Our News
TCA Listening Sessions
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October 21, 2026 at 1 PM Central Registration
December 10, 2026 at 1 PM Central Registration
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New Grants Approved
On September 3, TCA Commissioners approved funding of 1,143 grants in the first funding round for fiscal year 2027. The grants total over $17 million and will go to nonprofits and units of government in 131 Texas cities. The full list of fiscal year 2027 grants is here.
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New Cultural Districts Approved
On September 3, TCA Commissioners also approved the designation of four new cultural districts: the Edinburg Arts District, Galveston African American Cultural Heritage District, Lufkin Cultural District, and Mitte Cultural District in Brownsville. Congratulations!
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September 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
Penfold Theatre Company is seeking enthusiastic and experienced professional Teaching Artists (Independent Contractors) for the upcoming Penfold Academy fall session. Classes run for 12 weeks, starting the week of August 31 and concluding the week of November 16. Each class meets once a week for 55 minutes during the late afternoon and early evening (classes begin at 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM) Monday through Thursday. Penfold Theatre Company is located at 2120 N. Mays Street, Suite 290, Round Rock, TX.
We are looking for instructors who can teach students ranging from PreK to 12th grade in at least one of the following specialty areas:
*Musical Theatre (Acting/Voice/Dance): For classes such as Musical Theater Beginnings (Grades PreK – 1), Broadway Stars (Grades 1 – 3), and Triple Threat Technique (Grades 4 – 8).
*Acting for the Camera: For our elementary (Grades 2 – 6) and teen (Grades 7 – 12) on-camera acting classes.
*Improv: For high-energy classes like Intro to Improv (Grades 4 – 6) and Teen Improv (Grades 7 – 12).
*Acting: For foundational classes like Center Stage Kids (Grades 2 – 4), Comedy Kids (Grades 1 – 3), and The Actor’s Process (Grades 5 – 8).
*Voice: For technique-focused classes like Sing the Movies (Grades 1 – 3) and Broadway Vocals (Grades 4 – 8).
We encourage applicants to visit the Penfold Academy page of our website to learn more about each course and the dates and times each course will be offered.
COMPENSATION
$40-50/hour
RESPONSIBILITIES
*Deliver engaging, skills-based instruction tailored to the specific age group and subject.
*Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for young performers of all experience levels.
*Lead students toward a final skills demonstration during the last week of class (these are skills-based demonstrations, not full productions).
*Communicate classroom needs and coordinate effectively with Penfold Theatre Company staff.
REQUIREMENTS
*Bachelor’s Degree/equivalent or higher in a performing arts discipline or in performing arts education.
*Proven experience teaching or directing youth theatre and/or performing arts.
*Strong professional background in at least one of the requested disciplines.
*Reliable transportation to our Round Rock location.
*Ability to pass a criminal history background check.
Deadline: 08/22/26
Location: Round Rock, TX
Website: https://www.penfoldtheatre.org/job-opportunities/
Job Features1
| Job Category | Jobs |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
The Dallas Opera is a world-class performing arts organization producing outstanding mainstage and chamber opera repertoire, attracting national and international notice, committed to extensive community outreach and education, and managed to the highest standards of artistic excellence, accountability, and financial sustainability.
The Advertising and Sales Manager is responsible for managing media placement, budget, content, and production for all print, digital, broadcast, and out-of-home advertising to support the ticket sales goals of The Dallas Opera. This is a full-time annual position and reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications.
