San Marcos Downtown Area Plan

CHAPTER 4: RECOMMENDATIONS

OVERARCHING RECOMMENDATIONS Downtown San Marcos has an extensive history and is rich with art and culture. Information on the arts is communicated on a variety of platforms including the smtxarts.com and visitsanmarcos.com websites, social media platforms, and outreach from local arts groups such as the San Marcos Art League or San Marcos Price Center. These assets should be further elevated to contribute to a unique and genuine experience in Downtown. Overarching recommendations for this topic are outlined below, with key concepts explored in more detail on the following pages. G.1. Continue to encourage public art in Downtown of various media, by local artists, students, and other creatives. G.2. Provide interpretive opportunities for education and understanding of historical elements. G.3. Activate Downtown’s art scene, support San Marcos artists, and make art accessible for all through events, programming, interpretive signage, and public funding support for art galleries using partnerships such as San Marcos Art League and other entities. G.4. Enhance the existing Arts website to interact with the built environment, and provide additional interpretive opportunities that link pedestrians at a location to online information. G.5. Create a cultural trust for Downtown to promote preservation and culture (arts, humanities, and heritage) through donations, partnerships, agencies, fundraisers, and grants, and the creation of a Cultural Arts District designation. G.6. Apply for a State Cultural District near Eddie Durham Park to further support and elevate arts and culture. G.7. Collaborate with Texas State University to better connect Downtown residents, visitors, and businesses with the University’s students, art programs, and Performing Arts Center by developing a coordinated communication effort and exploring opportunities to partner on history, art, and culture initiatives.

Sustainability Town/ Gown Collaboration

SAN MARCOS DOWNTOWN AREA PLAN

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