About Arts Fort Worth: Our purpose is to create belonging. We do this by building strategic relationships between local creatives, arts organizations, policymakers, and the surrounding community. Founded in 1963 as the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, Arts Fort Worth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant and equitable arts ecosystem in Fort Worth. At Arts Fort Worth, we’re committed to promoting, supporting, and nurturing a thriving, inclusive arts community. We believe that the arts have the power to bring people together, tell our stories, challenge perspectives, and inspire change. We work to make the arts accessible for everyone, while championing artists and organizations that reflect the diverse and vibrant spirit of Fort Worth. Equity, accessibility, listening, and relationship-building—drive everything we do. We're passionate about building a more inclusive arts community where everyone feels welcome, seen, and heard. From advocating for the arts to engaging with the community, we’re committed to supporting creativity in all its forms. We believe that staying true to our values of intentional equity, authentic passion, purposeful listening, and being trustworthy partners is how we can build strategic relationships that create a sense of belonging for everyone. Our Values • Intentionally Equitable: We believe in acknowledging the systemic barriers and transcending those barriers. We are dedicated to ensuring that the arts are a space where everyone, regardless of background, circumstances, or identity can participate. • Authentically Passionate: We’re not just inspired by the arts- we channel that passion into building a healthy, thriving arts community. Through our dedication and hard work, we ensure that the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of our society. Our passion drives everything we do. • Purposeful Listening: We strive to lead by example, fostering innovation and advocating for the arts as a vital part of our community's cultural and economic fabric. • Trustworthy Partners: We understand that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving arts ecosystem and those are built through collaboration, transparency, accountability, and open communication with artists, organizations, and supporters. What We Do • Grants Program: Arts Fort Worth administers competitive grants that fuel creativity and innovation, distributing funds to organizations that enrich our community with diverse cultural experiences. These funds provide essential mission support to established nonprofit arts organizations, support community engagement, and bring new visitors through the performing, visual, and interdisciplinary arts in all communities of Fort Worth. • Public Art: Managing the City’s public art program, Arts Fort Worth brings art into public spaces, enhancing the visual landscape and fostering a sense of identity throughout Fort Worth. We believe public art has the power of placemaking and placekeeping, fostering community pride in our city. Explore and discover the more than 160 works of public art across Fort Worth and the dozens of projects in progress. • Education & Advocacy: We advocate for the arts at all levels of government, ensuring that policies and resources reflect the importance of art in our community. Additionally, we offer educational programming that empowers creatives to fulfill their highest potential. Our Impact Through our various programs and initiatives, Arts Fort Worth serves as the connector in the arts ecosystem, making art accessible and supporting the cultural vitality of our city. That impact is also reflected in the economic impact, as outlined in the AEP 6 report. Arts Fort Worth is the only nonprofit dedicated to serving the entire arts ecosystem, making us a vital hub for creativity and collaboration across multiple disciplines. With a rich legacy and deep expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to bring together diverse voices and perspectives. Our commitment to community-driven decisions ensures that the future of the arts in Fort Worth is shaped by the people it serves.