October 16, 2025

Nijeul X Appointed as New Executive Director for Forest Forward

Dallas, October 16, 2025

News Summary

Dallas has appointed Nijeul X as the executive and artistic director of Forest Forward, leading a significant $75 million revitalization project for the Forest Theater and surrounding community. Projected to be completed by 2026, this initiative aims to transform the theater into a cultural and economic hub, create over 1,100 construction jobs, and provide long-term benefits for local residents. The restoration will include diverse facilities and improve community engagement while preserving the theater’s historical legacy.

Dallas — Nijeul X has been appointed as the new executive and artistic director of Forest Forward as the organization leads a historic revitalization of the Forest Theater and the surrounding South Dallas community. The restoration project for the Forest Theater has a budget of $75 million aimed at making it a cultural and economic hub, and the Forest Theater restoration is expected to complete by 2026.

What is happening and why it matters

The appointment places a nationally experienced arts leader at the head of a major neighborhood investment intended to support long-term local benefits. The project is positioned to create significant construction employment, generate direct worker earnings, and support recurring economic activity once the venue is operational. Forest Forward plans to create a vibrant community space for job creation, creativity, and skill-building while aiming to reduce displacement pressures in the area.

Key project details

The restoration project for the Forest Theater has a budget of $75 million aimed at making it a cultural and economic hub. The Forest Theater restoration is expected to complete by 2026. The project will create over 1,100 construction jobs and generate nearly $70 million in earnings for workers. Once operational, the theater is projected to generate an annual spending of around $6.3 million.

Planned facilities and neighborhood development

The Forest Theater will feature a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat studio, STEAM education hubs, and additional community spaces. The theater will include a rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of the Dallas skyline and Fair Park. Plans for the area include mixed-income housing and other developments to diversify the socioeconomic fabric of the neighborhood.

Leadership background

Nijeul X’s portfolio includes collaborations with the NAACP, the Kennedy Center, Google, and Gilead Sciences. He has worked with notable figures such as Andra Day, Tarrell Alvin McCraney, Debbie Allen, and Amiri Baraka. X moved back to Texas after more than 15 years in Los Angeles, driven by a desire to transform South Dallas. He previously cultivated creative ecosystems at the WACO Theater Center, which focused on African diaspora stories.

Nijeul X has a Master of Fine Arts in Management from the California Institute of the Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Howard University. The combination of artistic programming experience and institutional partnerships is being presented by Forest Forward as central to delivering both creative work and community benefits.

Community engagement and partnerships

Forest Forward has worked to ensure local participation in planning and decision-making. Elizabeth Wattley, president and CEO of Forest Forward, emphasized that the organizations seek to ensure community involvement in the revitalization process. They have made efforts to engage local residents by inviting them to share ideas and concerns directly with Nijeul X. Forest Forward has partnered with Dallas ISD to support the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy with additional resources.

Goals related to equity and long-term residents

The revitalization effort also aims to mitigate gentrification and ensure that long-time residents benefit from the changes. Forest Forward plans to create a vibrant community space for job creation, creativity, and skill-building as part of a broader strategy to retain cultural ties and generate work opportunities in South Dallas.

Historical context

The Forest Theater has a historical legacy, having hosted various legends and served as a cultural hub for South Dallas’s Black community. The restoration intends both to preserve that legacy and to expand the venue’s role as an arts and education center for the neighborhood and the region.

Timeline and next steps

With construction and restoration work underway under the $75 million plan, the Forest Theater restoration is expected to complete by 2026. Forest Forward will continue community outreach and finalize program and operational plans as the physical project progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was appointed to lead Forest Forward?: Nijeul X has been appointed as the new executive and artistic director of Forest Forward.
What is the budget for the restoration?: The restoration project for the Forest Theater has a budget of $75 million aimed at making it a cultural and economic hub.
When will the restoration be completed?: The Forest Theater restoration is expected to complete by 2026.
How many construction jobs will the project create?: The project will create over 1,100 construction jobs and generate nearly $70 million in earnings for workers.
What is the projected annual spending once the theater opens?: Once operational, the theater is projected to generate an annual spending of around $6.3 million.
What facilities will the theater include?: The Forest Theater will feature a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat studio, STEAM education hubs, and additional community spaces.
Who did Nijeul X work with before joining Forest Forward?: Nijeul X’s portfolio includes collaborations with the NAACP, the Kennedy Center, Google, and Gilead Sciences.
Which notable artists and creators has Nijeul X worked with?: He has worked with notable figures such as Andra Day, Tarrell Alvin McCraney, Debbie Allen, and Amiri Baraka.
Why did Nijeul X return to Texas?: X moved back to Texas after more than 15 years in Los Angeles, driven by a desire to transform South Dallas.
What is Nijeul X’s educational background?: Nijeul X has a Master of Fine Arts in Management from the California Institute of the Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Howard University.
How is Forest Forward involving the community?: They have made efforts to engage local residents by inviting them to share ideas and concerns directly with Nijeul X.
Is Forest Forward partnering with local schools?: Forest Forward has partnered with Dallas ISD to support the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy with additional resources.
What does the revitalization aim to prevent?: The revitalization effort also aims to mitigate gentrification and ensure that long-time residents benefit from the changes.
What broader goals does Forest Forward state for the project?: Forest Forward plans to create a vibrant community space for job creation, creativity, and skill-building.
Who commented on community involvement?: Elizabeth Wattley, president and CEO of Forest Forward, emphasized that the organizations seek to ensure community involvement in the revitalization process.
What is the theater’s historical role?: The Forest Theater has a historical legacy, having hosted various legends and served as a cultural hub for South Dallas’s Black community.

Project summary

Feature	Detail
Project budget	The restoration project for the Forest Theater has a budget of $75 million aimed at making it a cultural and economic hub.
Completion	The Forest Theater restoration is expected to complete by 2026.
Construction jobs	The project will create over 1,100 construction jobs and generate nearly $70 million in earnings for workers.
Annual economic activity	Once operational, the theater is projected to generate an annual spending of around $6.3 million.
Major venue features	The Forest Theater will feature a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat studio, STEAM education hubs, and additional community spaces.
Community goals	Forest Forward plans to create a vibrant community space for job creation, creativity, and skill-building and the revitalization effort also aims to mitigate gentrification and ensure that long-time residents benefit from the changes.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Forest Theater Renovations Underway in South Dallas

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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