Forest Forward unveiled “For The Culture” art installation, in celebration of South Dallas and the future of the Forest Theater, Aug. 20. The permanent public art installation in Constantin Corner is by acclaimed national public artist, Jessica Bell. Nearly 70 board members, city officials, community leaders, and cultural advocates were in attendance, commemorating the installation and looking toward the next chapter for the historic Forest Theater.
Among those in attendance were former Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, Democratic nominee for Dallas County District Attorney Amber Givens, Director of the Dallas Office of Arts and Culture Martine Elyse Philippe, and newly appointed Executive Director of the Dallas Arts District Ahava Silkey-Jones. CEO of Dallas Citizens Council Kelvin Walker, South Dallas community leader Diane Ragsdale, Dallas community leader Dianne Gibson, Dallas advocate and business executive Peter Brodsky, national public artist Jessica Bell, and musical guest Erika Nicole also attended.
For The Culture
“We are excited to finally be able to share this piece of art with the South Dallas community,” said Elizabeth Wattley, CEO of Forest Forward. “It is our way of inviting the community to be a part of one of the biggest and historical returns of 2026!”
The unveiling of For The Culture marks another milestone in Forest Forward’s work toward the Grand Return of the Historic Forest Theater. A vision centered on bringing arts, culture, education and community together to create new opportunities for generations to come.
Forest Forward Grand Return
“This art unveiling is a declaration that Forest Forward is here for the culture,” said Jiles King, interim executive artistic director. “For every artist who has graced the Forest Theater stage from B.B. King and Tina Turner to Erykah Badu and Dave Chappelle and the countless community voices who found a home on this stage, and to every artist who will create and build within these walls in the years to come, we stand proudly today to permanently affirm this campus is truly for the culture,” King said.
The Grand Return of the Historic Forest Theater is set for November 1. Tickets are available now at forestforward.org.
