Collection consists of plans and studies regarding a master plan for city-supported arts programs and facilities and subsidiary studies. The reports include city government involvement in a variety of arts organizations, including the Dallas Theater Center, the Dallas Symphony, the Dallas Museum of Art, Fair Park,  the Dallas Ballet, The Shakespeare Festival,  the Dallas Civic Opera, Dallas Summer Musicals, and Theatre Three.   The documents also explore various locations and costs associated with the plans.

The 1977 Comprehensive Arts Facilities Plan for Dallas, prepared by Carr, Lynch Associates, provides an overview of arts facilities operating in the City of Dallas and recommendations for next steps for action in local neighborhoods, including maintaining public support and funds for sustained cultural activity. 

The 1984 Dallas Arts District Appendices by Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc. contains interview lists of various individuals from local arts organizations and other institutions, a list of materials and documents reviewed in the course of the study, summary of facilities and square footage making up the Arts District, a preliminary capital budget, a letter from Dallas Independent School District regarding the inclusion of DISD Arts Magnet High School site in the planning study, and a summary of recommendations from the Arts District Management Study prepared by the City of Dallas.

The Public Art Master Plan Advisory Committee was formed by the Park and Recreation Board in 1986 and charged with formulating a master plan for implementing a public art program for the city. The Public Art Plan for the City report, completed in 1987, was  the result of this project. It proposed  a public art program and presented a new vision for the City of Dallas by discussing public art in the context of the city, the process of planning, and recommendations for the future.

Dallas' first public art object was the Confederate Monument, designed by Frank Teich and installed in City Park in 1896.  It was moved to Pioneer Park Cemetery in 1961.  In 1903, the Dallas Art Association, a precursor to the Dallas Museum of Art, donated a core collection of artwork to the city.  Currently, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs maintains 260 works of art in public spaces.