The Patterson-Appleton Arts Center is truly the arts engine of Denton. Built in 1929 and located between Denton’s Downtown Square and emerging innovation district, this historic building was originally the city’s steam power plant. Renovated in the 1980s, the Arts Center now offers two large galleries, art studio, dance rehearsal hall and sculpture garden. The centerpiece of the venue is Festival Hall, a 5000 square foot event and exhibition space with soaring ceilings and original industrial hardware.

The Campus Theatre, originally an Interstate Movie Theatre, was built in 1949. In 1990, the Campus Theatre was purchased by the Arts Council and re-opened as a central location for the performing arts groups in Denton. It is now home to the Theatre Denton and other performing arts organizations, which present over 100 performances annually. In 2010, the Campus Theatre was designated a Texas historical landmark.

The Campus Theatre is managed by Theatre Denton.

One of the Arts Council’s primary focuses is to provide financial support to its member organizations, giving over $1.5 million in grants since 1980. In addition, the Arts Council presents high quality exhibitions in its galleries, featuring both local and national artists.

In 2011, The Arts Council began a partnership with the College of Music at the University of North Texas to curate exhibits of regional artists in the Murchison Performing Arts Center expanding the reach and visibility of area artists to new audiences.

Each year, over 550,000 people attend an Arts Council sponsored event. Serving community through arts education is central to the mission of the Arts Council as demonstrated through partnerships with local schools and universities. Some of these include student exhibits, summer camps, and workshops.

The Arts Council is a tireless advocate for the arts within the community. The Council works with government officials, city commissions, task forces, the CVB, Parks and Recreation Department, and local businesses to ensure that all segments of the community have access to the arts.