-495-6455.
Garland Square Pickers
The Garland Square Pickers bluegrass organization was established in the early 1990s. During the months of April through October, concerts are held on the Square in downtown Garland every Saturday night.
Garland Landmark Museum Society
The Garland Landmark Society was formed in 1973 by the City Council. The former Santa Fe Railroad Depot was built in 1901 and was preserved by the Society. The Depot currently houses the Museum, which holds artifacts from the period 1850 to present. Adjacent to the Museum is a Pullman Railroad car, which is also being restored. The Pace House and Lyles House are typical prairie homes of the 1800s. They complete the area known as Heritage Park. For further information call 972-205-2780.