Welcome

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) advances our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Texas.

 Our work strengthens and grows the creative industries in our state, attracts cultural tourists, and generates economic activity.  The arts and culture industry generates $7 billion annually for the Texas economy.

TCA Designates Cultural Districts

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) officially designates cultural districts on behalf of the State of Texas.

Cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community vitality. These districts can become focal points for generating businesses, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development and fostering civic pride.

TCA Rural Initiatives

Texas has the nation’s largest rural population, with more than 4 million rural residents. Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has programs to serve these communities and celebrate these hidden gems.

Young Masters

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) helps to cultivate and elevate the next generation Texas artists through the Young Masters program. Talented high school students compete for the coveted title of Young Masters. Two-year awards help these outstanding young artists hone their artistic skills.

Texas Touring Roster

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) maintains a list of outstanding Texas-based touring companies and artists.

 Artists compete to be included on this prestigious list. TCA grants help to ensure every Texas community has access to high quality arts programming at an affordable price.

TCA Speaker Series

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) offers free professional development opportunities. Pick up new ideas for fundraising, marketing, and more with our online speaker series.

Public Art in Texas

Murals, outdoor sculptures, and other public artwork can be a great way to create a unique and memorable identity for a community. Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is happy to advise on public art projects and percent for art programs.

TCA News

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) offers a free monthly email newsletter. Get the latest scoop from TCA delivered to your inbox including reminders about upcoming deadlines and opportunities.

Register

How to register for the grant portal

Grant Guidelines

TCA Grant Guidelines

Calendar Deadlines

Calendar of grant deadlines

Grant Portal

Sign in to TCA grant portal

Search Grants

Search TCA grants by city

Our News

Texas State Artist

Nominate the next Texas Poet Laureates, Texas State Musicians, and Texas State Artists (visual arts) by October 15! TCA organizes this biennial designation process, which is the highest honor the State gives to artists.

Information and the online nomination form are here.

____________________________

Texas Touring Roster

Congratulations to the Texas artists and arts companies who have been approved to the Texas Touring Roster for 2026-2028. The Texas Touring Roster features some of the state’s best artistic talent and is designed to ensure that all Texans may enjoy events and performances by these artists in their local communities. Performance Support applications to hire artists from this roster are available now.

____________________________

 Young Masters

TCA is excited to announce and congratulate the 2026 class of Young Masters, 15 of the top teen artists in Texas! Learn more about them and the $5,000 grant program here.

____________________________

June Commission Meeting

Per State law (Government Code, Chapter 551), the agenda is posted for public review with the Texas Register

Search for “Texas Commission on the Arts” to view the current agendas posted online.  The meeting materials are located here.

Art Jobs

Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt
Please submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF to info@fotofest.org. No phone calls please. Applicants whose candidacy is under consideration will be contacted; review of applications will continue through August 28 or until the position is filled.
Position Overview
FotoFest seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and highly organized Manger of The Meeting Place Portfolio Review to lead one of the world's most respected portfolio review programs for photographers and lens-based artists.
Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a senior member of the Programs team, the Manager will provide strategic leadership, artistic direction, and operational management for The Meeting Place, FotoFest's internationally recognized portfolio review program. Since its founding in 1986, The Meeting Place has served as a catalyst for artistic careers, connecting emerging and established photographers with leading museum curators, gallery directors, publishers, editors, collectors, and other arts professionals from around the world.
The Manager will oversee all aspects of the program, including strategic planning, reviewer recruitment, scholarship artist administration, international partnerships, event production, budgeting, communications, and evaluation. Working collaboratively with direct report staff (Program Coordinator, The Meeting Place Portfolio Review), and across departments, the Manager will ensure that The Meeting Place continues to set the international standard for excellence, innovation, equity, and meaningful professional exchange.
This role requires an energetic cultural leader who combines exceptional relationship-building skills with outstanding organizational abilities. The successful candidate will serve as an ambassador for FotoFest internationally while cultivating new partnerships that expand the organization's global impact and strengthen Houston's position as a center for contemporary photography.
Essential Functions
Program Leadership & Strategy