Key Responsibilities:
Advertising:
Manage media placement in-house and through external agency, including budget, content, and production, for all print, digital, broadcast (radio/TV), and out-of-home advertising campaigns to support the revenue and attendance goals for in-person and digital performances
Build and nurture relationships with media vendors for stronger campaign reach
With support from Director, secure media partnership agreements and oversee fulfillment
Create promotional opportunities through media partners that support audience development goals and increase ticket sales
Write compelling copy for print, radio, and digital ads based on source content
Work with Graphic Designer (and/or freelance designers) to produce design assets in support of marketing plans, including all print, digital, and video assets, as well as manage timeline for deliverables
Submit all creative assets to media and print vendors on a timely basis
Review and report on vendor analytics for advertising ROI
Ensure Asana production schedules are built for all print and digital media to ensure on-time delivery of assets
Collaborate with Digital Content Manager for content creation and timelines for paid and organic campaigns
Direct Sales:
In conjunction with the Director of Marketing and Communications, develop and oversee implementation of all single ticket direct mail
Project manage Graphic Designer (provide content and direction, route proofs, and edit) printing (select paper, optimize dimensions for press efficiency, and non-profit mail rates), and mail house services (provide specs, final artwork, and mailing lists in a timely manner, and ensure adequate postage balance in USPS account)
Qualifications:
Traits and Characteristics:
Aptitude for multitasking, prioritizing, attention to detail, and managing time in a fast-paced environment which often presents competing priorities
Strong interpersonal skills, ability to provide creative direction and negotiate media rates and consultant fees for service
Self-motivated with a commitment to achieving sales goals
Strong project management and organizational skills; accepts responsibility for quality, accuracy, and timeliness of assignments
Team player with customer service mindset, creative and collaborative spirit, and proven ability to build productive working relationships internally and externally
Skills and Knowledge
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Marketing, Sales, Communications, Business Administration) and five or more years’ experience in high-volume advertising environment, including print, broadcast, direct mail, digital, and out-of-home media planning in the arts and entertainment industry
Proven expertise in creating and implementing integrated multi-channel advertising plans with an emphasis on digital/social marketing
Strong understanding of graphic design, print production, and direct mail
Effective communication skills, including superb copywriting and editing skills
Budget management experience
Deep understanding of the Dallas media landscape
Familiarity with web-based project management systems (Asana, Basecamp, Trello)
Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Canva; experience adapting and resizing graphics for use in multiple formats
Proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaborating in a Microsoft Teams environment; adept at learning new programs and technology
Compensation - $60,000-65,000 annually, depending on experience
Benefits - Comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and long-term success of our employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, dedicated PTO and sick leave, 403b retirement savings plan with employer matching, complimentary tickets to performances, and personalized professional development opportunities
Deadline: 09/01/26
Location: Dallas, TX
Website: https://dallasopera.org/about/careers/
Job Features1
| Job Category | Jobs |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
The Dallas Opera is a world-class performing arts organization producing outstanding mainstage and chamber opera repertoire, attracting national and international notice, committed to extensive community outreach and education, and managed to the highest standards of artistic excellence, accountability, and financial sustainability.
This position is full-time, annual, exempt and reports to the Operations Production Administrator and works closely with the Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and IASTE Crew, Production department, and Artistic department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include managing of lighting-related functions within the Production department, including but not limited to:
Serve as the primary liaison between the Company and all guest Lighting Designers throughout the design, production, rehearsal, and performance process
Collaborate with the Winspear Opera House Head of Lighting regarding front-of-house repertory lighting, venue systems, and equipment modifications or requests
Partner with the Technical Director to provide technical information, venue documentation, and production resources that enable designers to develop lighting designs that support the artistic vision while remaining within budget, schedule, and venue capabilities
Lead the successful implementation of each lighting design while balancing artistic objectives with operational priorities, including safety, scheduling, budget, and Company policies
Attend production meetings, design presentations, technical rehearsals, focus sessions, cueing sessions, staging rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, and other meetings as assigned
Foster collaborative working relationships with artistic, production, technical, and administrative personnel to ensure the successful realization of each production
Provide artistic and technical leadership for the lighting for concerts, community engagement programs, special events, and The Dallas Opera Education productions, either by serving as Lighting Designer or by supervising the work of assigned designers, ensuring consistency with The Dallas Opera's artistic standards and production practicesDepartmental Leadership & Administration
Provide leadership and direction to the Lighting Department, including the Assistant Lighting Director, Head Electrician, IASTE Crew, and overhire personnel
Oversee departmental planning, scheduling, and workflow to ensure efficient implementation of all production activities
Assist in monitoring departmental and production-specific expenditures, including purchase requests, purchase orders, rental expenses, and expense reporting, in coordination with the Assistant Lighting Director
