Summit 2026
Arts Forward
Friday, February 27 & 28, 2026 | Texas Wesleyan University
LEARN – EXPERIENCE – CELEBRATE
Arts Forward is a city-wide arts summit bringing together artists, performers, creatives, community advocates, and policymakers for an inspiring day of learning and connection. Whether you’re looking to explore the impact of the arts on community, health, and education, gather resources from arts organizations, or simply immerse yourself in the arts, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to secure your ticket today!
Beyond the Classroom
PANEL ONE:
Innovation in Art Education
PANEL TWO:
Education in Cultural Institutions
SPEAKER:
Partnering with the Community
COME LEARN, EXPERIENCE, AND CONNECT
Arts Fort Worth believes in making the arts accessible to everyone. Inspired by local and national arts organizations, the tiered ticketing system ensures that anyone who wants to attend can do so:
- Discount Ticket: $30 for those with limited financial means at the time of purchase.
- Standard Ticket: $50 helps cover the cost of the event.
- Pay-It-Forward Ticket: $100 allows you to contribute toward discounted tickets, helping others experience the summit.
Arts Forward Summit Agenda
8:00 a.m. Doors open
Ondas Rhythm and Dance Opening
Welcome from Wesley Gentle, Executive Director and President of Arts Fort Worth
Panel One
Transition/Break
Panel Two
Lunch
Panel Three
Break
Introduction to Keynote
Keynote Speaker: Randy Cohen, President of Research at American for the Arts Vice President
Sponsored by Visit Fort Worth
Presentation of Community Art Activation
3:00 p.m. Enjoy Fort Worth Arts Dealers Spring Gallery Night
Meet Keynote Speaker Randy Cohen
Randy Cohen is Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts—the national advocacy organization for the arts—where he has been empowering arts advocates since 1991. A sought-after speaker, Randy has presented in all 50 states, and regularly appears in the news media—including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and on C-SPAN, CNN, CNBC, and NPR.
Cohen is known for balancing rigorous research methods with accessible and actionable results. His work at Americans for the Arts has provided new perspectives on the nonprofit arts. He recently published Arts & Economic Prosperity 6: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Culture Organizations and their Audiences and Americans Speak Out About the Arts in 2023, a national public opinion study about the arts. Randy led the development of The National Arts Index, the annual measure of the health and vitality of arts in the U.S., and the National Arts Policy Roundtable, an annual convening of leaders who focus on the advancement of American culture—launched in partnership with Robert Redford and the Sundance Institute.
Ten reasons to support the arts in Fort Worth:
Join us at the Heart of Gold reception the evening before Arts Forward.
Arts Fort Worth invites you to the Heart of Gold reception the evening before Arts Forward.
Arts Forward is bringing together industry leaders, artists, performers, creatives, community advocates, and policymakers for an inspiring day of connection. Whether you’re looking to explore the impact of the arts on community, health, and education, gather resources from arts organizations, or simply immerse yourself in the arts, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to secure your ticket today! Visit our Heart of Gold page to learn more and see past recipients.
Become a Part of Fort Worth’s Arts Community
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