  • Provide overall artistic, strategic, and operational leadership for The Meeting Place Portfolio Review.
  • Develop and implement long-term strategic initiatives that expand the program's national and international impact.
  • Continuously evaluate and refine the participant and reviewer experience to maintain The Meeting Place's reputation as one of the premier portfolio review programs in the world.
  • Identify emerging trends within contemporary photography and the broader visual arts to ensure program relevance and innovation.
    Reviewer Recruitment & International Partnerships
  • Recruit and cultivate relationships with distinguished curators, museum directors, gallery owners, publishers, editors, collectors, consultants, and other arts professionals from around the world.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with reviewers before, during, and after each portfolio review.
  • Develop strategic institutional partnerships with museums, festivals, universities, foundations, publishers, and cultural organizations.
  • Identify opportunities for international collaborations that expand artist access and increase FotoFest's global visibility.
  • Serve as the principal liaison for partner organizations participating in The Meeting Place.
    Artist Recruitment & Selection
  • Oversee participant recruitment and application processes.
  • Develop equitable review and selection procedures that support artists from diverse backgrounds and geographic regions.
  • Administer scholarship programs in collaboration with funding partners and sponsoring organizations.
  • Provide guidance and support to participating artists before, during, and following the portfolio review.
  • Ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and professionally rewarding experience for all participants.
    Program Operations & Event Management
  • Oversee all logistical planning and execution for in-person and virtual portfolio review programs, including biennial and off-year programs.
  • Develop and maintain detailed production schedules, reviewer schedules, staffing plans, and operational timelines.
  • Coordinate venue logistics, registration systems, hospitality, travel arrangements, accommodations, and volunteer management.
  • Supervise all program materials, participant communications, reviewer information, and event documentation.
  • Lead post-program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
    Financial Management
  • Develop and manage annual operating budgets for The Meeting Place.
  • Monitor program revenues and expenditures while achieving financial goals.
  • Prepare financial reports and program analyses for organizational leadership.
  • Collaborate with the Development Department to identify sponsorship opportunities and support grant proposals.
  • Ensure fulfillment of sponsor benefits and reporting requirements.
    Communications & Marketing
  • Collaborate with Communications staff to promote The Meeting Place through digital media, print materials, press outreach, and international marketing campaigns.
  • Develop compelling content highlighting participant success stories, reviewer engagement, and program impact.
  • Assist with public presentations, panel discussions, and educational programming related to portfolio reviews.
  • Represent FotoFest and The Meeting Place in interviews, conferences, and public events.
    Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  • Work closely with Curatorial, Learning, Development, Communications, Finance, and Operations staff to ensure successful program delivery.
  • Collaborate with exhibition and public programming teams to integrate The Meeting Place into FotoFest's broader mission.
  • Support organizational fundraising initiatives through donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
  • Participate in organizational planning and strategic initiatives as a member of the senior leadership team.
    Qualifications
    Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Photography, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in museums, photography organizations, arts administration, festivals, galleries, publishing, or related cultural institutions.
  • Experience producing complex events or professional convenings.
  • Strong knowledge of contemporary photography and the international visual arts community.
  • International professional network preferred.
    Skills & Competencies
  • Relationship Building
    An exceptional ability to build trust and cultivate lasting relationships with artists, curators, museum professionals, collectors, publishers, foundations, and institutional partners around the world.
  • Strategic Leadership
    Demonstrated success developing programs that grow in quality, impact, and visibility while aligning with institutional goals.
  • Project Management
    Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
  • Communication
    Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with strong public speaking and presentation abilities.
  • Event Production
    Experience planning and executing large-scale professional conferences, portfolio reviews, festivals, or similar cultural events requiring careful coordination and exceptional attention to detail.
  • Financial Management
    Experience preparing and managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and evaluating program effectiveness.
  • Equity & Inclusion
    Commitment to fostering equitable access, international dialogue, and diverse participation across all aspects of program development.
  • Technology
    Proficiency with CRM/database systems, Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, registration software, and project management tools.
  • Leadership
    Ability to work collaboratively across departments while supervising staff, interns, volunteers, consultants, and contractors.
  • Adaptability
    Ability to remain calm, professional, and solutions-oriented while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Schedule Requirements
    Availability to travel domestically and internationally several times each year.
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and select holidays during major programs and events.
  • Ability to lift to 25 pounds and assist with occasional event setup and breakdown.
    Salary Range
    $50,000 - $62,500 annually, commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, and life insurance paid by organization. Compensation includes paid time off, holidays, and winter office closure.
    About FotoFest
    Founded in 1983, FotoFest is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to advancing photography and lens-based art through exhibitions, education, public programs, and international exchange. The Meeting Place Portfolio Review has served as one of FotoFest's signature programs for four decades, helping launch the careers of thousands of artists while fostering meaningful connections across the global photography community.
    FotoFest is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Deadline: 08/28/26
Location: Houston, TX
Website: https://fotofest.org/employment

Job Features1

Job CategoryJobs
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

Reports to: Executive DirectorStatus: Regular, Full-Time, ExemptPlease submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF to info@fotofest.org. No phone calls please. Applicants whose candidacy is under...

