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Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm: A Leader in the Arts

Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm has recently been awarded the prestigious 2025 New Arts Initiative Award by the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) during the 37th Annual Obelisk Awards. This recognition celebrates the firm's significant contributions to revitalizing North Texas' independent music scene through its initiative, the Mullen & Mullen Music Project.

The Obelisk Awards are highly regarded in North Texas, recognizing outstanding partnerships between arts and businesses that enhance the cultural landscape of the region. Awardees are carefully chosen by a panel of experts based on factors such as measurable impact, innovation, and community involvement. Previous awardees have included major corporations and philanthropic entities that have made a difference in the arts community.

Addressing the Crisis in the Music Scene

The Mullen & Mullen Music Project was launched in 2024 in direct response to a troubling trend: many independent music venues in North Texas were closing due to escalating costs, reduced attendance, and the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic. The firm took action by creating a comprehensive program designed to fund, promote, and sustain local music initiatives.

One of the project's standout events, JAMBALOO, debuted in February 2025. This free, week-long festival showcased over 100 artists across four independent venues and was a resounding success, leading to a remarkable 280% increase in event attendance, a 150% boost in sales, and a substantial economic impact estimated at $3.5 million for the local community.

Following this success, Mullen & Mullen launched the JAMBALOO Venue Prize—a $20,000 annual grant to support operational needs for one venue each year. The inaugural recipient of this prize was Fort Worth's The Cicada, which received not only financial assistance but also expert guidance to help navigate challenges such as rising rents and infrastructure issues.

Commitment to the Community

Shane Mullen, the Managing Attorney at Mullen & Mullen, emphasized the firm's long-standing commitment to the community, stating, "We have served this community for over 40 years, and the arts are part of its heartbeat. Supporting local music is not charity; it is an investment in the culture, economy, and identity of North Texas. This award is an honor, but the real win is seeing these venues packed again."

In addition to financial support, the Music Project provides essential upgrades for venues, such as stage enhancements, streaming technology, and murals from local artists, along with professional promotional resources for musicians. Joseph Morrison, a Senior Associate at Mullen & Mullen and co-founder of JAMBALOO, noted, "Independent venues are the breeding ground for tomorrow's legends. If they disappear, so does an essential part of our culture. We are here to make sure that does not happen."

Honoring Arts and Business Collaboration

The 2025 Obelisk Awards ceremony is set to take place on November 19, 2025, at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, celebrating outstanding contributions in various categories including New Arts Initiative, Arts Education, Arts Partnerships, and Lifetime Achievement. This event reflects the synergetic relationship between the arts and business sectors, further strengthening community ties in North Texas.

For more details about the Mullen & Mullen music initiatives, visit www.mullenandmullen.com/music.

About Mullen & Mullen Law Firm

For over 42 years, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm has represented injured North Texans and has earned recognition from TopVerdict for securing some of the largest personal injury settlements in Texas. In the past four years, the firm has been ranked on the "Top 50" list 44 times and the "Top 100" list 70 times. They pride themselves on their comprehensive services, including two investigators and an award-winning videographer. For more information, visit www.mullenandmullen.com.

About the Business Council for the Arts

The Business Council for the Arts, founded in 1988 by the philanthropist Raymond D. Nasher, aims to support the growth of North Texas's cultural and business sectors. Currently led by Nancy A. Nasher and Joel Austin, the BCA promotes the arts across workplaces and communities through various initiatives that foster creative workforce development and community engagement. To learn more about the BCA or to join, visit www.ntbca.org.