HouArts in Action.

About this Initiative 

This initiative came out of a visioning and planning process conducted by Houston’s Cultural Districts in 2023, which outlined a two-part strategy to increase the connection, visibility, and sustainability of arts and culture in Houston. The resulting plan identifies a need to grow the network of arts and culture champions in Houston through building capacity for advocacy and developing partnerships beyond the arts & culture sector, in order to advance shared policy and funding priorities.

When compared to peer cities, Houston falls short in funding allocated to arts and culture, and has relatively underdeveloped infrastructure for arts advocacy. Changing this dynamic will require a coordinated effort to influence public policy.  While there are a number of impressive arts leaders and advocates, advocacy knowledge and participation is limited and disparate across the arts and cultural sector.  Coordinated advocacy is critical for a successful path forward, as there is no city or county-wide body that advocates for common needs. 

This initiative attempts to grow the network of arts and cultural ambassadors in Houston by building capacity for advocacy and developing new partnerships outside of the sector. Building power for the sector will allow these efforts to advance shared policy and funding priorities, resulting in a well-funded arts and culture sector that is involved in the everyday decisions that shape life in Houston.

The specifics of the strategy will be co-created with the sector over the coming months.