What’s the best way to honor America’s 250th anniversary? For two Fort Worth groups, it’s through the power of music and artistic expression.
Fort Works Art and the Cliburn are participating in separate celebrations that commemorate the colonies’ official separation from Great Britain to form the United States of America on July 4, 1776.
The Cliburn is highlighting independence through its 2026 music festival “America 250” from March 26-29 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
The four-day event brings together three of the organization’s resident pianists — Peter Dugan, Avery Gagliano and Jonathan Mamora — to present music written in, inspired by and reflective of the U.S.’ history.
The pianists will present a mix of chamber and vocal performances with an ensemble of string musicians across five thematic concerts: American Roots, American Jazz, American Mosaic, American Romantics, and American Classics.
Cliburn president Jacques Marquis said the festival spotlights the country’s ingenuity and brings a moment of connection for its audiences.
“Each concert is loosely themed and encompasses an eclectic range from early American music — influenced by folk songs, spirituals and hymns — to jazz and all its offshoots, to Broadway and film hits, to modern works,” he said in a statement. “We hope to leave audiences with a sense of pride, curiosity and, most importantly, joy.”
If you go
What: 2026 Cliburn Festival: America 250
When: 7:30 p.m. March 26, 27; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. March 28; 2 p.m. March 29
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St.
Admission: $22-$57 for single tickets
Find the complete festival schedule here.
Nearby, Fort Works Art’s nonprofit arm Gallery of Dreams is partnering with Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker’s office to participate in the national America 250 City Art Poster Project.
The gallery invites local artists of all ages and experiences to submit a design that reflects the city’s “vibrant creative movement” and local history. Parker will select the top Fort Worth design.
The winning poster will be displayed with those from other cities during the United States Conference of Mayors’ 94th annual meeting in Long Beach, California, June 4-7.
Fort Worth and other cities with populations over 30,000 were invited to participate in the national initiative supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the mayors’ conference. Other cities include Rochester, New York, Alexandria, Virginia, and Dania Beach, Florida.
“Fort Worth’s selection is a landmark moment for the city’s arts and culture scene, participating alongside other cities across the country in shaping the visual story of America’s 250-year history,” Jordyn Garca, gallery representative for Fort Works Art, wrote in a press release.
Interested in applying to the America 250 City Art Poster Project?
Learn more about poster guidelines and apply to Gallery of Dreams’ open call through its CaFÉ applications page by April 1.
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.
The Fort Worth Report’s arts and culture coverage is supported in part by the Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation and the Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust. At the Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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