The arts transform lives, communities, minds, youth, families and dreams
TACA believes in the transformative impact of the arts and their ability to ignite intimate conversations that demonstrate respect, offer exploration, examine personal challenges, celebrate diversity and tender hope, joy, understanding and laughter.
Here is our collection of real stories by real people about why the arts are important to them and how the arts have transformed their lives.
Made possible with the transformative support of
Executive Director
Teatro Dallas
Dance has not only helped me come into myself physically but has assisted me in becoming a more disciplined individual in every aspect of life. Not only dance, but art has transformed my life in more ways than I could have even expected. Coming from a performing arts high school and pursuing arts in college, I continue to use music and dancing as a way to connect and form relationships. It has also allowed me to heal others share my story, conveying passion and joy. If it weren’t for my art, I truly believe that I would not be in the place that I am today, as it has opened many opportunities for and has inspired me to do the same for others.
Arlesia Grace McGowan
Chamberlain Ballet
“I earned my MFA in Acting from Brown/Trinity, but during my training, I discovered a deep passion for directing. Both my acting and directing training have encouraged me to invest in the observation of human behavior, which I find to be endlessly fascinating. Through directing in particular, I continue to strengthen my critical thinking and analysis skills and ultimately my person and my point of view. Who I am and where I stand. What I stand for. I have found theatre to be instrumental in my quest to expose, question, and even combat our fears as well as the ways in which we fail when our fears get in the way of our underlying desire to love. It is an honor that I do not take for granted that I get to make a living speaking my truth.”
Tiffany Nichole Greene
Dallas Theater Center
“Visual art has the power to encapsulate ideas. In forty years of teaching, I have found no better way to spur authentic conversation than to gather students around an original work of art. It often begins with one simple observation that, when unpacked, opens up a deeper conversation about perception. As students experience the variety of ways that individuals understand the same work of art, they dive into dialogue about the topics that are central to our shared humanity. Whether my students are grappling with race as they view Melvin Edwards’ sculptures, tackling politics in Kathryn Andrews’ Run for President, or finding humor in cultural traditions through Tom Sachs’ Tea Ceremony, the Nasher Sculpture Center never fails to inspire valuable civil discourse.”
Becky Becker Daniels
Teaching Advisory Board
Nasher Sculpture Center
Music is not just merely an appreciation of the arts, but the essence of a barrier breaker that is able to unite the diversified population of the universe. Art is the source of wisdom and humanity. It dispenses happiness and absorbs sorrow.”
Jessica Ho
Executive Director
Chamber Music International
When I am part of the audience in a darkened theatre and we are carried along and ultimately changed by the performance, I know that art is true, it is transforming. I see this miraculous process on a regular basis. Volunteering at Uptown Players provides me this privilege. Writing for the theatre allows me this experience. Theatre has the power to affect change. It allows us to find common ground, touch our emotions and increase our understanding of ourselves and others. Perhaps some of us having considered different points of view will be inspired to take action and make changes in the world around us. Theatre lifts me up, it challenges how I think, gives me hope."
“I fell in love with theatre when I was 8 years old. I remember thinking this was something that would change my life forever. I have never forgotten this and, as an actor, this is what I strive to do: I want the audience to feel as though they have experienced something that provides hope to start a conversation that can help change our lives.”