A Dallas art hub thrives in a retro 1970s office park
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Artists rent studio space and exhibit work inside the Goldmark Cultural Center, a converted 1970s office complex in North Dallas. Photo: Courtesy of Goldmark Cultural Center
A once-forgotten former North Dallas office complex is now home to more than 170 artists — and one of the largest creative communities in Texas.
Why it matters: The Goldmark Cultural Center has become a key space for Dallas' working artists. It's open to the public, with studios, galleries and events year-round.
- The artists working at Goldmark include painters, ceramicists and photographers, many of whom balance day jobs with their art.
- Studio rentals start at $190/month for 70 sq ft, with 24/7 access and the option to share space. The goal is to keep art affordable and accessible.
Catch up quick: By 2017, the complex had fallen into disrepair. Chin-Chin Yeh, the property trustee, and her assistant began cleanup efforts that summer. During that process, a Dallas city official suggested renting to artists, and the idea for a cultural center took hold.
- The first artists opened exhibitions in fall 2017, and within months, a small group began renting studios and building the artist community.
What they're saying: "This is not an art community where everyone has gone to art school or everyone is a professional artist," Joseph Yeh, Goldmark's executive director, tells Axios. "We want to make our arts program as accessible as possible to the North Texas public."
💭 Greg's thought bubble: The term "hidden gem" gets thrown around a lot, but this place actually earns it. Goldmark has that weird and quirky authenticity that's getting harder and harder to find.
What's next: The annual Holiday Art Walk takes place Dec. 6–7, noon–5pm. Admission and parking are free.
Where: Goldmark Cultural Center, 13999 Goldmark Drive
Worthy of your time: Our social host Greg's video tour.