AUSTIN, Texas - September 2, 2008 - The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is seeking nominations for the positions of 2009 and 2010 State Poet Laureate, State Musician, State Two-dimensional Artist and State Three-dimensional Artist. Any Texas citizen may make up to three nominations per artist category; however, self-nominations will not be accepted. Nomination forms and complete information are available online at www.arts.state.tx.us/stateartist. Deadline for Texas State Artists nominations is October 5, 2008.

Chosen artists will join the company of previous state artists such as Ray Benson, James Surls, Red Steagall, and Kathy Vargas and receive statewide recognition. Texas State Artists also have the opportunity to participate in TCA events and promotions, including participation in TCA’s Diplomacy and Protocol Program and other state initiatives in relation to their respective art discipline.

“With so much great talent in our state, we anticipate we will receive numerous qualified nominations,” said Gary Gibbs, executive director of TCA. “Being named a state artist is quite an honor. The position affords individuals the opportunity to be recognized by the arts community as well as the general public, which ultimately helps them advance their artistic careers.”

TCA oversees the selection process for the four positions, created by S.B. 1043 of the 77th Legislature. State artists are chosen by the legislative-appointed Texas Poet Laureate, State Musician and State Artist Committee to serve one-year terms. All qualified nominees must be native Texans or five-year residents of the state. Candidates must have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines. They also must have received critical reviews in state, regional or national publications. State artist selections are made using the online nomination form at www.arts.state.tx.us/stateartist. Multiple submissions, email or telephone nominations will not be considered in the selection process.

Poet laureate nominees must have developed a substantial body of work, including at least one publication that is not self-published. State musician nominees must have a substantial body of work, including at least two nationally available records, or at least 20 years experience teaching music in a formal classroom, or receive the majority of their income from musical endeavors. Visual artist nominees must work in two- or three-dimensional art mediums, must have been represented in at least one, one-person show and must have an extensive history of exhibiting in recognized museums and galleries.

Nominated artists will be asked to submit samples of their work to provide to the TCA advisory panel. The advisory panel will review all nominations and submit 10 names per category to the Texas Poet Laureate, State Musician and State Artist Committee in December. The Committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House of Representatives, will make the final selections in 2009 when the 81st Legislature convenes.

About the Texas Commission on the Arts

TCA was organized in 1965 by the Texas Legislature to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and quality of life initiatives. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.state.tx.us.