A new state designation could bring more money for arts and cultural programs in Brownsville.

The Mitte Cultural District is officially a Texas Cultural District. The district includes local museums, theaters, historic sites and other arts organizations.

The designation means qualifying nonprofits in the district can now apply for state grants of up to $250,000 each.

Executive Director Daniella Lopez Valdez says that money could go far.

"What that does is once when you invest in cultural preservation, you also invest in economic development, and that means that our artists can have the tools that they need to continue their gallery spaces, to invest in their theaters, so that we can continue to have these beautiful artistic destinations that we do have here," Valdez said.

Eligible nonprofits can start applying for funding next year.

Brownsville was one of four districts to get the state designation this year, bringing the total across Texas to 61.