Making art a living part of our community since 1965

The Midland Arts Association (MAA) has been championing the arts in Midland, Texas for more than half a century. Founded in 1965, MAA exists to support artists, connect the community, and create access to meaningful cultural experiences for everyone who calls West Texas home.

From exhibitions and public programs to grants, calls for artists, and educational initiatives, we believe the arts are essential — not optional — to a thriving community.

About Midland Arts Association

Our Story

Since 1965, the Midland Arts Association has been dedicated to serving Midland artists and strengthening the local arts community. Founded on the belief that art thrives when people come together, MAA was created to build meaningful connections between professional artists, emerging creatives, and the broader public.

From the beginning, our purpose has been clear: to encourage a shared community of interest in all forms of art; to expand opportunities for artistic experience through exhibitions and events; and to provide artists with platforms to display their work while inviting the public to engage with what is being created. MAA has long supported both amateur and professional artists, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, education, and mutual growth.

A cornerstone of our programming is the two juried exhibitions we sponsor each year. Each show offers $4,000 in cash awards and provides valuable exposure for artists at every stage of their careers.

Our Spring Juried Exhibit, presented in collaboration with the Museum of the Southwest, accepts digital entries that are juried by a different nationally recognized artist each year. The exhibition is on view during May and June.

The Fall Juried Exhibit is held in partnership with Midland College and is exhibited in the McCormick Gallery within the Allison Fine Arts Building. This show accepts original works for in-person jurying and is typically on view in October.

In addition to the exhibitions, MAA often hosts workshops led by jurors at an accessible cost to the public. Jurors frequently engage with students at Midland College through talks and demonstrations, extending the educational impact of each exhibition.

For nearly six decades, the Midland Arts Association has remained committed to enriching the cultural life of Midland—supporting artists, educating audiences, and ensuring the visual arts continue to be a vibrant part of our community.