Our Story.

We’re here for the Art. And the artists. And the people who love both.

Female violinist playing in an orchestra during an indoor concert.
Two women are appreciating an art piece that represents different colored lips. Arts Fort Worth offers resources for selling art.
Seniors participating in a seated exercise class, promoting community health and active aging.

Who we Are

At Arts Fort Worth, we believe creativity is the heartbeat of a vibrant city. We’re the folks championing local artists, energizing public spaces, and making sure the arts are accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Whether you’re a lifelong creative, a curious newcomer, or someone who just loves a good mural or live performance, you’re in the right place. This is your arts community. And we’re here to help you feel at home in it.

Have a look at who’s on our staff and board of directors.

Our Journey So Far

Arts Fort Worth is a nonprofit organization that was formed in 1963 as the Arts Council of Fort Worth to provide funding and leadership that nurtures, supports and promotes the arts throughout the Fort Worth community.

Today, Arts Fort Worth is committed to building strategic relationships throughout the local ecosystem of independent creatives, arts and culture businesses, policymakers, and the surrounding community of arts supporters.

So, what exactly do we do? Glad you asked. Arts Fort Worth continues to support and promote the arts in every corner of our city. That means:
– Funding local artists and organizations through grants and resources.
Putting art in public spaces. Public art transforms everyday places into something extraordinary.
Advocating for the arts at every level—from city hall to the Capitol in Washington DC.
Strenghtening partnerships to enhance infrastructure where you can discover local culture happenings and share the resources that can help the arts thrive.

We’re connectors, cheerleaders, and behind-the-scenes doers. We’re here to make sure the arts don’t just survive—they thrive.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to create connection- and we do this by building relationships between local creatives, arts organizations, policymakers, and the surrounding community.

We Believe

We believe that staying true to our values of intentional equity, authentic passion, and purposeful listening. Being trustworthy partners is how we can build the relationships that create a sense of belonging and connection for everyone.

Our Funders

Arts Fort Worth services are made possible through gifts from individuals, small businesses, corporations, foundations, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and Texas Commission on the Arts.

Support the arts in Fort Worth

Discover Our Impact Through Creative Collaborations

Community Voices on Arts Fort Worth

James Thompson

Arts Fort Worth has truly transformed our community by providing resources and support for local artists. Their commitment to cultural enrichment is inspiring!

Michael Harris

Thanks to Arts Fort Worth, I was able to secure a grant that helped launch my art project. They are making a real difference!

Arts Center

Annual Report

Learn more through our latest annual report—a testament to our achievements, challenges, and commitment to transparency. Explore the dynamic stories, statistics, and impactful initiatives that define where we have been and strategies moving forward. 

Our Legacy

Milestones in Our Evolution

Discover key moments that have shaped Arts Fort Worth into a pillar of the community.

Year 1963

Funding the Arts in Fort Worth

Our nonprofit was formed in 1963 as the Arts Council of Fort Worth to provide funding and leadership that nurtures, supports and promotes the arts throughout the community.

Year 2002

City partners with the Arts Council

In partnership with the City of Fort Worth, the Arts Council began managing the Fort Worth Public Art program, integrating artists’ designs into city capital projects to enhance public spaces.

Year 2002

The Fort Worth Community Arts Center Opens

The Fort Worth Community Arts Center opened under the management of the Arts Council, offering affordable and accessible venues for artists, arts organizations, and the community.

Year 2017

Master Plan Updates

The Fort Worth Public Art Master Plan was updated to guide the future of public art in the city, reflecting the evolving needs and aspirations of the community.

Year 2021

Public Art Milestone

The Fort Worth Public Art program celebrated its 20th anniversary by debuting the city’s first iconic public artworks: audio/video projections on all four sides of the 204-foot tall Pioneer Tower by internationally renowned artists Refik Anadol and Quayola.

Year 2025

Arts Forward Summit

Arts Fort Worth is set to host the inaugural Arts Forward, a city-wide arts summit bringing together industry leaders, artists, performers, creatives, community advocates, and policymakers for a day of connection and inspiration.

Join Us

Become a Part of Fort Worth’s Arts Community

Support local artists and cultural programs by donating, volunteering, or subscribing to our newsletter for updates on events.

Texas Commission on the Arts Logo
City of Fort Worth Logo
National Endowment for the Arts logo
Scroll to Top