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
As the festival begins its 11th year, TAMF’s impact on the local arts community has been significant.
- Over 3,600 unique students have received direct art education, and $50,000 in contributions have helped students cover art fees, supplies,
and provided eighteen 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.
- Eighteen TAMF murals have been installed in historic Downtown Brenham. These murals have helped revitalize our 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.
- Texas Arts and Music Festival won the 2025 “Visit Brenham” Tourism Partner of the Year award.
- Thousands of local artists have been celebrated, promoted, and given a supportive setting to reach the public with their art and crafts.