Rockport Cultural Arts District Receives $5,000 Grant for Rockport Railroad Depot Restoration

The Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Rockport Cultural Arts District (RCAD).  The grant funds provide resources for restoration and museum operations support for a significant landmark historic venue within the District, the Rockport San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad Depot.

The Railroad Depot Museum held its soft opening May 21, 2022, in alignment with RCAD’s launch of its Passport to the Past Program.  The Passport to the Past Program showcases local heritage and community pride in partnership with The Fulton Mansion, The Texas Maritime Museum, and The History Center for Aransas County.   The Program enhances visibility and visitors to each of these landmark historic venues, providing an important educational opportunity to learn of Aransas County’s deep historic roots in Texas History.

This important project stimulates economic growth for the District and surrounding areas, said RCAD Executive Director Jennifer Day.  “We are very grateful to the CBCF for their generosity.”

RCAD, designated as a Texas Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2016, is one of only 51 in the state and was the first in the Coastal Bend.  Other Districts around the State include the Dallas Arts District, the Houston Museum and Theater Districts, and the King William, Old Spanish Trail and Zona Cultural Districts in San Antonio.

RCAD focuses on preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of Rockport by sparking economic development and recognizing visual, performing, culinary, cinematic and literary artists and organizations.

Even with Hurricane Harvey and COVID, the District has accomplished so much in its short six year existence, ensuring sustainability from a variety of governmental, private, and philanthropic sources.  More information about RCAD can be found at https://rockportculturalartsdistrict.com.

The CBCF was incorporated in 1981 with the mission of improving the quality of life in the seven counties of the Coastal Bend.  The Foundation serve donors by providing a vehicle for the establishment of various types of charitable funds designated to fulfill their wishers.  Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $149 million from donor contributions and revenues to scholarships for student and grants for nonprofit organizations.

For more information about CBCF, visit https://www.cbcfoundation.org.