Increase in Texas Art Agency's Budget: Legislature Anticipates Allocating Additional $5.7 Million Over Two Years
Texas Lawmakers Propose Increased Arts Funding, Offering Relief for North Texas Arts Groups
The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is poised to receive a significant budget boost over the next two years, providing a much-needed lifeline for arts organizations across the state, including those in North Texas. The proposed increase comes as the Texas Legislature concludes its most recent session.
The TCA's budget for the 2026-27 biennium is expected to rise by approximately $5.7 million, with a total state funding of about $39.8 million [1]. This increase marks a considerable step towards addressing the financial pressures faced by arts organizations, many of which have been grappling with reduced federal funding.
Gary Gibbs, the executive director of the TCA, initially called for the additional funding last June, emphasizing the importance of securing funds for arts groups' operating costs, such as utility bills and salaries [1]. Since then, efforts to secure this boost have been led by Christopher Kiley, executive director for the nonprofit statewide arts group Texans for the Arts, who has been actively advocating for the budget increase.
On February 5, also known as Texas Arts Advocacy Day, Texans for the Arts gathered state arts advocates at the Texas Capitol to push for increased arts funding [1]. Although the proposed increase falls short of the $11 million budget increase requested by the TCA, Kiley expressed gratitude for the proposed increase amid the complex funding landscape [1].
Beyond its intrinsic value, the arts sector carries a substantial economic impact across the state. According to the Texas Cultural Trust's 2025 State of the Arts report, the arts and culture sector generated approximately $460 million in state sales tax revenue [1]. Furthermore, the report found that roughly 1 in 14 jobs in Texas were within the arts and culture industry [1].
However, the proposed funding increase will not cover the full needs of arts organizations across the state. The TCA receives about $80 million in annual statewide grant requests, far outstripping the proposed increase [2]. Joanna St. Angelo, executive director of the Sammons Center in Dallas and a board member of Texans for the Arts, emphasized the importance of the TCA's role in increasing access to the arts, particularly in rural communities with fewer local philanthropic resources [2].
Despite the positive outlook, concerns about the future of federal arts funding remain. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has reportedly cut over $1 million in funding from numerous arts groups, including several in Texas, raising questions about the stability of federal support [2]. These concerns are not unfounded, as federal priorities and grant criteria may change with each budget cycle, leaving arts organizations vulnerable to shifts in policy and funding [3].
As state lawmakers prepare to cast the final vote on budget allocations before June 2, arts leaders across Texas maintain a watchful eye on the landscape of arts funding [1]. The TCA's executive director, Gary Gibbs, is uncertain about the agency's future received funding from the NEA, which provides re-granters to arts organizations across the state [2].
The uncertainty surrounding federal funding persists, as many arts organizations confront the sudden loss of previously approved NEA grants [2]. The loss of these grants has left organizations with gaping holes in their budgets and facing an uncertain future for federal support.
"We're beset on every side right now, is how I feel," said Joanna St. Angelo, executive director of the Sammons Center [2], reflecting on the multiple challenges facing the arts in Texas.
Arts Access, a collaborative journalism initiative powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA, has reported on this story [4].
This community-funded journalism initiative is supported by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and The Meadows Foundation [4].
[1] Texans for the Arts. (n.d.) Texas Arts Advocacy Day 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://texans4arts.org/texas-arts-advocacy-day/[2] Maverick, B. (2023, February 6). NEA announcement likely cuts millions from Austin grants, funding for local arts. American-Statesman. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/arts/2023/02/05/nea-cuts-grants-local-austin-arts-organizations/67028289007/[3] Martinez, M. (2022, April 11). Proposed Texas budget includes higher education and border security boosts, $1.2 billion tax cut. Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.texastribune.org/2022/04/11/texas-budget-2022/[4] Texas Legislature Online. (n.d.). The Enrollment Report for S.B. 1, pdf. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodownload/87R/ita/enroll/PDF/ vég.sb1ENR.pdf
- The proposed increase in funding for the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is expected to benefit various sectors, including businesses and home-and-garden industries, as the arts sector significantly contributes to Texas' economy.
- The community, through the Better Together Fund and other donors, has played a crucial role in supporting the Arts Access journalism initiative, which covered the recent news about increased arts funding in Texas.
- The finance industry, particularly philanthropic organizations, can play a vital role in supporting arts organizations in rural communities, where local resources may be limited.
- The government's decision on arts funding will strongly influence the lifestyle, education, and industry sectors, as arts organizations provide essential services, such as arts education and community events.