Forecast departmental needs and ensure the timely procurement of lighting equipment, expendables, electrical supplies, and related materialsTechnical Planning & Documentation
Oversee the preparation and maintenance of all lighting documentation, including but not limited to light plots, channel hookups, instrument schedules, focus charts, cue sheets, followspot paperwork, deck sheets, inventory records, and archival documentation
Direct the preparation of production paperwork in collaboration with the Head Electrician, including shop orders, hang documentation, color counts, inventory tracking, and installation paperwork
Ensure all production documentation is complete, accurate, and archived to support efficient remounts and future revivals
Guide the Assistant Lighting Director in organizing, coordinating, calling, and maintaining followspot operations, including communicating designer intent, preparing cue documentation, distributing revisions, and supporting operator trainingEquipment & Venue Stewardship
Oversee the coordination, tracking, and return of all rented lighting equipment in collaboration with the Head Electrician, ensuring accurate inventory and timely returns
Coordinate with venue personnel and the Head Electrician to ensure the theatre's lighting systems and facilities are restored to their required operational condition following each production
Support the ongoing maintenance, organization, and long-term stewardship of departmental equipment, inventory, and infrastructureOther Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Production Department and organizational objectives.Traits and Characteristics
Strong focus, organizational and communication skills; capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously
Team player with a positive attitude
Maintain a calm, relaxed, and professional demeanor at all times
Work well under pressure while maintaining accuracy and efficiency
Keen sense of awareness
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data
Interest in current and new developments in theatrical technology and standards
Appreciation of opera and classical music
Ability to read music a plusSkills, Knowledge, and Certification
MFA in Lighting Design and 5 Years of professional experiences as a Lighting Supervisor or Director
Training and understanding of safe practices in live performance settings
Ability to work within a rigorous time schedule with a large variety of personalities
Experience with running Union crews in a live performance setting
Basic understanding of union rules and regulations as it pertains to technicians, singers, dancers, and musicians
Proficient in Vectorworks CAD Software (2026+), Lightwright (v26.2) (lighting design spreadsheet/database software), Excel, and Word
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ETC Family Consoles (ION/EOS), ETC dimmers, and ETCNet 3 protocols
Intermediate knowledge of electrical theory and practice
Ability to sit or stand in low-light conditions for long periods of time on a wide variety of surfaces
Salary - $60,000 - $65,000
Benefits - Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, paid parental leave, sick leave, 403b savings plan with employer matching, complimentary tickets to performances, and professional development opportunities.
See yourself at the opera! We appreciate the many experiences and perspectives people bring to our work, and we encourage you to apply to be a part of The Dallas Opera. To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to recruitment@dallasopera.org, using the subject line “Lighting Director – Name”. No phone calls, please.
Deadline: 09/01/26
Location: Dallas, TX
Website: https://dallasopera.org/about/careers/
Job Features1
| Job Category | Jobs |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
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Art Opportunities
Individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations that share this geography can now apply for grants of up to $15,000 to create and present new artistic work through the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) Artistic Innovations grant program.
New this year, individual artists are not required to provide matching funds, making the full grant amount available without the need to secure additional support. Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists are made possible through M-AAA’s strategic reinvestment of a gift from Yield Giving.
Nonprofit arts organizations may also apply for grants of up to $15,000. Nonprofit arts organization grants continue with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Since 2012, Artistic Innovations has awarded more than $2 million to support the creation of new art and bring new artistic experiences to audiences throughout the region.
Applications are open now through Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
Funded projects must take place during the eligible grant period, January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027, and meet program requirements, including applicable requirements for in-region artist engagement and public events.
Deadline: 09/24/26
Location: M-AAA Region
Website: https://www.maaa.org/news/artists-and-organizations-can-apply-for-up-to-15000-through-artistic-innovations-grants/
Job Features1
| Job Category | Opportunities |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
The 42nd Annual International Exhibition is a juried visual art competition organized by the Department of Art and Art History at The University of Texas at Tyler and displayed at the university’s Meadows Gallery. Internationally known artists, curators, and scholars have served as jurors selecting works for exhibition created by some of the best contemporary artists working today. The department purchases three to six works from the exhibition each year; purchased works are added to our permanent collection. The permanent collection serves as an educational teaching resource; much of the permanent collection is exhibited throughout the UT Tyler main campus.
JUROR : Diana Roberts
Diana Roberts is an arts writer, curator, and arts administrator in San Antonio, Texas. She holds a BA in Music from the University of Texas at Austin and an MA in Art History and Criticism from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Over the past 30 years she has worked with numerous artists, musicians, nonprofit arts organizations, galleries, museums, and corporate collections around the state. As Membership and Administrative Coordinator for the Texas Sculpture Group since 2017, Roberts edited the 2025 publication, Contemporary Texas Sculpture: Artists of the Texas Sculpture Group.
