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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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
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 |
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 Category | Jobs |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
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 Category | Jobs |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
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Art Opportunities
Surreal Times reflects on what surrealism means in current times. Whether you're paying homage to traditional surrealism as an art form and incorporating it in contemporary work, or portraying what surrealism means to you as an individual of this generation, we invite all kinds of interpretation of this iconic movement for this show.
CALL FOR ART NOW OPEN!
Texas-wide artists are welcome to submit up to 5 gallery-ready 3D and 2D original artwork for this exhibit. We accept different mediums like glass, ceramic, sculpture, fabric, textiles, paintings, photography, mixed media, etc. This show will run from October 1 to Nov 7, 2026 at Ghost Pepper Gallery.
Location: Austin, TX
Website: https://ghostpeppergallery.com/pages/surreal-times
Deadline: 09/18/26
Job Features1
| Job Category | Opportunities |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
ProjectART is a nonprofit arts education organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality visual arts experiences for rural Central Texas.
ProjectART invites artists to submit work for SATURATION, a group exhibition exploring vivid color, visual intensity, and the idea of fullness. We are seeking works that embrace bold palettes, rich surfaces, and immersive compositions, as well as pieces that investigate saturation conceptually through abundance, excess, density, emotion, or sensory experience. We also welcome work that considers saturation as a social, psychological, cultural, or environmental condition, examining themes such as information overload, consumerism, identity, memory, being engulfed with an emotion, and/or the point at which intensity transforms perception. All visual art media are welcome.
Please submit entries at https://zealous.co/projectart/opportunity/react-a-response-to-now.
Submissions will be accepted through August 31, 2026.
Location: Wimberley, TX
Website: https://www.projectartwimberley.org/saturation
Deadline: 08/31/26
Job Features1
| Job Category | Opportunities |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
Blue Koi Gallery invites artists worldwide to submit work inspired by dreams, imagination, memory, fantasy, and the worlds that exist beyond ordinary reality. We are looking for work that invites viewers to step outside the familiar and enter the artist’s imagination. All mediums and skill levels welcome. Open to artists worldwide, 18+.
Cash Award $150 | Social Media Promotion | Email to Galleries, Art Admirers & Collectors | Certificate. All Winners: Featured in the Blue Koi Online Art Exhibition alongside the world's best contemporary artists.
$20 for 2 images, $6 for each additional image. Deadline: September 30, 2026
Application: https://koisartistaward.com/dreamers-online-art-competition-and-exhibition/
How to Enter
Application: https://koisartistaward.com/dreamers-online-art-competition-and-exhibition/
- Complete the online entry form
- Upload your images and artwork details
- Pay the applicable entry fee
Receive confirmation of your entry and stay tuned for winner announcements
Note: All artwork/images featured in the Blue Koi Gallery remain the intellectual property of the original artist/photographer.
Deadline: 09/30/26
Location: Online
Website: https://koisartistaward.com/
Job Features1
| Job Category | Opportunities |
| Closing Date | 05/19/25 |
| Location | Location |
| Website | Website |
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