TEXAS STATE ARTIST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 

AUSTIN, Texas – August 17, 2026 – On behalf of the Texas Legislature, the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is seeking nominations for the positions of 2027 and 2028 State Poet Laureate, State Musician classical genre, State Musician nonclassical genre, State Artist two-dimensional media (i.e., painting, photography), and State Artist three-dimensional media (i.e., sculpture).

All Texas citizens are encouraged to make nominations, and self-nominations are accepted. Citizens can nominate more than one artist. The nomination form and complete information are available online at https://www.arts.texas.gov/initiatives/texas-state-artist/. The deadline for Texas State Artists nominations is October 15, 2026.

All qualified nominees must be native Texans or five-year residents of the state. They must be US citizens. Candidates must have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines. They also must have received critical reviews in state, regional or national publications.

Chosen artists will join the company of previous state artists such as Willie Nelson, Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Carrie Fountain, Dario Robleto, and Kathy Vargas, and will receive statewide recognition. Texas State Artists also have the opportunity to participate in TCA events and promotions, including participation on TCA’s Texas Touring Roster and other initiatives in relation to their respective arts discipline.

“We are fortunate to have many outstanding artists in Texas, and we anticipate receiving numerous qualified nominations,” said Gary Gibbs, executive director of TCA. “Being named a Texas State Artist is the Texas Legislature’s highest honor for an artist, and it brings new career opportunities and recognition from the arts community and the general public.”

TCA oversees the selection process for the five positions, in accordance with Chapter 3104 of the Texas Government Code. TCA issues the call for nominations, oversees an evaluation review process, and provides a list of finalists to the selection committee. The committee, composed of members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, makes the final selections. The 90th Texas Legislature will make the appointments in spring 2027 when they are in session.

The mission of the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is to advance our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.texas.gov.