Texans for the Arts (TFA) is a highly effective, non-partisan statewide arts advocacy organization that provides coordinated information about legislative activity related to arts issues and organizes advocacy efforts in order to protect and increase public funding for the arts at the state, national and local levels.

  • We champion a vibrant and accessible creative landscape in Texas by cultivating an unwavering public commitment to the arts.

  • We see a world where all Texans champion the arts as essential to our lives.

  • Stand up and speak out.

    TFA/F is here to advocate for you and with you. Our efforts ignite and empower the people we serve to stand side-by-side with us in all of our advocacy efforts. Our work motivates, educates, and trains people to use their voices and relationships to support the arts, culture, and creative industries across the state.

    Cool heads, warm hearts.

    We make well-informed decisions and have the best intentions for everyone involved. We combat reactivity by balancing logic and empathy and acknowledging where we can improve in the future. We put inclusivity and compassion into practice to mutually meet the needs of the people we serve and our organization.

    Better together.

    The arts are stronger when we lead with a diverse, inclusive, and unified voice. We establish and nurture purpose-driven partnerships to amplify our collective impact.

    Harness passion.

    Our shared passion for the arts catalyzes our mission and vision. We channel our powerful capacity to carry our message in creative, unique, and compelling ways to connect people of all interests and backgrounds.

    Celebrate.

    We celebrate the invaluable work done by our field. We celebrate to appreciate where we are and dream about where we can go next.

30 Years of Advocacy

30 Years of Advocacy

Texans for the Arts: Advocating for a Creative Texas

For over 30 years, Texans for the Arts (TFA) has been the leading voice for the arts, culture, and creative industries across Texas. We are dedicated to advancing public funding, shaping cultural policy, and ensuring equitable access to the arts in communities across the state. Whether engaging local governments, the Texas Legislature, or Congress, TFA works tirelessly to ensure that the arts are recognized, valued, and supported as essential to Texas' economy, education, and quality of life.

Our Impact: Advancing the Arts Through Advocacy

Texans for the Arts has a strong track record of securing critical funding and policy wins that support the growth and sustainability of the creative sector. Through strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and direct engagement with elected officials, TFA has achieved significant milestones, including:

  • Securing the largest funding increase in Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) history, including the first-ever $10 million appropriation for Cultural District project grants.

  • Spearheading the passage of Senate Bill 1221, increasing transparency in the use of local Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) for the arts, ensuring greater accountability and public awareness.

  • Successfully advocating for increased arts funding in the 87th and 88th Texas Legislative Sessions, reinforcing the economic and educational impact of the arts across Texas.

  • Facilitating thousands of legislative meetings at local, state, and federal levels, engaging with city councils, state representatives, and members of Congress to strengthen arts support across Texas.

Our continued work ensures the arts sector is positioned as a key driver of Texas’ economic development, tourism, and community well-being.

Year-Round Advocacy & Engagement

Texans for the Arts takes a two-pronged approach to advocacy, ensuring a continuous dialogue between arts advocates and policymakers:

  • During the Legislative Session:
    We host Texas Arts Advocacy Day (TAAD), where artists, cultural leaders, and advocates convene at the Texas Capitol for a day of direct engagement with legislators. TAAD features advocacy training, Capitol visits, and opportunities to share personal stories that highlight the arts’ impact statewide.

  • During the Interim Year:
    TFA organizes the Texas Arts Advocacy Summit (TAAS), a statewide convening focused on learning from the field, assessing challenges, and co-creating strategies that shape the next legislative agenda. During this period, we actively engage with communities through site visits, listening sessions, and regional conversations to ensure our advocacy efforts reflect the evolving needs of the arts sector.

Empowering the Arts Community

TFA is committed to strengthening the arts ecosystem by providing resources and opportunities for advocacy and leadership development. Our initiatives include:

  • Regional Conversations: Connecting arts leaders across five geographic regions to address local challenges, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions that drive growth and sustainability.

  • Educational Workshops & Roundtables: Equipping members with the tools and knowledge to advocate effectively for public funding and policy advancements.

  • Policy & Research Resources: Offering critical data and insights to help arts organizations make informed decisions and articulate their impact to stakeholders.

TFA ensures that arts organizations and advocates are well-equipped to navigate an ever-changing landscape.

A National Voice for Texas Arts

While our primary focus is Texas, TFA’s influence extends beyond state lines. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Mid-America Arts Alliance and the Creative States Coalition, we elevate Texas’s arts policies and best practices to the national stage—ensuring our creative economy remains competitive and forward-thinking.

Join Us in Championing the Arts

At Texans for the Arts, we believe the arts are not just a source of inspiration—they are a cornerstone of economic growth, community pride, and cultural heritage across our great state. The arts create jobs, attract tourism, and enhance our quality of life, making Texas an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Your support helps ensure that the arts continue to thrive and contribute to Texas' prosperity. Whether you're an advocate, policymaker, business leader, or community member, your voice is necessary.

Stand with us to champion a thriving, creative Texas—become a member today and help preserve the arts as a vital part of our great state's economy, heritage, and future.