The arts help make our city unique! Artists and nonprofit arts and culture organizations work every day to engage residents in creative projects that celebrate the heritage of our region and push us to think about the arts as a lever for community building.

This work is more important now than ever before. Critical resources are stretched and the very essence of our daily lives is changing—and yet we rely on our thoughts and imagination to keep us connected to each other and to reflect on things remembered and hoped for.

Of all of life’s necessities, the arts and their contribution to our well-being are evident in how we spend so many hours for those of us confined to our homes. Momentary joy, even in dire circumstances, often comes through music, dance, history, storytelling, and the many ways our families engage in expression.

COVID-19 is changing the way artists and nonprofit arts organizations deliver programs and activities to our community – but it will not change our mission to be of service. We stand together – ready to create, engage, educate, collaborate and bring you moments of joy.

The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture, in partnership with local nonprofit and for-profit arts and culture partners, are working together to connect us to a world of reality and resilience – and to a world where anything is possible.

Together, our voices are stronger! Whether you’re exploring the arts online or in person – we are ready to respond.

Here’s how we’re responding:

• In March, The Alliance got to work creating online lessons. A+ Projects debuted in April to help parents and teachers connect the arts to academic requirements. The activities in the learning guides are designed by local artists that can be completed with simple household supplies or objects found in nature and open outdoor spaces. We’re excited to continue adding new lessons each week.
• We also determined the need to connect with other artists and arts non-profit organizations. We hosted our first Arts Virtual Town Hall on April 2nd. We’ve shared lessons learned and talked about the challenges organizations are facing as they work to stabilize their work in creative ways. As a bonus, we have shared easy-to-make (and difficult) recipes, taken a virtual tour of the Watts Towers of Los Angeles, and even formed a chorus of kazoo players!
• To help make art in public places more visible and to celebrate the artists who are sharing their visions and talent with residents and visitors, we created an online directory of murals and sculpture. Take a look – then take your family to see some of these wonderful masterpieces!
• To further share the work of area artists and cultural institutions, we asked for submissions for 3 online exhibitions. Each one allows residents near and far to explore collections from area museums and artists across North Texas.

There’s more work going on behind the scenes. Stay tuned for exciting announcements from The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture!