TACA’s 2026 Silver Cup Luncheon, held May 8 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, brought together arts supporters, community leaders and cultural champions to honor two dedicated advocates for the arts, including an LGBTQ+ community advocate, and raise a record-breaking amount of funds for the mission of TACA.
The annual event recognizes “extraordinary individuals whose volunteerism and philanthropic leadership have had a transformative impact on the region’s arts and cultural landscape,” according to a press release about the event. This year’s presenting sponsor was Texas Instruments.
This year’s honorees were Nancy Carlson and Andy Smith, recognized “for their enduring commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity and innovation in the arts,” the press release said. “Their exemplary service embodies the civic spirit that helps North Texas arts thrive.”
Co-chairs for the luncheon — which welcomed around 600 guests and generated more than $700,000 in funds raised, supported by a matching gift from Melinda and Jim Johnson — were Lynn McBee and Terri West.
Maura Sheffler, TACA’s Donna Wilhelm Family president and executive director, said, “As we honored Nancy Carlson and Andy Smith for their remarkable dedication to our cultural community, we were reminded that investment in the arts is truly an investment in the vibrancy, creativity and future of Dallas. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s luncheon our most successful yet.”
Proceeds from the event support TACA’s mission to champion artistic excellence, innovation and engagement in North Texas through funding, professional development and engagement opportunities for local arts organizations. Visit the TACA website for more information about the organization and the Silver Cup Awards.
— Tammye Nash