Our Story

Seven Years Strong — Empowering Through the Arts

What began as a dream in 2018 has flourished into a bold, thriving movement that’s been transforming lives for over seven powerful years.

ETTA — Empowering Through The Arts — is more than just a name. It’s our mission, our identity, and the driving force behind everything we do. From day one, we’ve been committed to using the arts not only as a tool for education, but as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and lasting change.

Founded by visionary Master Arts Educator Rolanda Brigham, ETTA was built on the belief that the arts don’t just enrich lives — they save them. They foster confidence, spark imagination, encourage self-expression, promote healing, and give voice to those who need to be heard.

For the past seven years, ETTA has been fully operational—working across classrooms, libraries, community centers, and artist hubs throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Our team of dynamic and diverse teaching artists delivers culturally rich, standards-based arts programs that support core academics while empowering students and communities alike.

Every workshop, every performance, and every creative breakthrough is a reflection of our mission: Empowering Through The Arts. We've seen lives shift, passions ignite, and communities connect through the transformative power of creativity.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited for what’s ahead.
Seven years strong—and just getting started.

Our Partners

We’re honored to collaborate with a growing list of organizations who believe in the power of the arts. Below are just a few of the amazing partners who help bring ETTA’s mission to life:

Dallas City of Learning
Dallas Public Libraries (Polk-Wisdom, White Rock, Highland Hills, Arcadia Park, Pleasant Grove, Dunbar Lancaster Kiest, Skillman SW, Fretz Park, Forest Green, Mountain Creek, Lakewood)
DeSoto ACE Afterschool Program
DeSoto ACE Family Engagement
DeSoto ISD
Mesquite North Branch Library
Project Still I Rise
The Dallas Historical Society
Big Thought
DeSoto Artist Lab Residency Program
DeSoto Senior Center
DeSoto Public Library
Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture
Summer Breeze @ TG Terry Elementary School
Grow Desoto Market Place
AT & T Performing Arts Center
Trinity Leadership Academy