The Texas Cultural Trust is a strong advocate for the arts in Texas, and I am proud to serve as its Chair for the 2009-2011 biennium.  As I assume the responsibility, I am excited about the many opportunities and very aware of the challenges. 

The Texas Cultural Trust was appropriated $1 million from the 81st Legislature to further our Create Texas program which raises the awareness of the arts’ importance to our state.  I want to personally thank Tricia Dewhurst, Joci Straus, Kelly McBeth and Tom Sellers for helping to make this a reality.  It is an incredible opportunity during a difficult financial time when many organizations are struggling for their very survival.  Our goal is to maximize the long term benefit of this investment to help ensure future funding for the arts at state, local and individual levels by highlighting the economic advantages of the arts. 

Arts education is essential to the success of the children of Texas in a 21st Century creative economy.  The Trust is working with partners to create a curriculum linking arts education to digital media, teaching children how to communicate in this new age.   I am confident each of you as Texans committed to the arts will help us achieve these goals. 

And finally, I would like to thank my immediate predecessor, Leslie Blanton, whose leadership has taken the Texas Cultural Trust to a new level.  It is a pleasure to serve and I look forward to working with each of you to advance the arts in Texas.

Sincerely,

Wayne Fisher