Vinson & Elkins Receives 2026 Obelisk Award for Arts Partnership

Vinson & Elkins received a 2026 Obelisk Award from the Business Council for the Arts in recognition of the firm’s long-standing pro bono partnership with KERA, Dallas’ public broadcasting network.

The Business Council for the Arts, which fosters growth in North Texas’ cultural and business sectors, commended Vinson & Elkins for a sustained, multi-year pro bono partnership with KERA, including representing KERA in its 2026 acquisition of From the Top, an acclaimed program showcasing young classical musicians. The complex transaction involved more than 300 hours of legal work. This is the second acquisition Vinson & Elkins has completed for KERA on a pro bono basis, following its earlier handling of KERA’s acquisition of the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Vinson & Elkins provided “Fortune 500-level legal counsel at no cost, enabling the public media organization to pursue growth that would otherwise be out of reach,” the Business Council said in announcing the award.  “That support has powered KERA’s Arts & Cultural Expansion Initiative . . . including the integration of WRR classical radio and new partnerships with organizations such as The Cliburn.”

“For many years, KERA has helped inform, educate and enrich communities across North Texas through its commitment to public media and the arts,” said Partner Chris Rowley, who has led several significant matters for KERA, including the 2026 acquisition of From the Top. “Receiving this recognition is a testament to the strength of that partnership and to the impact cultural organizations can have when they are equipped to pursue new opportunities and long-term growth.”

Vinson & Elkins will be honored at the 38th annual Obelisk Awards on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District.

Vinson & Elkins’ pro bono program reflects the firm’s commitment to providing legal services to those in need. Lawyers across the firm dedicate substantial time and resources to pro bono matters that expand access to legal services and make a meaningful difference in the communities where they live and work.

About Vinson & Elkins
For more than a century, Vinson & Elkins has provided outstanding client service across important industries that drive the global economy. Built on a strong culture of collaboration across 14 offices worldwide, V&E lawyers are committed to excellence, offering clients decades of legal experience in handling transactions, investments, projects and disputes across the globe. Learn more by visiting www.velaw.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

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