In addition to independent curatorial projects, Roberts has been Director of The Center for Spirituality and the Arts, Curator of the Airport Art Spaces at SA International Airport, Coordinator for the UTSA Satellite Space, and Gallery Director for Galeria Ortiz Contemporary and the Art Gallery at Musical Bridges Around the World. She has juried exhibitions for the Texas Sculpture Group, the Southwest School of Art, the Friends of Dard Hunter, the San Antonio Art League Museum, and the Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair in Rockport, Texas. As an arts writer, Roberts has contributed essays for numerous catalogues and other publications, including Ceramics Monthly, Sculpture Magazine, Art News, the Langdon Review of the Arts in Texas, ArtLies, San Antonio Magazine, Voices of Art, and the SA Current.
AWARDS
Several purchase awards will be made; purchased works will be added to the University of Texas at Tyler Department of Art and Art History’s permanent collection.
ENTRY AND FEES
This exhibition will be juried from digital media. Artists may submit up to three works for consideration for the non-refundable fee of $35. Entries must be submitted via CaFE (Call for Entry)
ELIGIBILITY
This competition is open to any artist who is over the age of 18, working in two-dimensional media. Paintings, drawings, prints, fiber art, and photographs created in the last three years are welcome.
KEY DATES
November 13, 2026: Entry Deadline
December 14, 2026: Notification of acceptance via email
January 8, 2027: Deadline for Receipt of Work
January 19, 2027: Exhibition opens
March 4, 2027: Reception and Juror Presentation at Meadows Gallery
March 5, 2027: Exhibition closes
March 15-19, 2027: Return of Works
Apply on CaFE: https://opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/17923/CAFE
Deadline: 11/13/26
Location: University of Texas at Tyler
Website: https://opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/17923/CAFE
Job Features1
| Job Category | Opportunities |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
ICOSA Annual/ Call for Entry
ICOSA Collective (Austin, TX) announces a national call for entries for ICOSA Annual, a juried group exhibition to be held in conjunction with the Austin Studio tour. Open to all US residents working in any 2D/ 3D media and video. The entry fee is $30.
Entry link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2YsutVWv9notzkn1C9HtIRGg6mGMPiC0gnzEUBZCpdWCs9Q/viewform
Thanks to an anonymous donor, ICOSA can waive the entry fee for ten artists experiencing financial hardship. Requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you need a waiver, please email us at icosaannual@gmail.com before you start the application. The ICOSA Annual Committee will review your request and respond once a decision has been made.
About ICOSA
ICOSA Collective is an artist-run nonprofit art space committed to championing bold ideas, emerging voices, and experimental artistic practices. Since 2015, ICOSA has served as a platform for contemporary artists through exhibitions, sound installations, film screenings, performances, and collaborative programming that encourages dialogue and creative exchange. With more than 80 exhibitions, partnerships with artist-run spaces across the United States, and collaborations with local and regional artists, ICOSA has become an integral part of Austin's independent arts ecosystem. Visitors to the Austin Studio Tour are invited to explore current exhibitions, connect with artists, and experience a community-driven space where experimentation, collaboration, and contemporary art thrive. The gallery is located in the Canopy Arts Complex on the Eastside of Austin. ICOSA Annual is an exciting opportunity for non-member artists to showcase their work in the gallery during the Austin Studio Tour.
About the Juror
Dennis Nance is an artist and curator from Houston, Texas. He was appointed as Curator for the Galveston Arts Center in 2016 where he organizes exhibitions featuring work by contemporary artists from Texas and the Gulf Coast region. From 2007 to 2016, Nance was Exhibitions & Programming Director for Lawndale Art Center in Houston, Texas, where he worked extensively with local and regional artists through exhibitions and the Lawndale Artist Studio Program. Nance is a past member of the Artist Advisory Board for DiverseWorks and BOX 13 ArtSpace artist board member. He is a practicing artist and has been awarded grants for his work from the Houston Arts Alliance and an Idea Fund Award, administered through Aurora Picture Show, DiverseWorks Artspace and Project Row Houses and funded by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. His work has been included in exhibitions at the Art Lab at the Institute for Contemporary Art, Boston; the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston; Webb Gallery; The Brandon; BOX13 ArtSpace; and the Menil Collection bookstore. He received his BA from Austin College in Sherman, TX with a concentration in Fine Arts and French.
