About Us
Who We Are
At its heart, the Rural Texas Arts & Culture Network is about connecting folks across the state to support one another, share our collective wisdom, and amplify our work to funders. We gather virtually, convene regional in-person summits, and connect through our member website.
This network includes people from every region in Texas, from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley, from remote rural to rural-serving organizations, from libraries and museums to community theatres, historic preservation societies, economic development corporations and funders who support rural organizations.
In short, we are you.
What Network Members Are Saying
History of the Network
In 2021, the Still Water Foundation asked MINDPOP a simple question: What do you know about the arts and cultural organizations serving rural Texas communities?
The research MINDPOP conducted revealed a clear picture. Students in rural communities had 70% less access to arts learning than their peers in suburban communities – yet rural students actively engaged in the arts showed higher standardized test scores and were more likely to attend higher education.
Limited arts access in schools likely reflects a broader lack of arts opportunities across rural communities as a whole. And just as the arts benefit students, a robust arts ecosystem in rural communities stands to benefit everyone.
To better understand the rural arts and culture landscape, MINDPOP gathered IRS tax returns from every nonprofit arts and culture organization in the state. Focusing on rural organizations, the research examined factors like: location, size, revenue and expenses, age, and programming. That data was paired with a series of in-depth conversations with rural arts and cultural leaders to understand their perspectives.
Those conversations revealed three things these leaders want most:
- Connection – with each other and with others who serve rural communities
- Visibility – especially outside their region and with funders
- Resources – learning and idea-sharing opportunities designed specifically for the needs of rural communities
In response, we formed the Texas Rural Arts & Culture Network. Through regular virtual meetings, in-person convenings, and the member website hub, the rural community has many ways to share resources, experience peer-to-peer learning, and attend workshops with leaders in their fields.
Join us at a meeting, on the website, or join the mailing list…we’d love to get to know you!
Rural Advisory Members
The Network’s Rural Advisory Committee is composed of arts and culture leaders who serve as a compass for the network – sharing their rural perspective and providing guidance on programming.
Alycyn Keeling
Wallace Theater | Levelland, TX
2024-present
Sarah Piel
Arts Downtown GTX | Galveston, TX
2024-present
Michael Grubbs
Martindale Community Library | Martindale, TX
2025-present
Past Advisory Members
A’ndrea McAdams, City of Sundown Library | Sundown, TX (2024-2025)
Kevin White, La Grange, TX (2024-2025)
Patrick Kelly, Old Jail Art Center | Albany, TX (2024-2025)