Texans for the Arts condemns senseless and unprovoked acts of violence against black Americans and vehemently opposes discrimination and racism against all people of color. We stand in solidarity with non-violent protesters as together we mourn the killing of George Floyd and the countless other victims of racism and police brutality in this country. We are committed to being an ally to all our neighbors as we seek a peaceful way to bring about meaningful change and work to begin healing from this collective trauma.
At their core, the arts have the power to give voice to our collective humanity. They bring joy. They bring tears. They inspire us to feel what it is to be a human being. The arts are complex and provide a mirror for us to view ourselves like nothing else. We can see through the arts the things we are most proud of and the things that are difficult to bear. Perhaps just as importantly, the arts provide a tool for us to speak out against those things we want to see changed and provide a powerful means to achieve our shared dreams for a more equitable and just future.
As we move forward, we must acknowledge our painful history of systemic racism and exploitation. Our institutions have been shaped by this history and we acknowledge that it is up to us to stand with you and support you as you make the art that can challenge what the future can look like. We will continue to fight tirelessly to ensure you—the people —have the resources you need to both remember the past and shape the future through the arts. We cannot stand at arm’s length and view what is happening without taking action. We will continue to learn and put into practice focused and deliberative work to support our communities of color.
The arts have an incredible power to effect social change, explore racial and ethnic representations, reflect a community’s history and identity, and build bridges across diverse audiences. Let us stand together and ensure that these tragic circumstances force us into action to bring out the best in all of us moving forward—together—through the arts.
Please take from the growing list of resources listed below to learn, to listen, to contribute, to take action, and to add your voice to the call for peace and justice.
Stay safe and stay well,
Ann S. Graham
Executive Director
Resources + tools
How to talk about race:
- Talking about Race – National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Resources – Mosaic Education Network
How to integrate anti-racist practices into your arts organization:
- Anti-Racism for Arts Administrators – Young Professionals in the Arts, NYC
- Anti-Racism Resources for the Arts and Nonprofits – Fractured Atlas
- Anti-Racist Theatre – HowlRound Theatre Commons
- Arts and Culture – Racial Equity Tools
- Dismantling Racism in Museum Education – Article by Marit Dewhurst and Keonna Hendrick
- Diversity and Inclusion: Walking the Talk – free, on-demand webinar from Candid
- Promoting Equity: Developing an Anti-Racist Music Theory Classroom – New Music USA
- Steps You Can Take Immediately to Diversify Your Board and Major Donor Base – free, on-demand webinar from Candid
- Tools & Resources – Local and Regional Government Alliance on Race & Equity
How to create a future that is more inclusive:
- Funding for Racial Equity – Candid
- How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change – Barack Obama, Medium
- No Going Back: A COVID-19 Cultural Strategy Activation Guide for Artists and Activists – Center for Cultural Power
- YouTube Provides Tips on How to Create More Inclusive Content – Social Media Today
Using art to share stories:
- Art + Culture Resources – UNTIL WE ARE ALL FREE
- Beginner's Guide to Community-Based Arts – An illustrated account of ten different artists; available for online rental
- How Public Art Programs Can Join the Movement Against Police Brutality, White Supremacy, and Anti-Black Racism – Amina Cooper, AFTA ArtsBlog
- Not Even Past – Collected works of Black Resistance and Resilience (with Texas-specific section)
- A People's Art History of the United States by Nicolas Lampert – 250 years of activist art and artists working in social justice movements, available for online rental
How to support artists of color:
- Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund – Arts Administrators of Color Network
- Dallas Artist Relief Fund – Creating Our Future
- Here Are 23 Organizations You Can Donate to That Support Emerging Black Artists, Thinkers, and Change-Makers – artnet
- Donate to Women of Color in the Arts
- 10 Historic Black Theatre Companies That Could Use Your Donations – TheaterMania
Funding for artists and arts leaders of color:
- Dallas Artist Relief Fund – Creating Our Future
- Momentum Fund – United Philanthropy Forum
Know your rights:
- Know Your Rights – ACLU
In the news
- As Calls to Defund the Police Multiply, the Arts Offer Unexpected Ways to Reimagine Public Safety – Forbes
- Black Artists on How to Change Classical Music – New York Times
- The Nonprofit Sector as White Space – Nonprofit Quarterly
- Not a Moment but a Movement: Toward an Anti-Racist American Theatre – American Theatre
- Smithsonian's Leader Says "Museums Have a Social Justice Role to Play" – New York Times
- The United States’ Reconciliation Mandate: Are We There Yet? – Nonprofit Quarterly
Organizations to support
American Civil Liberties Union
Esperanza Peace and Justice Center
Arts Specific
10 Nonprofits Amplifying Black Voices in the Arts
Arts Administrators of Color Network
Texas Specific
5 Austin Non-profits Supporting Racial Equity – Austin Monthly
League of Women Voters - Texas
Resources to support social justice, freedom of the press — and ways to learn about racism and its history – Sightlines Magazine