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.

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Grant Guidelines

TCA Grant Guidelines

Calendar Deadlines

Calendar of grant deadlines

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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.

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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.

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 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.

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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

The Arts and Culture Manager leads the City’s Arts and Culture Program, advancing the Public Arts Master Plan and strengthening community engagement through impactful cultural initiatives. It oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and outreach efforts that elevate public art and heritage within the community. Working under the general direction of the Destination Services Director, the role provides strategic leadership, collaboration, and supervision of program staff to support key City objectives. The position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure successful program delivery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
Implements the Public Art Master Plan and ensures alignment with City policies, procedures, and strategic goals.
Provides leadership and management of public art and heritage initiatives, including program development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Coordinates with community members and stakeholders to develop, implement, and gather feedback on public art projects throughout their lifecycle.
Leads community outreach and engagement efforts to promote participation and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, arts organizations, and community groups.
Oversees public art planning, acquisition, installation, and long-term maintenance to ensure high-quality, sustainable public art assets.
Manages project development from concept through completion, including defining scopes, estimating costs, establishing timelines, coordinating schedules, and ensuring timely, compliant delivery.
Ensures compliance with all program, contract, and grant requirements and facilitates improvements related to identified operational and technical needs.
Coordinates, implements, and evaluates program operations, initiatives, and services; facilitates communication with relevant department and City staff regarding program needs.
Administers grants and funding programs for arts, cultural, and public events; identifies and secures additional sponsorships and funding opportunities.
Prepares and monitors program and division budgets, recommends contract payments, and oversees contract development, negotiation, and compliance.
Serves as the City’s public art liaison for capital improvement projects, coordinating with architects, engineers, artists, internal departments, and other partners.
Provides public education and communication through presentations, workshops, publications, and digital platforms to increase awareness of arts and heritage initiatives.
Represents the division, department, and City at meetings, conferences, and collaborative events at the local, regional, and national levels.

Produces reports, delivers presentations, and supports policy and procedure development to strengthen program operations.
Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff; oversees hiring, development, performance management, and other supervisory responsibilities in accordance with City policies.
Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in arts administration, public administration, visual arts, performing arts, language arts, or other related field.
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public art.
Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Must have a valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of governmental processes, policies, regulations, and applicable standards.
Knowledge of accounting principles and budgetary practices.
Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and standard office technology.
Skill in problem-solving, critical thinking, and recommending effective solutions.
Skill in clear and effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating staff in alignment with City policies.
Ability to analyze operational needs and implement improvements to enhance departmental effectiveness.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and initiatives.
Ability to operate computers and related office equipment.
Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to work effectively in an office environment and adapt to changing operational needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally. Frequent activities include sitting, handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking. Occasional activities include standing, walking, pushing/pulling, and balancing. Rare activities include lifting, carrying, reaching, bending, twisting, climbing, and using foot controls.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Occasional exposure to variable weather conditions, emergency situations, and general construction hazards may occur when attending meetings or responding to incidents.
Salary. $76,502.40 - $95,638.40 Annually
Full-time Exempt
Work Hours - Varies

Deadline: 08/12/26
Location: San Marcos, TX
Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanmarcostx/jobs/5415463/arts-and-culture-manager

Job Features1

Job CategoryJobs
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

The Arts and Culture Manager leads the City’s Arts and Culture Program, advancing the Public Arts Master Plan and strengthening community engagement through impactful cultural initiatives. It overse...

The Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (WVACA, dba WimberleyArts), a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and cultural community in the Wimberley Valley. The Executive Director is the primary face of this organization, and confidently articulates and advocates for the absolute value of the arts in a variety of formats and settings.

By embracing all forms of art – visual, performing, literary, and culinary – WVACA engages residents and attracts visitors through creative programming, collaboration, advocacy, and education. Its members include artists and creative professionals, arts nonprofits, local businesses, arts lovers, and community supporters. WVACA serves as the managing organization for the Wimberley Valley Cultural District, designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts, and other important state arts designations.

The Executive Director advances WVACA’s mission by providing visionary leadership, strengthening organizational sustainability, leading fundraising and development efforts, cultivating strategic partnerships, and supporting member engagement. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director positions WVACA as a trusted and influential leader in the region. The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board and oversees volunteers and contracted professionals.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a small but growing, collaborative nonprofit organization. The Executive Director is expected to think strategically while also participating in day-to-day operations alongside volunteers, contractors, and Board members.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute WVACA’s strategic plan aligned with its mission and vision
  • Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting the arts community
  • Position and communicate WVACA as a leading convener and advocate for artists, arts and cultural organizations, and arts appreciators in the region

Fundraising & Partnerships

  • Develop and execute a diversified fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, grants, endowments, sponsorships, special events, memberships, and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term financial sustainability
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, businesses, and community partners
  • Oversee grant writing and manage grant reporting
  • Partner closely with the Board of Directors to build a high-performing fundraising culture, ensuring full engagement, accountability, and increased philanthropic investment

Organizational Management

  • Oversee day-to-day operations, volunteer engagement, organizational effectiveness, and public visibility.
  • Collaborate with board Treasurer, Executive Committee, and Committee Chairs to ensure effective financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation
  • Maintain compliance with nonprofit regulations and best practices

Board Relations

  • Partner with Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities and organizational goals.
  • Support effective Board governance, committee engagement, and organizational accountability.
  • Engage Board members as ambassadors, advocates, and fundraising partners.

