ARTS Summit 2026
ARTSforward Schedule




Meet Keynote Speaker Chris Kiley
Chris Kiley is the Executive Director of Texans for the Arts. Chris has been deeply immersed in the arts since childhood. His journey began with high school theater productions, which laid the foundation for a successful career as a performing artist and director. While his early aspirations of becoming a Broadway actor have evolved, his passion and dedication to the arts have remained unwavering.
Transitioning from a theater practitioner to a prominent arts advocate and integration specialist, Chris has made it his mission to produce, promote, and protect the arts. His work focuses on advocating for public investment in the arts and ensuring that every child has access to a rich arts education. Chris is deeply committed to areas he cares about, whether it involves enhancing the arts landscape or using the arts as a primary tool for educating young people.
Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys spending quality time with his family and their large dog, Gatsby. He also remains dedicated to his personal growth and education. Chris is enthusiastic about meeting new people, so he invites those interested in networking, career opportunities, or learning more about advocacy to connect with him.
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