On behalf of the Texas Legislature, the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is seeking nominations for the positions of 2025 and 2026 State Poet Laureate, State Musician classical genre, State Musician nonclassical genre, State Artist two-dimensional media (i.e., painting, photography), and State Artist three-dimensional media (i.e., sculpture).
All Texas citizens are encouraged to make nominations, and self-nominations are accepted. Citizens can nominate more than one artist. The nomination form and complete information are available online at www.arts.texas.gov/ initiatives/texas-state-artist/.
The deadline for Texas State Artists nominations is Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
All qualified nominees must be native Texans or five-year residents of the state. Candidates must have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines. They also must have received critical reviews in state, regional or national publications.
Chosen artists will join the company of previous state artists such as Willie Nelson, Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Carrie Fountain, Beili Liu and Kathy Vargas, and will receive statewide recognition. Texas State Artists also have the opportunity to participate in TCA events and promotions, including participation on TCA’s Texas Touring Roster and other initiatives in relation to their respective arts discipline.
“We are fortunate to have many outstanding artists in Texas, and we anticipate receiving numerous qualified nominations,” said Gary Gibbs, executive director of TCA. “Being named a Texas State Artist is the Texas Legislature’s highest honor for an artist, and it brings new career opportunities and recognition from the arts community and the general public.”
TCA oversees the selection process for the five positions, in accordance with Chapter 3104 of the Texas Government Code. TCA issues the call for nominations, oversees an evaluation review process, and provides a list of finalists to the selection committee.
The committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, makes the final selections. The 89th Texas Legislature will make the appointments in spring 2025 when they are in session.