LHUCA Development Director Position
Title: Development Director
Supervisor: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-time, Salaried with performance based incentive package
Location: Lubbock, TX
About LHUCA:
LHUCA is a non-profit center for the visual, performing and literary arts located in the heart of the Lubbock Cultural District. This year, we celebrated our 29th anniversary as an arts organization. Our mission is to cultivate and celebrate all the arts by inspiring creativity and engaging with the community. LHUCA’s main building houses four contemporary art galleries that are free and open to the public. Concert, dance, theatrical and film programs are held in our 159-seat Firehouse Theatre. In addition, our campus includes an education building, plaza, multipurpose building, and clay studio. Each year, over 70,000 people benefit from LHUCA’s programs and services.
Job Duties:
Develop, manage, and oversee a comprehensive fundraising plan that secures financial support and promotes LHUCA. Works with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to cultivate and engage new and current donors, including corporations, businesses, and individuals. Responsible for managing the capital campaign, annual membership campaign, and fundraisers including the LHUCA Gala.
● Design and maintain a comprehensive development plan
● Develop and execute fundraising events including Gala
● Reach capital campaign fundraising goals
● Plan and implement the annual membership campaign
● Build donor base by engaging new donors
● Make corporate asks for capital campaign, programs, and event support
● Utilize Bloomerang and Quickbooks to create fundraising pages, invoice donors, track donations, generate accounting reports, and manage campaigns
● Ensure all contributions are acknowledged and sponsor benefit packages are met
● Work with Board of Directors and Development Committee on fundraising efforts
● Supervise assigned staff including marketing
● Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Our ideal candidate is a self-starter who loves people, planning, and problem solving. Fundraising experience and excellent customer service skills are a must. A passion for non-profits and/or the arts is a plus. This person should thrive in a fast paced, collaborative work environment.
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in nonprofit, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar work.
● Proven success in fundraising, sales, and/or development
● Experience running large-scale fundraising events
● Experience making corporate and individual asks
● Experience implementing membership or similar programs
● Familiar with donor or customer management software (any platform) and Excel
● Strong verbal and written communication skills
● Excellent customer service skills
Preferred Qualifications:
● Non-profit experience including grants management
● Experience leading capital campaigns
● Leadership or personnel management experience
● Knowledge of or passion for the arts
Compensation:
Base salary range $55,000 - $60,000 (depending on experience) with a performance based incentive of up to 20% for exceeding fundraising targets. Benefits package includes vacation
and sick pay, health insurance, and employer match retirement plan.
Apply:
Qualified applicants should send the following to lindsey.maestri@lhuca.org:
● Cover letter that details experience and interest in the position
● Resume
● List of three references
About Lubbock: Lubbock is a city of nearly 300,000 located on the Caprock and surrounded by canyons in West Texas. The views are vast, and the cost of living is low. Texas Tech University, a large state university with nearly 45,000 students, is located in the heart of the city. Agribusiness, education, food processing, health services, information systems and technology, and manufacturing are Lubbock’s major industries. The proud home of Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Natalie Maines, Terry Allen, and numerous other musical greats, Lubbock has long been a place that appreciates and supports the arts.

Deadline: 09/01/26
Location: Lubbock, TX
Website: https://www.lhuca.org

Job Features1

Job CategoryJobs
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

LHUCA Development Director PositionTitle: Development DirectorSupervisor: Executive DirectorEmployment Type: Full-time, Salaried with performance based incentive packageLocation: Lubbock, TXAbout LHUC...

Job Type: Full-time
Description
Reports to: Director of Development
Manages: N/A
Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
You will provide essential operational and administrative support to our development team. You will ensure the accurate management of donor data, support grant submission processes, and maintain development systems that sustain institutional fundraising.
You Will:

  • Work with the Director of Development to document our fundraising goals.
  • Assist the Grant Writer with proposal assembly, attachments, budgets, and submission portals.
  • Prepare and maintain standard organizational materials for grant applications, including boilerplate language, financial documents, and board/staff lists.
  • Facilitate administrative activities required to prospect new philanthropic relationships.
  • Support philanthropic cultivation and stewardship plans in tandem with the Fundraising Plan.
  • Conduct prospect research and support administrative activities related to identifying new philanthropic opportunities.
  • Maintain accurate donor and funder records, task management software, and the Development division calendar
  • Track and maintain the Annual Fund Development Plan and the Strategic Plan goals as they pertain to fundraising and development
    Requirements
    You Have:
  • 1+ years of administrative, nonprofit, or related professional experience.
  • Experience working with CRM or database systems; familiarity with Salesforce.
  • Experience preparing structured written materials such as proposals, reports, or formal correspondence.
  • Experience supporting projects with multiple required components.
  • Maintain organized digital records and documentation systems.
  • Interest in or familiarity with the arts and cultural sector.
    Working Conditions: You will perform sedentary work in a remote office environment, requiring extended periods of computer use and regular use of standard office equipment. You will follow established annual fundraising plans but requires flexibility to adjust priorities and manage time-sensitive projects. We may require occasional overtime to meet grant submission deadlines and other critical development timelines.
    Application Process: Applications should be submitted online and will be accepted through August 21, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and selected applicants may be invited to participate in an initial Zoom interview prior to the application deadline. We anticipate extending an offer in mid-September, with the official start date of October 1, 2026.
    Salary Description
    Starting Compensation: $23 - $24/hour

