The Woodlands Arts Council celebrates the 5th Year of the Microgrant Program with a Check Presentation Ceremony

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) celebrated a milestone year for its Microgrant Program by hosting a check presentation ceremony at TWAC’s office and art gallery on January 13, 2026. More than 20 local schools and nonprofit organizations gathered in person to receive funding to support arts education and creative programming across The Woodlands and Montgomery County.

Now in its fifth year, TWAC’s Microgrant Program has generated nearly $300,000 in local arts impact, supporting projects at elementary, intermediate, and high schools, as well as local nonprofits across The Woodlands and Montgomery County. This year also marks TWAC’s third year partnering with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (CWMP), expanding support for performing arts opportunities and helping educators and organizations bring new creative programming to students and the broader community.

“This program represents what we believe at our core,” said Jenny Carattini-Wright, TWAC’s CEO & Executive Director. “When we put funding directly into the hands of educators and organizations who are creating opportunities every day, we are not only supporting projects, we are expanding access to the arts for thousands of students and families across The Woodlands and Montgomery County.”

For the first time this year, TWAC hosted a ceremony that brought all grant recipients together to celebrate their collective impact, connect, and receive their checks in person.

TWAC awarded 12 Performing Arts projects in collaboration with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and 15 Visual Arts projects through the Dr. David Gottlieb Education Microgrant. Together, these grants support initiatives ranging from music and theater programming to visual art supplies, workshops, and hands-on student projects.

A special highlight this year includes Caney Creek High School, which received four grants (three in Visual Arts and one in Performing Arts), reflecting both the teachers' ambitions and the enthusiasm for strengthening arts programming on campus.

“TWAC’s Microgrant Program creates real momentum for arts education and cultural growth throughout Montgomery County,” said Cameron Klepac, TWAC Board Director, Founding Organization Representative, and CWMP Director of Marketing + Arts Outreach. “Having so many grant recipients together made it clear that this program is not just about funding projects, it’s about building a stronger creative community and a network of champions for arts access.”

TWAC’s continued partnership with CWMP has enabled even greater reach in performing arts education, ensuring that more students have access to music and performance opportunities. “Through our partnership, we’re proud to support programs that bring the performing arts to life for students and educators across our community,” concluded Klepac.

Microgrant recipients for the 2025-2026 period are: Bozman Intermediate, Broadway Elementary, Buckalew Elementary, Caney Creek High School, Conroe High School, Conroe Virtual School, Cox Intermediate, Grand Oaks High School, Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy, McCullough Junior High, Patterson Elementary, Powell Elementary, Reading Is Revolutionary, The Woodlands Childrens Museum, The Woodlands Chorale, The Woodlands College Park High School, The Woodlands Diversion, The Woodlands High School Art Trust, The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, Travis Intermediate, and Young Texas

The Woodlands Arts Council Microgrant Program application period will open in September 2026. You can learn more about eligibility, submission requirements, and read the stories of past recipients here: https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/programs/microgrants

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