San Angelo Museum Director Appointed to Statewide Arts Advocacy Board

AUSTIN, TX — Texans for the Arts (TFA), a non-partisan statewide arts advocacy organization named Alex Freeman to its board last week. The TFA mission is to champion an unwavering public commitment to the arts by promoting policies and developing resources for the arts and culture industries. The organization said Freeman will bring a wealth of expertise and passion to further enrich the arts landscape in San Angelo and the Concho Valley.

Freeman also serves as the President and CEO of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.

“Alex Freeman’s commitment to our mission, coupled with their various areas of expertise will most certainly strengthen our collective voice and advocacy efforts in the years ahead," said Christopher Kiley, Associate Director of Texans for the Arts

In its pursuit of advancing the arts in Texas, TFA watches new legislation and emerging statewide concerns. It will make advocacy decisions collaboratively with its members and partners and advocate those positions with the public.

"TFA recognizes the invaluable role of citizen voices in shaping legislative decisions. Advocacy empowers communities to convey the importance of arts funding, ensuring a brighter future for the cultural fabric of our state," the TFA stated in a press release.

“As a seasoned museum professional and digital strategist, I am passionate about enriching the arts and cultural heritage of Texas, especially West Texas. Joining Texans for the Arts' board allows me to amplify my efforts and advocate even more effectively for the arts in San Angelo and the Concho Valley Region," said Freeman.

Freeman's lifelong work displays a commitment to enriching the arts and cultural heritage of Texas.

“One of the most critical roles in organizational health and strength is that of Board service. This year's slate of Directors joining our current Board possess a collective passion for the arts matched with a determination to ensure our field has the vital resources we need to continue to thrive. We are thrilled that they have chosen to invest their time and energy with us. Welcome aboard!” added Ann S. Graham, Executive Director of Texans for the Arts

In addition to heading the San Angelo museum, Freeman is a digital strategist with a strong background in technology research, educational content development, and membership engagement in the cultural community. He has worked with museums in curatorial and educational roles for over 15 years and has 10 years of comprehensive knowledge of education innovation in the museum, library, post-secondary, and K-12 sectors.

His previous experience included positions at the Texas Association of Museums, the market research firm Tambellini Group, the New Media Consortium technology think tank and Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin, and Artpace artist residency program San Antonio. He holds a MA in Art Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Portfolio Certificate in Non-profit Management from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and a BFA from the University of Florida.

Texans for the Arts and Texans for the Arts Foundation advocated for increased public funding for the arts through the legislative process, engaging arts administrators, and building a broad constituency of citizen advocates.

Texans for the Arts remains committed to fostering deeper connections between the arts community and elected officials. As the organization celebrates its new board members, it looks to the future with optimism, embracing the transformative power of advocacy to shape a more vibrant and culturally enriched Texas.