The Arts Community Alliance, or TACA, has launched a new grantmaking initiative to help Dallas arts groups struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Executive director Terry D. Loftis said in a statement the new TACA Resiliency Initiative will allow the organization to make more grants and loosen restrictions for applicants. 

“In response to this pandemic and its severe impact on the Dallas community, we are reframing our support for Dallas arts organizations with the new TACA Resiliency Initiative,” Loftis said.  “At its heart, we’ve conceived a multi-faceted funding system for the arts to make grants more frequently, simplify the grant application process, ease the criteria for consideration of a grant, and remove grant use restrictions.”

Two new grant programs will provide unrestricted funds to arts groups. Resiliency and pop-up grants will be made to local organizations that have shown creativity and resilience in their ability to fulfill their mission during the pandemic. 

“Looking ahead, our grants will be made to organizations based on their mission delivery, community relevance, and organizational adaptability,” said Maura Sheffler, Deputy Director of Programs and Marketing. 

Resiliency grants are open to groups that received TACA funding from 2018 to 2020. Funds will be disbursed over the next year. Pop-up grants will provide smaller funds to groups that “demonstrate quality programming, exceptional creativity and innovation.”  

Both of these broader grants will replace former grant programs like the Artist Residency and New Works Funds.

TACA will also hold workshops to provide arts groups with access to experts that will offer support and guidance to arts groups as they continue to create and present art during the pandemic. 

The first virtual session on July 22 will feature UT Southwestern epidemiologist Dr. Robert Haley. He’ll provide strategies for groups to continue making art and reopening venues with advice for reduced risk.  

TACA’s new grant programs will be administered by the following committee:

• Kymberlaine Banks – Business Engagement Officer, Communities Foundation of Texas
• Matrice Ellis-Kirk – Managing Director, RSR Partners
• Sheyna Ferraro – Community Programs Director, Texas Center for Arts + Academics
• Veletta Forsythe Lill – Community Leader
• Anne Marie Gan – Interim Business Operations Manager, City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture
• Gus Hinojosa – Owner, HINOJOSA, Architecture & Interiors*
• Sheilon King – Director Mobility Transformation, AT&T
• Cam Kirkpatrick – Creative Resource Manager, Baylor Scott & White Health*
• Tara Lewis – Chair, TACA Board of Directors*
• Carol March – Community Leader*
• Devon Miller – Director of Education and Community Partnerships, Dallas Summer Musicals
• Jim Nugent – Vice Chair of Grants, TACA Board of Directors*
• Nick Weege – Financial Advisor, RBC Wealth Management
• Kurt Wolber – General Counsel & Risk Manager, Thackery Partners*

(*) Denotes TACA Board of Directors member

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