Art Is Money

Dallas' art and culture industries drive the most dollars in Texas

Winspear Opera House ATT Performing Arts Center

Dallas-Plano-Irving's art and culture industries generated more than $1.1 billion in 2013.

Photo by Tim Hursley

The Texas Cultural Trust has released its 2015 State of the Arts report, which shows the impact that the arts have on the state. In addition to economic contributions (i.e., jobs and sales tax revenue generated) and travel and tourism dollars collected, for the first time the report also includes new data that demonstrate the powerful impact that arts education can have on student outcomes such as pass rates, test scores and attendance.

Texas’ 42 “art and culture” industries generated $5.1 billion in sales for the state and nearly $320 million in annual state sales tax in 2013. Those sales are up 24.6 percent from 2003, when the state saw $4.1 billion.

The Dallas-Plano-Irving area was the largest contributor in the state in 2013, with $1.18 billion in taxable sales. Fort Worth-Arlington generated more than $326 million.

Dallas-Plano-Irving was the largest contributor in the state in 2013, with $1.18 billion in taxable sales from art and culture industries.

The Texas Cultural Trust also reports that Dallas had the second-highest population of workers in the creative sector, with 184,880 individuals employed in fields ranging from computer and mathematical to architecture and engineering to the arts and entertainment. Houston was the largest, with more than 220,000 workers. Austin, in keeping with its image as Texas’ cultural epicenter, had the largest percentage (11.5) of employees in the creative sector compared to the total workforce.

The report also found that tourists who enjoyed some sort of art or culture during their trip — one in seven visitors — stayed longer, spent more money and brought more people in their parties. Three of the top 12 activities for non-resident visitors are arts (museums), culture (concerts, theater or dance), and festival-related activities.

On the education front, middle and high school students who took art courses had higher graduation rates and performed better on state assessments. At-risk high school students who took art courses were half as likely to drop out, decreasing from 2.06 percent to 0.93 percent.

“The arts are integral to preserving our rich, vibrant Texas culture; they increasingly play a vital role in our economy, and, now, we can show they also contribute to student success,” Texas Cultural Trust executive director Jennifer Ransom Rice said in a statement. “Our data show students engaged in arts education have lower dropout rates, greater graduation rates and greater rates of enrollment in higher education. Investing in the arts is a clear investment in Texas future.”

Established in 1995, the Texas Cultural Trust promotes and highlights the importance of the arts in educating our children and sustaining our vibrant Texas economy. In addition to the biennial Texas Medal of Arts Awards, other programs include Texas Women for the Arts, Founders for the Arts, Adventures in the ARTS, Young Masters scholarship program, Art of Economic Development and an Art & Digital Literacy Curriculum.

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Dance News

Dallas Black Dance Theatre makes interim artistic director permanent

Photo by Aleah Pilot

Richard A. Freeman Jr. became the new artistic director October 24, 2025.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has officially named Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as its new artistic director, ushering in a new era of leadership for the dance company as it approaches its 50th anniversary season.

Freeman, a longtime member of the DBDT family, has served as interim artistic director through the company’s recently completed 48th and current 49th seasons. His appointment, effective October 24, 2025, marks a natural progression for the former lead dancer, resident choreographer, and artistic project coordinator, whose career within DBDT spans more than a decade of creative and organizational leadership.

“Richard has been an integral part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as interim artistic director made this decision clear,” says Heidi K. Murray, a member of DBDT’s board of directors, in a release. “His dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter.”

DBDT founder Ann M. Williams echoed the sentiment, calling Freeman’s appointment a full-circle moment for both artist and company. “Richard embodies everything Dallas Black Dance Theatre stands for: artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,” she says in the release. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT’s future.”

During his tenure as interim artistic director, Freeman guided DBDT through seasons marked by artistic innovation and expanded community engagement, but also staff shake-ups and legal issues.

In October 2024, accusations of retaliation surfaced after 10 DBDT dancers, its entire main company, were fired following their decision to unionize in May and demand better working conditions. This led to an unprecedented "Do Not Work" order by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Dallas City Council ultimately voted to withhold $248,000 in city funding due to labor violations, and DBDT later settled for $560,000 with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response, DBDT formed a 17-member advisory stakeholder task force co-chaired by Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Shawn Williams, vice president of public affairs at Allyn. The group has been working with DBDT leadership to review the organization’s policies and practices, propose changes that foster an accountable environment, and put in place safeguards to prevent future concerns related to talent.

In September 2025, executive director Zenetta Drew announced her retirement after nearly four decades with the company. A national search for her replacement will start in early 2026. Williams retired in 2014.

As artistic director, Freeman will oversee all aspects of DBDT’s artistic operations, from performances to educational initiatives, and continue to expand its reach throughout Dallas and beyond.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,” Freeman says. “This company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Freeman began his training with the District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet before graduating from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. His performance credits span acclaimed companies and productions, including Elisa Monte Dance, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy and Bess, and The Wiz.

Freeman’s choreographic works have been featured by leading institutions such as Texas Ballet Theater School, Texas Christian University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has also shared his expertise through master classes and workshops nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to DBDT’s educational mission.

Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest and largest professional dance company in Dallas and one of the most acclaimed Black dance institutions in the U.S.

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