Deadline: 08/21/26
Location: Remote Worker in the Mid-America Region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas)
Website: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4349306/Mid-America-Arts-Alliance/Grants-Assistant?fbclid=IwY2xjawTW-BRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkE

Job Features1

Job CategoryJobs
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

Job Type: Full-timeDescriptionReports to: Director of DevelopmentManages: N/AStatus: Non-Exempt, Full-TimeYou will provide essential operational and administrative support to our development team. You...

More Jobs →

Art Opportunities

Call for Art: COMMON GROUND ART FEST
Contracommon is accepting applications for our second annual Common Ground Art Fest: a high-impact, one-day celebration of emerging talent in Central Texas.
We are in search of vendors, musicians, artists, pop-ups, performers, and all other creatives who want to make this day great! Musicians and performers should contact Contracommon via email or instagram.
KEY INFO

  • This is an outdoor event
  • Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 11am-5pm
  • Open Call posted: July 31st, 2026
  • Open Call closes: August 31st, 2026
  • Free application
  • $50 booth fee / $50 tent rental (optional)
  • Review: September 1st - September 18th
  • Artists notified: by September 19th, 2026
  • Vendor agreement due: within 48 hours of email
  • Load-in begins: 9:30am
  • Load-out begins: 5:00pm

Deadline: 09/01/26
Location: Hill Country Galleria Central Plaza 12700 Hill Country Blvd Bee Cave, TX, 78738
Website: https://www.contracommon.org/upcomingevents/2026/common-ground-open-call

Job Features1

Job CategoryOpportunities
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

Call for Art: COMMON GROUND ART FESTContracommon is accepting applications for our second annual Common Ground Art Fest: a high-impact, one-day celebration of emerging talent in Central Texas.We are i...

The Enso Circle is a 12-week virtual residency for artists seeking focus, encouragement, and meaningful creative community. Residents meet weekly on Zoom for conversation, reflection, and practical guidance while developing an individual body of work in their own studios. Ongoing connection through Slack, weekly prompts, and personal check-ins provides structure without pressure. The residency concludes with a professionally designed digital catalog celebrating each artist’s work and growth. Open to artists working in all media and at every stage of their creative practice. Founded by Lyn Belisle and Michelle Belto, the Enso Circle is celebrating its fifth year of nurturing creativity, connection, and artistic growth.

Deadline: 08/31/26
Location: Virtual
Website: https://www.theensocircle.com/

Job Features1

Job CategoryOpportunities
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

The Enso Circle is a 12-week virtual residency for artists seeking focus, encouragement, and meaningful creative community. Residents meet weekly on Zoom for conversation, reflection, and practical gu...

The Candace Freeland Photography of Merit Award honors the legacy of photographer Candace Freeland, who gave the founding gift for this heartfelt outreach to youth and young adults.

2026 Guidelines
U.S. photographers aged 8-22 are invited to submit black-and-white and color photos captured on a smartphone, based on the theme Food and Family. There is no fee to enter. All finalists will be required to provide proof of age and eligibility, i.e. a photo ID, driver's license, birth certificate, etc.

Distinguished jurors select a Grand Prize Winner and Runner-Up for each category. There will also be a People’s Choice Award that will be voted on by the public. Cash prizes awarded to winners in different categories. All participants are invited to attend a reception announcing the winners at The Mitford Museum on October 9, 2026.
Rules, regulations, and prize information can be found on website.

Location: United States
Website: https://themitfordmuseum.org/meritawards/
Deadline: 09/01/26

Job Features1

Job CategoryOpportunities
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

The Candace Freeland Photography of Merit Award honors the legacy of photographer Candace Freeland, who gave the founding gift for this heartfelt outreach to youth and young adults. 2026 GuidelinesU.S...

 

More Opportunities →

Upcoming Events

 

 

Art Plate

To get the plate that funds the arts