FORT WORTH, TX – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA) is proud to announce that it has once again been named a recipient of the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Visual Arts Award, a prestigious recognition celebrating exceptional commitment to visual arts education across the state. This is the third consecutive year that FWAFA has received this distinguished honor, underscoring the ongoing dedication of its students, educators, and community to the transformative power of artistic expression.
Over 1,200 school districts across Texas were eligible to apply for the award, and only 109 districts were selected for the 2024–2025 academic year. The Visual Art Administrators of Texas present the award, a division of TAEA, and recognizes school districts that demonstrate outstanding leadership in promoting visual arts both within schools and throughout their communities.
Over the past year, Art students have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, making significant contributions to both the arts community and their personal artistic growth. Students created artwork for theater productions and print media, while also excelling in over eight prestigious art competitions. Their achievements included a Gold Seal in the VASE competition, along with all students in High School and Middle school earning perfect scores and numerous other awards. Additionally, they showcased their work in over ten art exhibitions, earning more than 15 individual awards. Many students secured internships, gaining commissions and scholarships for college, further solidifying their commitment to their craft and future careers in the arts.
“This award is a reflection of our deep-rooted belief that the arts are essential to a well-rounded education,” said Danette Corkran, [Visual Arts and Sculpture teacher].“FWAFA’s commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic excellence is at the heart of everything we do.”
FWAFA, now in its 40th year, offers students a unique education that blends a rigorous academic curriculum with daily access to high-quality instruction in visual arts, dance, music, and theater. As part of the Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A), FWAFA is one of the only fine-arts-focused charter schools in Fort Worth. TCA+A’s mission is to establish, support, and grow its charter schools, the Texas Boys Choir, and other artistic programs, all designed to foster a lifelong passion for artistic and academic excellence. The TAEA award affirms FWAFA’s mission to cultivate a lifelong passion for learning and artistic achievement.
Awarded districts were evaluated against a comprehensive 14-point rubric, which measures participation in exhibitions, contests, community engagement, collaboration across content areas, and active involvement in TAEA programs. The selection committee praised FWAFA for
its strong visual arts programming across all grade levels and its exceptional engagement both in and outside the classroom.
The award will be formally presented during the first General Session of the TAEA Fall Conference, honorees will also be celebrated in the Winter edition of the TAEA Star, the association’s official publication.
Awardees are expected to attend the conference to accept their honor. While no monetary stipend is attached, the recognition serves as a prestigious endorsement of a district’s leadership in arts education.
The TAEA District of Distinction Award represents a high standard of arts education and serves as a reminder that creativity and the arts are vital components of student success.
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ABOUT FORT WORTH ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS
Founded in 1986, FWAFA is a public charter school committed to providing a well-rounded education that blends academic excellence with rich opportunities in the fine arts. Through programs in visual arts, dance, theater, and music, FWAFA inspires students to think creatively, collaborate meaningfully, and lead confidently in both academic and artistic pursuits.
ABOUT TEXAS CENTER FOR ARTS + ACADEMICS
Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A) is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to inspire and empower students with a lifelong passion for learning, academic achievement, and artistic excellence. TCA+A manages two public charter schools, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of the Arts, three premier choirs, and four after-school conservatory programs that provide a vast array of professional training in Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Art. TCA+A is located in the creative hub of Fort Worth with more than 1,000 youth enrolled in its schools, conservatories, and summer programs annually.
MORE INFO:
Keep track of FWAFA and all the amazing things happening at Texas Center for Arts + Academics’ schools – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of Arts – by following us on social media Facebook: @texascenterforartsacademics @fortworthacademyoffinearts @TexasSchoolOfTheArts
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Flor D. Cabrera | Director of Marketing and Communications | Texas Center for Arts + Academics flor.cabrera@artsacademics.org | 817.766.2390 (ext. 113)