Our History

 

In 2015, TAMF board members began working to launch the first festival in 2016. With the generous support from City of Brenham, Washington County leadership, and local businesses, the two-day free public event transformed Brenham’s Downtown Arts District with five colorful and culturally relevant murals by five Texas-based artists during the opening festival in October 2016. 

Local artists were highlighted in the festival’s Artist Village while an array of diverse Texas-based musicians, Brenham Children’s Chorus, and Brenham High School Choir entertained the crowds throughout the event, and aspiring student artists worked with and learned from the muralist.

Texas Arts & Music Festival Impact

 

In less than ten years, TAMF has made a significant impact on the Washington County arts community.

  • Over 3,500 unique students have received direct art education, and almost $40,000 in contributions have helped students cover art fees, supplies,
    and provided sixteen 1-year scholarships to disadvantaged youth participating in the Brenham Children’s Chorus. 

  • Arts education in Brenham Independent School District has grown by 300% since TAMF began contributing to their programs.

  • Fourteen TAMF murals have been installed in historic Downtown Brenham. These murals have helped revitalize the small Texas town and
    increased tourism by being featured in an array of media outlets such as, CNN, Texas Highways, Texas Monthly, Houston Chronicle, Business
    Insider, Lexus advertisements, and various travel blogs. 

  • Texas Arts and Music Festival won the 2024 Best Festival/Event in a Small/Mid-size market in the juried Texas Travel Awards.

  • Thousands of local artists have been celebrated, promoted, and given a supportive setting to reach the public with their art and crafts.