Exhibition Schedule
Submission deadline: Thurs, Oct. 1 (11:59pm)
Artists Notification: Thurs, Oct. 16th
Shipped Worked: Friday, Nov. 6th (Arrive before 5pm)
Hand-Delivered Work: Saturday, Nov 7th (12-4pm)
Opening Reception: Nov. 13th, 7-10pm
Show Runs: Nov. 13th - 22nd
Show Closes: Nov. 22nd Meet and greet with Curator 5pm
Work shipped back by: Dec. 1st
The exhibition opens Friday, November 13th and closes Sunday November 22nd. An opening reception will be held Friday November 13th from 7pm – 10pm. All artists and their guests are welcome. The exhibition will run in tandem with Austin Studio Tour, a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning two weekends. Icosa received over 4,000 visitors during the 2025 Austin Studio Tour.
ENTRY PROCEDURE
Entries must be submitted online no later than 11:59PM on Thursday, October 1st. Late applications will not be considered. Please submit all materials via link.
- Artist Statement/CV (no more than 3 pages)
- 5-10 images of works completed within the past two years
- Save images with your first initial, last name (Example:JDoe01.jpg)
- Do not include a price sheet or prices for submitted pieces
- Optional Video Entry, no longer than 5 minutes of video. Must be a YouTube,
Vimeo link, etc. (Please make sure that the videos are not password protected.) - $30 entry fee
Due to an anonymous donor, ICOSA can waive the entry fee for ten artists experiencing financial hardship. Requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you need a waiver, please email us at icosaannual@gmail.com before you start the application. The ICOSA Annual Committee will review your request and respond once a decision has been made.
ACCEPTANCE
If your work is accepted, shipped work must arrive no later than 5pm, November 6th. Hand delivered work can be dropped off on Saturday November 7th from 12-4pm. Accepted work must be ready to hang or display in a professional manner.
Artists are responsible for shipping costs both ways and must include a return shipping label with their work. Pack securely. No use of Styrofoam packing pellets (bubble wrap acceptable). No glass on framing of wall-based work, plexiglass only. Work that arrives at gallery damaged will be returned un-displayed. ICOSA is not responsible for work damaged in transit. Unsold work will be packed by ICOSA in the shipping containers they arrived in and shipped out to the artists by December 1st of 2026.
Pick-up of hand delivered work will be coordinated with the artists. Pick-up no later than December 1st of 2026. ICOSA will not store work past the pick-up time.
SALES
Do not include a price sheet in application. Work does not have to be for sale. Sale prices are determined by the artist (after artwork has been accepted). After Square fees, 60% of sale price goes to the artist, 40% to ICOSA. All work must be the property of the artist in order to be available for sale.
INSURANCE
Though great care will be taken in handling your work, ICOSA does not provide insurance for any piece during the ICOSA Annual exhibition. ICOSA recommends the work be insured during shipping, as the artist bears the full responsibility for loss and damage to art while in transit. ICOSA retains the right to decide which work is included in the exhibition.
IMAGE USE
By participating in the ICOSA Annual, artists grant ICOSA rights to use the selected image(s) on printed materials and the gallery website for promotional purposes only.
NOTIFICATION
Artists will be notified of acceptance or nonacceptance no later than Thursday, October 15th.
FAQ’s:
Is there a theme? There is no specific theme, but oftentimes the curator will develop a theme and exhibition title once they have chosen from the submitted works.
Are there limitations on media/ size? We are open to all 2D and 3D media including video and performance. Please be aware that as the artist you are responsible for shipping the work so please take that into consideration if you are not local. Although there is not a specific size limit, the work does need to fit through our door which is 8’h x 4’w and weighs no more than 50 lbs.
Can I submit if I live outside of the Austin area? Yes! Just be aware that you are responsible for getting your work to the gallery by either delivering or shipping. Due to shipping time, only artists who reside in the continental United States are eligible
CONTACT
Any questions, email icosaannual@gmail.com.
Deadline: 10/1/26
Location: Austin, TX
Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2YsutVWv9notzkn1C9HtIRGg6mGMPiC0gnzEUBZCpdWCs9Q/viewform
Job Features1
| Job Category | Opportunities |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
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