Lubbock’s Art District

Talent is alive and well in Texas’ first cultural arts district. The diverse culture of Lubbock was the seed that caused the city to flourish into the thriving arts scene it is today, earning its moniker as the Hub City. Located in the heart of Lubbock, the cultural district houses the Charles Adams Gallery and Charles Adams Studio Project (CASP), LHUCA, the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, which is scheduled to open this fall and the monthly arts event, First Friday Art Trail (FFAT). Studies have shown that cities with a thriving downtown coupled with a cultural arts scene are more attractive to businesses and those looking to relocate.  

The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) and Market Lubbock, Inc. have partnered with organizations in the cultural art district such as the Charles Adams Gallery/CASP in granting funding for art programs, facility improvements and making investments into the West Texas artists. For more information on LEDA’s investments into the local talent among our community, click here. 

CASP
CASP is a non-profit organization that provides exhibition space to both local and international artists. 

The CASP program was designed to give aid to artists who are in need of assistance with art supplies and workspace. Charles Adams’ vision is to show the many opportunities for artists that are here in Lubbock.

Through CASP, artists are able to apply for a live/work studio program that provides artists with free housing in exchange for art projects to be displayed at the First Friday Art Trail, a monthly festival designed for community engagement in the arts. CASP artists open their studio to the public monthly during FFAT to showcase recent work, which some say is inspired by the open and vast landscape found in West Texas.

First Friday Art Trail
Scheduled for the first Friday of each month, the First Friday Art Trail not only boasts thousands of people who come to enjoy live music, explore art galleries and taste local food trucks but is an economic stimulus. As both Lubbock citizens and visitors support small businesses downtown and purchase local art and food, this event brings in thousands of inside and outside revenue to the city of Lubbock. 

Along with CASP and the Charles Adams Gallery, museums including LHUCA, Tornado Gallery, Caviel Museum, Buddy Holly Center, United in Glass, Art for Goodness Sake, Bo Tan Fine Art Studio and Bentley Arrow are open for museum-goers to peruse and purchase art during FFAT. 

Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences 
The FFAT won’t be the only arts attraction drawing in visitors. This fall, the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences will open its doors to national headliners, Broadway touring shows, symphony concerts and other major productions. This project was fully funded through private investments and has been catalytic to the revitalization of downtown. Every dollar invested into the theater will impact community arts through organizations like Ballet Lubbock, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, local school districts and other stage performers looking to improve their talents through the resources provided there. 

If you would like to know more about economic development in the city’s cultural arts scene, send us a message on our social media @lubbockeda or contact us at 806.749.4500.

“I’m one of those people who came to Texas Tech and didn’t leave, and I didn’t want to leave. Because Lubbock is that city where you can raise your family.”

Latrelle Joy
Lubbock Councilwoman