ARTS Receives Grant From Texas Women For the Arts
Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS) is pleased to be the recipient of a grant from the Texas Women for the Arts (TWA), a program of the Texas Cultural Trust. The $21,000 grant funds will be used to support the expansion of free art programs provided to youth in Fayette County and the region. This will facilitate the growth in the number of programs and the diversity of experiences offered. Two of the communities to see substantial growth will be Schulenburg and Weimar as ARTS opens a new campus to be based in Schulenburg.
There are all-too-familiar stories of rural areas that didn’t rebound from the last recession, where families are struggling to make ends meet and prospects for future growth look bleak. But there’s a different story emerging across America that offers solutions and hope. It’s a story of rural vibrancy, economic opportunity and community resilience catalyzed by a uniquely potent asset: the creative sector.
This grant makes it possible for ARTS to continue to provide the free educational experiences to regional youth. These programs are essential in developing strong and creative leaders who will build and grow our communities in the future. It has been shown that the arts develop creative thinkers and leadership driven citizens. ARTS seeks to open a world of possibilities to the children of the region.
Arts for Rural Texas is a not for profit organization with its services currently offered in seven communities in South Central Texas. The mission of ARTS is to enrich lives through art and art education. Now moving into its 19th year, the organization provides educational and cultural programs to youth and adults throughout Fayette County and beyond. Not only does ARTS draw from the rural region, it attracts visitors from the surrounding metropolitan areas and from across the state. Programs include exhibitions at the Ross Gallery, The Gallery at the Old Stanzel, free Art After School classes, free Fine Art Assemblies, Summer Art Camp, Spectrum Lecture Series, and adult workshops led by nationally renowned artists.
From the visual arts to the performing arts, the organization offers a diversity of experiences. Painting, fiber arts, sculpture, pottery, gardening, theater, musical performance, puppetry, literary arts and more are the many experiences that the organization offers. Many of these are experiences offered free of charge to the public. Based in Fayette County, ARTS sets a national standard of excellence in cultural development in rural communities.
ARTS Executive Director, Karen Vernon, said, “Arts for Rural Texas is thrilled to have been awarded this grant. Being recognized for our efforts to contribute to our communities and their residents is quite an honor. We are hoping that this grant will allow us to offer greater service and opportunities while opening the door to more community involvement and contributions to quality lifestyles in these wonderful rural towns.”
TWA grants are awarded on an annual basis and selected following a rigorous review process. To join Texas Women for the Arts or to learn more about the program and the Texas Cultural Trust, visit TXCulturalTrust.org.
The Texas Cultural Trust, established in 1995, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and increasing access and awareness for the arts across the state. Programs of the organization include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Arts Access, Art Can, Texas Young Masters, Texas Women for the Arts, and Partners in the Arts. Texas Cultural Trust efforts are amplified by supporters who are instrumental in the success of leading a cohesive voice for the arts in education, advocacy, and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of the state. For more information, visit TXCulturalTrust.org.