Dennis Quaid, Richard Linklater, Terry Allen, Gary Clark Jr. and More Announced as Honorees of the Texas Medal of Arts Awards

The Texas Cultural Trust, along with local celebrities, media and champions of the arts, gathered at Austin’s famed Arlyn Studios on November 12 for an exciting announcement of the honorees of the 2025 Texas Medal of Arts Awards (TMAA). The Awards, which are set to take place February 25 and 26, celebrate extraordinary individuals who have influenced Texas and beyond with their artistic achievements.

“Texans have left an indelible mark on the arts and culture landscape, creating a legacy that inspires future generations,” says Texas Cultural Trust CEO Heidi Marquez Smith. “We are thrilled to celebrate these outstanding creative leaders at the 12th biennial Texas Medal of Arts Awards, reinforcing the importance of supporting the arts and creative sectors.”

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2025 TMAA honorees

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Texas Cultural Trust CEO, Heidi Marquez Smith

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Tania Schwartz and Mickey Klein

2025 Texas Medal of Arts Honorees include: 

• Terry Allen, Lubbock: Multimedia
• Mercedes Bass, Fort Worth: Arts Patron/Individual
• Gary Clark Jr., Austin: Music/Songwriter
• Elizabeth Crook, Austin: Literary Arts
• Sandy Duncan, New London: Musical Theatre
• Richard Linklater, Houston: Film/Director
• Donald Moffett, San Antonio: Visual Arts
• Moody Foundation, Galveston: Arts Patron/Foundation
• Texas Music Educators Association: Arts Education
• Dennis Quaid, Houston: Film/Actor

Since 2001, the awards have celebrated 129 Texas leaders and luminaries who achieved greatness through their creative talents. The TMAA ceremony raises substantial financial support, visibility and awareness about the power of the arts to enrich a child’s education and enhance the cultural heritage of Texas.

The 2025 TMAA ceremony is co-chaired by Mickey Klein of Austin and Tania Schwartz of El Paso, both Texas Cultural Trust board members and philanthropic leaders. The two-day affair will conclude with an awards show and gala dinner on February 26 at the Long Center. Tickets for the Texas Medal of Arts Awards celebration are available on the Texas Cultural Trust website.