There are an estimated 2.5 million artists in the U.S. labor force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another 333,000 U.S. workers are holding secondary jobs as artists. A recent report from The Brookings Institute shows Texas will be one of the top 3 states hardest hit by the pandemic in terms of losses for creative industries and jobs. The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture is looking to help reverse that trend in North Texas.

The Artist Development Program continues The Alliance’s tradition of giving artists the tools they need to improve their artistic practice and to use their creativity as a way to increase their earned income. In 2016, The Alliance established its Teaching Artists Learning Lab – which established a roster of artists prepared to provide creative programs for children.