The ACLU of Texas has selected Austin-based writer and artist KB Brookins and San Antonio-born painter Vincent Valdez as its artists-in-residence for 2026. Chosen from nearly 200 applicants, each will receive $30,000 to create works addressing criminal law reform, immigrants' rights, and equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Valdez will focus on portraits of local community leaders for his New Americans series and produce 'Know Your Rights' poster packets, while Brookins will tackle the pretrial carceral system through community organizing and workshops.
This residency underscores the growing intersection of visual art and social justice activism, positioning artists as advocates for civil liberties. Both Valdez and Brookins bring significant artistic credentials—Valdez has received major fellowships and a museum survey at Mass MoCA, while Brookins has won multiple literary awards—lending weight to the ACLU's belief that art can 'speak truth to power.' The announcement also comes amid the ACLU of Texas's recent fight against censorship involving photographer Sally Mann, highlighting the organization's broader commitment to defending artistic expression.