Guests applauded and cameras clicked as the celebration of Arts and Humanities Month concluded at the Houston Endowment office on Thursday, October 24. The celebration – hallmarked by music and dancers thanks to DACAMERA and Harrison Guy and the Urban Souls Dance Company, as well as introductions to each of the city’s seven cultural districts by art leaders from around the sector – was topped off by a proclamation declaring the date arts and humanities day in the city of Houston.
A little background: Houston is home to seven cultural districts – more than any other city in Texas. Designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), these areas are recognized for their ability to harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and cultural vitality. Together, with Houston Endowment’s support, districts are working toward a collective vision to champion the arts sector and elevate the perception of arts and culture in Houston.
Why districts are celebrating: As a collective force, Houston’s cultural districts can amplify the positive impact arts have on our city and its residents. Representatives from each district shared why they are celebrating:
- Arts District Houston | Because the arts unify communities. According to Americans for the Arts, 72% of Americans believe the arts provide shared experiences with people of different races, ethnicities, ages, beliefs, and identities. – Julia Barbosa Landois, Fundraiser and Storyteller, Fresh Arts and Arts District Houston
- Third Ward Cultural District | Because the arts have social impact. University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to greater civic engagement, improved child welfare, and more social cohesion. – Jaison Oliver, Manager, Third Ward Cultural District
- East End Houston Cultural District | Because public art helps to reduce crime rates in neighborhoods. The same University of Pennsylvania study also indicated that public art reduces crime in urban areas by 15%, and that low-income neighborhoods with cultural resources have 18% less serious crime than low-income neighborhoods without cultural resources. – Dan Joyce, Executive Director, East End Houston Cultural District
- Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District | Because art drives revenue to local businesses bringing vital income to local businesses from residents and tourists alike. – Cynthia Alvarado, Director of Operations and Strategic Planning, Midtown Management District
- Fifth Ward Cultural District | Because the arts can improve academic performance and education, students should not have to leave their communities to experience great art. – Harrison Guy, Director of Arts and Culture, 5th Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation
- Museum District | Because arts and culture are crucial to the quality of life for all Houstonians and visitors from around the world. In 2023, there were more than 7 million visits to Houston’s museum district. That is more than the combined attendance at all Astros, Rockets, and Texans home games, plus the Houston Rodeo. – Alison Weaver, Suzanne Deal Booth Executive Director, Moody Center for the Arts
- Theater District | Because for 125 years, residents have enjoyed an enormous variety of non-profit and commercial entertainment in the district’s more than 21,000 seats. – Meg Booth, Chair, Theater District Houston