Milliken Garza: 89th Legislature provided $7.9 million in new funding for the Arts

The 89th legislative session in Texas presented a dynamic opportunity for policymakers to address the needs and growth of the arts sector within the state. While the arts are frequently overshadowed by other economic priorities, this session saw successful efforts to recognize their contribution to economic vitality. 

Key outcomes included allocations of $7.9 million in new funding to support initiatives to boost local arts organizations in Texas communities, and legislative dialogue on the integration of arts into education and public spaces.

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) played a pivotal role during the session, advocating for increased funding for arts-based programs and initiatives across the state. The TCA works to enhance the quality of life for Texans by providing support to artists, cultural organizations, and educators. During the session, a large increase in funding was approved, allowing the TCA to expand grants and services, ensuring that more communities, especially rural and underserved areas, can benefit from arts programming.

Texans for the Arts, a statewide advocacy organization, played a significant role in influencing legislative priorities. This group actively engaged policymakers and citizens in highlighting the economic and social benefits of investing in the arts. Through campaigns, public forums, and lobbying efforts, Texans for the Arts successfully gained support that produced impactful funding for measures that protect and expand arts greatly adding to the Texas economy and quality of life. The work of Texans for the Arts ensures that communities across Texas continue to thrive culturally and economically.

Recognizing the importance of arts in fostering creativity and critical thinking, the session emphasized integrating arts education into school curriculums. New initiatives were discussed to expand arts education programs, particularly in underserved rural areas, where access to cultural resources has been historically limited. Young Texans need to be equipped with the tools to appreciate and contribute to the arts, fostering a future generation of creative thinkers.

The session also discussed the preservation of Texas’s rich cultural heritage, including its diverse artistic expressions from indigenous art to modern urban movements. The importance of ensuring that historical art forms and monuments continue to thrive, reflecting the state’s identity and history were stressed.

The Economic Value of the Arts in Texas

Arts are not merely a cultural asset; they are a powerful economic engine within Texas. The creative economy, encompassing industries like film, music, visual arts, and design, significantly contributes to the state’s GDP and employment opportunities.

The arts generate billions of dollars annually for Texas’s economy. From ticket sales at local theaters to major film productions shot within the state, the arts create jobs across multiple sectors. These include roles in production, marketing, logistics, and tourism, bringing economic benefits to urban centers and rural communities alike.

Texas attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by cultural festivals, museums, concerts, and art installations. Iconic events like South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and on down to the cultural and artist offerings in every single city, town or rural area of the state incorporate artistic elements that lure both domestic and international tourists, significantly boosting local economies.

The arts play a critical role in driving innovation. Through collaborative artistic projects and creative enterprises, Texas has become a hub for innovation in industries like technology and media. The blending of art with technology fosters new business models and products, further enriching the state’s economy.  Every thriving business within the state is somehow tied to the arts and the support of the arts within the community where they are housed.

Investment in the arts contributes to community development by creating vibrant, attractive areas for residents and businesses. Public art installations, galleries, and cultural events transform neighborhoods, improving quality of life and attracting investments.  Elevated quality of life is what every business is looking for to attract and to keep their employees.

The 89th Texas legislative session demonstrated a growing recognition of the importance of the arts to both cultural and economic realms. By addressing funding, education, preservation, and bolstered efforts by organizations like the Texas Commission on the Arts and Texans for the Arts, policymakers took steps to ensure that the arts continue to flourish in Texas. The approval of the $7.9 million in funding underscored the state government’s commitment to supporting the arts sector. These measures benefit communities and fuel the creative economy. As Texas progresses, the integration of arts into public policy will remain crucial in enhancing the state’s cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity.

During the 89th legislative session, Governor Greg Abbott demonstrated his support for the arts by not vetoing the $7.9 million in funding for the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), signaling a recognition of the arts as an essential contributor to community enrichment and economic development. By maintaining this funding, the Governor enables the TCA to extend grants, programs, and services to rural and underserved communities statewide.

Governor Abbott’s decisions reflect an understanding of the arts sector’s dual value. On one hand, the arts serve as a cultural cornerstone, fostering creativity, preserving heritage, and enhancing quality of life for Texans. On the other hand, they act as a powerful economic engine, drawing tourists, creating jobs, and contributing billions to Texas’s GDP.

The governor of Texas holds a unique position to influence the arts landscape of the state. Through decisive measures like preserving funding for the Texas Commission on the Arts and encouraging collaboration with advocacy groups, Governor Abbott has helped sustain the cultural vibrancy and economic contributions of the arts sector. As Texas continues to grow, gubernatorial support will remain a key factor in ensuring the arts thrive as both a cultural treasure and economic driver.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Diane Milliken Garza, PhD, CEO of the RGV Philanthropic Foundation, and a commissioner on the Texas Commission on the Arts. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian with the permission of the author.

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