Membership & Program Development

  • Grow and retain a diverse membership base of artists, arts advocates, arts and culture nonprofit leaders, business and community partners
  • Oversee communications and marketing, including website updates, email communications, social media, and public relations.
  • Lead development of high-value programming and networking opportunities
  • Oversee key initiatives such as advocacy efforts, events, and community campaigns
  • Support volunteer leaders and program champions to ensure successful delivery of key initiatives

Advocacy & Community Engagement

  • Serve as a primary spokesperson, advancing public awareness of the value of a vibrant arts district and the impact of arts and culture nonprofits in the Wimberley Valley
  • Engage and collaborate with leaders of other area arts organizations
  • Build relationships with area elected officials, civic leaders, funders, and business leaders

Financial Management

  • Support the development of the annual operating budget in alignment with strategic priorities, working closely with Treasurer, Executive Committee and program chairs to ensure disciplined planning, appropriate resource allocation, and Board approval
  • Ensure long-term financial sustainability of the organization

Requirements

  • 5-8+ years of proven executive leadership experience (arts, nonprofit, association, or related sector preferred), including supervising staff and volunteers, and experience working with a highly-engaged working Board
  • Bachelor's degree required. Relevant fields include: nonprofit management, marketing, fine arts, liberal arts, public policy, business or related
  • Demonstrated ability to provide visionary and operational leadership in alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, and strategic partnership cultivation
  • Understanding of nonprofit management, governance, and arts sector trends
  • Background in advocacy or arts organization leadership and knowledge of the Central Texas arts and culture nonprofit landscape
  • Strong financial acumen, with experience in nonprofit fiscal management
  • Exceptional communication, writing, presentation, and public speaking skills
  • Proven track record of leading small, high-impact teams, contractors, and volunteers
  • Experienced project and/or events management; PM certification preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, cloud-based collaboration tools, social media platforms, and nonprofit CRM systems (Charity Proud experience preferred)

This is anticipated to be a hybrid role, with the expectation of attendance at most WVACA and other relevant events and deep engagement in the community. Successful candidate must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the Wimberley Valley within 6 months of employment.
Core Competencies

  • Visionary leadership
  • Strategic thinking
  • Fundraising and donor development
  • Relationship building
  • Community engagement
  • Financial stewardship
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Innovation and adaptability

Compensation

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience and organizational size
  • This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Employee may be assigned additional duties as needed to support the organization’s mission and needs.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION
Résumés, cover letters, and references accepted until Friday, August 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST to Lee+ Associates (see contact details below). We fully respect the need for confidentiality and will not discuss candidates' backgrounds or interests with anyone without consent, nor will we contact references without notifying the candidate.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
LinkedIn submissions will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Marion Lee
Lee+ Associates
P.O. Box 31
Helotes, Texas 78023
Email: jobs@leeplusassociates.com

Deadline: 08/21/26
Location: Wimberley, TX
Website: https://www.wimberleyarts.org/

Job Features1

Job CategoryJobs
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

The Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (WVACA, dba WimberleyArts), a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering...

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...

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Art Opportunities

Leave your mark on history.

The National Juneteenth Museum is seeking one Texas artist to help tell Fort Worth’s Juneteenth story through the design of the city’s inaugural Freedom Bell.

Inspired by local history, community narratives, and the enduring significance of freedom, the selected design will be cast into a functional bell and become part of the Museum’s permanent collection.

Three finalist artists will each receive a $700 honorarium to develop a design proposal. From those proposals, one artist will be awarded a $3,000 commission and will participate in the guided creation of the inaugural Freedom Bell.

Applications close August 23, 2026. Learn more and apply here:
https://nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org/juneteenth-freedom-bell

The National Juneteenth Museum was invited by the Freedom Bell Project and its partners, Texas A&M University and Brad Oldham Sculptures, to participate in this historic project.

Deadline: 08/23/26
Location: Texas
Website: https://nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org/juneteenth-freedom-bell

Job Features1

Job CategoryOpportunities
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

Leave your mark on history. The National Juneteenth Museum is seeking one Texas artist to help tell Fort Worth’s Juneteenth story through the design of the city’s inaugural Freedom Bell. Inspired ...

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is establishing a new training academy in Florence, Texas, scheduled for completion in Fall 2027. To commemorate the move of the new academy, the Training Operations Division (TOD) is seeking a qualified contractor to create artwork for custom “commemorative” hat boxes that DPS will then have manufactured, with the goal to have a separate and unique image for each of the four hat boxes. The contractor’s artwork will be used by a box manufacturer and printed onto 15.5” x 18” cardboard boxes fabricated to hold the hats.

Deadline: 08/20/26
Location: Austin, Texas
Website: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/405-26R0015190

Job Features1

Job CategoryOpportunities
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is establishing a new training academy in Florence, Texas, scheduled for completion in Fall 2027. To commemorate the move of the new academy, the Training O...


Recognizing the impact that travel can have on an artist’s career, the Dorothy Antoinette LaSelle Foundation has established the Dorothy Antoinette LaSelle Travel Fellowship. In the fall of 2026, two awards of $5,000 each will be distributed to artists working and residing in the state of Texas, enabling the recipients to complete a research trip to further their artistic practice.
Applications open: August 3, 2026
Applications close: August 31, 2026
Awardees notified: November 2, 2026
Awardee Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Must currently reside in the state of Texas and have lived there for the past year
  2. Be a practicing professional with at least 3 solo or group exhibitions in the past 3 years.
  3. BFA and juried exhibitions are eligible.
  4. Must currently hold a degree in the arts
  5. There is no application fee.

Deadline: 08/31/26
Location: Texas
Website: https://www.lasellefoundation.org/travel-fellowship

Job Features1

Job CategoryOpportunities
Closing Date05/19/25
LocationLocation
WebsiteWebsite

Recognizing the impact that travel can have on an artist’s career, the Dorothy Antoinette LaSelle Foundation has established the Dorothy Antoinette LaSelle Travel Fellowship. In the fall of 2026, tw...

 

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To get the plate that funds the arts