"The docket of those incredible folks who we have had the privilege to honor include people like Margaret McDermott, Matrice Ellis Kirk, Margot Perot, (and) former mayor Mike Rawlings," says Maura Sheffler, the Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director of TACA – The Arts Community Alliance – naming a few of the 88 honorees of their annual Silver Cup Award. Dallas philanthropists and arts supporters Gene Jones and Joe Hubach will be their next two honorees at the annual luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel on May 3rd. In this feature, Sheffler and Hubach chatted with WRR's Amy Bishop about the significance of the award and the role TACA plays in supporting Dallas' creative community.

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: Gene Jones, Joe Hubach to be honored with TACA's Silver Cup Award

"You can only cram so much art in one night," say Maura Sheffler, the Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director of TACA - The Arts Community Alliance. "So we decided to create this theory, The Fall Arts Crawl." Taking place over the course of multiple evenings at various locations with various artists, the events will raise money for the Dallas arts community. WRR's Nikki Velonis chatted with Sheffler to get all the details on what will be one of the most engaging events of the season.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: TACA's new fundraising concept is progressive...literally

"There’s such incredible work happening here and we are so proud to do our part," says Maura Sheffler, the Donna Wilhelm Family President & Executive Director of TACA – The Arts Community Alliance – which recently distributed $125,000 to four Dallas arts organizations. Hear more about those groups and the works they're creating in this Focus on the Arts with WRR's Amy Bishop.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: These four Dallas arts groups are getting $$$ for new works

Every year since 1979, TACA has honored two individuals for their outstanding volunteer leadership and contributions to the arts in North Texas with the TACA Silver Cup Award. Past recipients have included Mrs. Eugene McDermott, Stanley Marcus, Bill Winspear, Raymond Nasher, Nancy Nasher, Gene Jones, and numerous others. This year, Sharon Young and Steve Penrose are the recipients. They spoke with WRR's Amy Bishop about how it feels to be included within this illustrious roster of philanthropists - and why groups like TACA are important.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Meet TACA's 2024 Silver Cup Award Recipients

TACA's Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director Maura Sheffler points out that this kind of support has always been critically important for arts organizations, but even more so now, as many try to return to their pre-pandemic vitality. She spoke with WRR's Amy Bishop about the other work TACA has been doing recently to champion the arts in Dallas County.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: TACA awards $670k in Catalyst Grants to Dallas arts orgs

“I’m proud of the impact in the very short few years that I’ve been able to make in the arts, beginning with TACA right before the pandemic started,” says Terry Loftis, reflecting on his prolific work as a Dallas arts leader. The previous President and CEO of TACA was most recently Chief Advancement and Revenue Officer with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, but has accepted the post as CEO with the New Jersey Symphony. In this conversation with WRR's Amy Bishop, Terry shares his fond memories of North Texas and how an early introduction to the arts was life changing.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: A fond farewell from Dallas arts leader Terry Loftis

“These two people lift up the arts ecosystem and they are the ones that deserve recognition," says Mike Dilbeck, Deputy Director of The Arts Community Alliance, commonly known as TACA. "A lot of the times, it’s the people behind the scenes that you don’t see, don’t hear about, but they are the ones that are most deserving.” This year's honorees are Gayle Halperin and Jim Nugent, who have been pillars of the North Texas arts community for decades. In this feature with Amy Bishop, Gayle and Jim share stories of receiving the news - and how they've seen the arts in Dallas flourish through the years.

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