Art Spark Texas

Established in 1998, Art Spark Texas is a not-for-profit organization located in Austin, with the vision to foster cultural equity across all sectors of society. We believe that everyone’s life is enriched by the inclusion of multiple voices, and we accomplish this by ensuring that people with disabilities from Texas’ diverse cultural and ethnic communities are represented. 

Participation in vibrant, creative activities is important to all people. But people with disabilities report they are less likely to participate than their non-disabled peers because of physical and attitudinal barriers. All programs of Art Spark Texas address these barriers head on. Participants report that one of the greatest program benefits is the opportunity for social and professional networking in a supportive environment. We also offer non-disabled individuals and caregivers a vehicle to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes’ for a little while; to gain insight and empathy which are so important in today’s world.

This summer, we are asking for your support for our annual Artist of the Year Awards. Art Spark Texas annually honors artists in the field of visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. Each year, the awards are given to Texas artists who embody the spirit and vision of Art Spark Texas, and who challenge the perceptions of how people contribute by demonstrating artistic excellence or leading the way as a community catalyst for change. It is important for these artists to be seen and heard, and yes, recognized for their abilities and talent. The Artist of the Year Awards celebrate, and encourage, the abundance of creativity in our community. Please consider helping to support the award recipients through your contribution today. Thank you!

Art Spark Texas is the only organization in Texas operating at the intersection of arts, education, and disability. Through cultural and artistic activities and opportunities, we reach individuals who have difficulty leaving their homes, older adults who are isolated and alone, veterans and their family members working to re-integrate, students with Autism and other developmental disabilities, theater-goers who are blind, dancers who are looking for new ways of moving together, and many more.

By building a legacy of high quality, inclusive and accessible, culturally diverse, community-based opportunities, classes and workshops, we have created positive change in the lives of over 95,000 Texans with and without disabilities. For the general public, our awareness and artist development projects have provided a window to groundbreaking performance and artwork by individuals with disabilities in dance, theater, visual art and music.

We believe that arts experiences enhance the skills, confidence and quality of life for all people, and our goal is to ensure that these experiences are fully accessible, welcoming, engaging and respectful. Recognizing that every person has a voice that deserves to be heard, Art Spark Texas partners with supporters, volunteers, community organizations, educators, and state and local governments to promote and facilitate people with and without disabilities working together to create resilient and strong communities.