TACA Arts Insider with Grace Cook
Arts Insider with Grace Cook
What about TACA do you find most inspiring, and how do you see the impact reflected in the community?
TACA’s commitment to the Dallas arts scene goes far beyond simply providing funding-it’s about empowering the arts to thrive in ways that bring people together and energize the community. Their support doesn’t just help organizations sustain operations; it allows them to innovate, take bold risks, and engage with audiences in transformative ways. That ability to foster creativity and connection is what makes their work so impactful. They’re also incredibly adaptable, recognizing and responding to the evolving needs of the arts community to ensure their support remains relevant and impactful.
One program that particularly stands out to me is the TACA Arts Accelerator, which equips small and emerging nonprofits with the tools and resources they need to grow sustainably. It’s not just about financial support; it’s about helping these organizations build leadership, infrastructure, and capacity to thrive long-term. Programs like this ensure that fresh, diverse voices continue to contribute to Dallas’s cultural landscape. It’s an investment in the future of the arts in our city, and I find that so inspiring.
What I admire most about TACA is the ripple effect their work creates. They’ve introduced me to incredible people and organizations that have been a joy to connect with and support. Their efforts build cohesion in the arts community, encouraging collaboration and experimentation. By funding groups of all sizes-from well-established institutions along Flora Street to smaller, grassroots organizations across the city-they ensure that no matter where you are in Dallas, there’s an opportunity to experience the arts.
Ultimately, TACA doesn’t just support the arts-they elevate them. They give organizations stability and the resources to dream bigger, connect deeper, and reach further. That kind of leadership ensures Dallas isn’t just a great city for the arts-it’s a cultural leader where creativity thrives and inspires.
What has been your most memorable arts experience over the past year?
Looking back on the past year, three incredible arts experiences really stand out:
Jon Batiste at the AT&T Performing Arts Center
Jon Batiste’s performance at the AT&T PAC was the most electrifying concert I’ve ever experienced there. The energy was infectious-I didn’t sit down all night! With his new album, Beethoven Blues, I’m hopeful he’ll return to Dallas and perform at the Meyerson Symphony Center, which would be the perfect venue to showcase the album’s classical elements.
“Is It Real? Contemporary Artists Address Reproductive Freedom” Exhibition
This timely exhibition was incredibly powerful. Cynthia Mulcahy’s Daddy (War Garden Series) and Alicia Eggert’s OURs stood out, addressing issues of autonomy and reproductive rights in bold, thought-provoking ways. The pieces sparked important conversations and left a lasting impact.
“Emergence” by Dancers Deserve Better
Locally, Emergence was raw, emotional, and deeply moving. These dancers turned their struggles into a story of resilience and strength, creating a performance that was as healing as it was powerful.
Each of these experiences reflects what makes Dallas such an incredible city for the arts. From national stars like Jon Batiste to bold exhibitions and powerful local performances, these moments show how art can inspire change and bring people together.
What motivates you to stay deeply involved in the Dallas arts community?
What motivates me most is knowing that the arts are a core part of Dallas’s identity. They connect us to creativity, history, and each other. My grandmother, Margaret McDermott, always believed in the transformative power of the arts, and her passion has been a guiding light in my own journey, shaping how I view the arts as a catalyst for connection and growth.
TACA has played a huge role in keeping me engaged. Through their work, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible people and support meaningful connections within the community. Their mission isn’t just about funding-it’s about fostering an ecosystem where the arts can truly flourish.
Ultimately, my involvement comes from a deep belief that the arts aren’t just something to enjoy-they’re something to nurture and champion because they make our city stronger. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of something so vibrant, meaningful, and uniquely Dallas.Grace Cook is a current TACA board member and serves as the Vice Chair of TACA’s Development Committee.
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