
About Us
Arts DFW, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, will support artists by working in partnership with corporations and other non-profit organizations. ArtsDFW will fund local Arts groups and their activities to promote, educate, and support the arts.
Our council’s board is packed with stakeholders in our local communities and the Arts. We know the needs. We help fund raise, so Visual and Performing Arts organizations can focus on what they do best: creativity.
The Arts have been shown to revitalize and bring communities together, boost academic performance in students, provide health benefits to local residents, reduce crime, as well as impact our local economy and workforce while simultaneously preparing us for the future.

Arts Funding in the US
Approximately 40% of the total operating costs for not-for-profit arts groups in the US comes from earned income (such as ticket sales), roughly 7% comes from a combination of support by local, state and federal governments and the remaining funds are raised through a combination of grants, endowment income, or donated contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.
The Lone Star state might pride itself on being big, but when it comes to backing the arts, its per capita contributions are among the worst in the nation. The State of Texas contributes less than two-and-a-half cents for every person to Arts groups. By comparison other states significantly outspend, by as much as more than six dollars per person.
How the Arts Benefits Communities
The Visual and Performing Arts bring a wide range of benefits into our communities. The Arts can revitalize communities, as well as encourage social communication, interaction, cooperation and tolerance across a diversely varied population. High arts engagement among students can boost academic performance, increase their chances for success after school, and make them more likely to be actively engaged with their communities through voting and volunteerism. The Arts are a major force driving the economy and the workforce into our future. Access to the Arts (via both creating, or attending) translates into health benefits for the community, with reduced rates in obesity, and other major benefits that impact quality of life for the older residents ranging from better mobility, lower rates of hypertension, and higher cognitive function. Studies even show correlations between the Arts and reduced crime rates.
Meet the Board
BARBARA SPEARES
PRESIDENT
With over 30 years of public and nonprofit volunteer service, Barbara Speares has served in various…
DAWN DAVIS
VICE PRESIDENT
Dawn Davis is a native to North Texas and supports the local community through an assortment of volunteer activities…
PAM COCHRANE
DIRECTOR
Pam Cochrane is the Conductor and Artistic Director of the Regal Chorale, a 501(c)(3) company…
TOM JACOBSEN
TREASURER
Mr. Jacobsen has over 30 years’ experience in fuels management, logistics, contract design…
AMY SABOL
ADVISOR
Since earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Amy Sabol has become deeply rooted within her community of Bedford…
CINDY SHEPARD
ADVISOR
After retiring from a 25-year career with American Airlines, Cindy pursued her interest in the arts…
Address
PO Box 163
Bedford,Texas 76095-0163
682.292.8269