Texas Instruments Foundation provides $1.5 million in grants to 12 North Texas arts, culture organizations

DALLAS, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation recently approved grants of $1.5 million to 12 North Texas arts and culture organizations, continuing its commitment to help enrich the quality of life in TI's headquarters community.

This year's arts grant recipients include the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico ($15,000), Turtle Creek Chorale ($15,000), Chamberlain Performing Arts ($25,000), Dallas Black Dance Theatre ($100,000), Dallas Children's Theater ($200,000), Dallas Museum of Art ($200,000), Dallas Opera ($250,000), Dallas Summer Musicals ($25,000), Dallas Symphony Orchestra ($700,000), Nasher Sculpture Center ($20,000), Richardson Symphony Orchestra ($20,000) and Shakespeare Dallas ($25,000).

"It's both an exciting and challenging time for the arts in Dallas," said Ann Pomykal, executive director of the TI Foundation. "We believe that an entire community benefits when its arts thrive.  So by helping the arts in North Texas reach and sustain a high level of operational and artistic excellence, we can positively impact our community's economy and quality of life."  

The TI Foundation has long supported arts and culture in Dallas and during recent challenging economic times has provided direct support of operations to many valued nonprofit arts organizations.

"The TI Foundation is leading the charge in business support for arts and culture in North Texas, and we hope this level of commitment serves as a clarion call to others," Katherine Wagner, chief executive officer of the Business Council for the Arts, said.

From the perspective of a grant recipient, Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny explained, "Texas Instruments has been a stalwart supporter of The Dallas Opera for more than 50 years.  For the second consecutive season, the Texas Instruments Foundation is providing an unprecedented level of financial support.  As we strive to reflect the highest artistic and technical standards for this art form, the Texas Instruments Foundation must be credited for its starring role as a partner in the success of this company.  It's a role for which all of us at The Dallas Opera are deeply grateful."

"The commitment of Texas Instruments and the TI Foundation to the arts is extraordinary and outstanding," added Michael Jenkins, president and managing director of the Dallas Summer Musicals. "Because of the economy, the TI Foundation grants have been invaluable in continuing the quality of the arts in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We're better today than ever because of the TI Foundation's commitment."

"While the TI Foundation board has to make the difficult choices of where to contribute and can't respond to all funding requests, we believe that these arts partners are community assets that need continuing support to stay viable and excellent.  We encourage others to join us in supporting all of the arts in North Texas," Pomykal added.  

About Texas Instruments Foundation

The Texas Instruments Foundation, founded in 1964, is a non-profit organization providing philanthropic support for educational and charitable purposes primarily in the communities where Texas Instruments operates. While its primary focus is on providing knowledge, skills and programs to improve science, technology, engineering and math education, the Texas Instruments Foundation also invests in arts and culture and in health and human services programs that meet the greatest community needs.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 90,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be – smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun.  Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do – from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities.  This is just the beginning of our story.  Learn more at www.ti.com.

SOURCE Texas Instruments