The Arts Community Alliance (TACA) has named six arts groups in its 2024-2025 cohort of the Arts Accelerator program.
TACA is a North Texas nonprofit founded in 1967 to support the area’s cultural community. In 2023, the organization launched its inaugural Arts Accelerator Program, designed to provide guidance for emerging nonprofit organizations in Dallas County.
In a press release, Maura Sheffler, the Donna Wilhelm Family President & Executive Director of TACA, explained, “We created the Arts Accelerator in response to needs voiced by the community. TACA is uniquely positioned to observe and learn about needs across arts groups of all sizes, genres, and geographics in North Texas. In recent years, we saw the advent of organizations poised for growth that would benefit from a more comprehensive support system to cultivate and execute their respective visions. The Arts Accelerator answers that need and based on the tremendous success of our first cohort, we are thrilled to continue the program in 2024-2025.”
The inaugural cohort included Arts Mission Oak Cliff, Bombshell Dance Project, Pegasus Contemporary Ballet, Pegasus Media Project, Soul Rep Theatre Co., and Verdigris Ensemble. The program ran from September 2023 to May 2024. During that time the organizations created a 3-5 year strategic plan and were granted $5,000 each from TACA to support the implementation of the plan.
Avery-Jai Andrews, the Executive Director of Arts Mission Oak Cliff, remarked, “The Arts Accelerator Program is a game changer because it levels the playing field. As an arts worker stepping into a non-profit management role, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I was up for the challenge, but I needed more support. That’s where the Arts Accelerator stepped in and equipped me. Not only with tools, resources, and community connections but also confidence! I am so grateful and excited for what’s next. I feel prepared to do my job well because of the Arts Accelerator program.”
The Cedars Union, Dallas.
The second cohort includes The Cedars Union, kNOwBOX dance, Lone Star Winds, Over the Bridge Arts, Representa Foundation, and The Writer’s Garret. Learn more about TACA and the various ways it supports the arts in North Texas via the organization’s website.
