This grant aims to advance the creative economy of Texas by investing in arts activities. It provides funding for professional artist fees to schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations for hiring an artist from the Texas Commission on the Arts' (TCA) Texas Touring Roster to perform or conduct a workshop. Applications are non-competitive and funded based on a percentage of contracted fees, with multiple applications allowed but capped at a total of $12,000 per fiscal year. The grant is reviewed quarterly, with deadlines on August 1, November 1, February 1, and May 1, corresponding to different activity periods throughout the year.

TCA staff are available to review draft applications up to two weeks before the deadline and provide consultation. Certain activities and expenses are ineligible for funding: draft@arts.texas.gov (for draft applications)