Four months following approval by Houston City Council, 62 Houston Arts & Cultural organizations from across the City learned that their requested funding, up to $100,000, was approved.  

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) was able to accomplish this effort in collaboration with Mid-America Arts Alliance, a trusted partner with a track record of helping the city efficiently distribute federal funds within the creative economy. 

"The City of Houston is vibrant and renowned because of the diversity of our artists, arts nonprofits, and cultural centers rooted in deep traditions,” stated Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The cultural sector is not just one of our defining features and economic drivers, it is the soul of our city. This funding will help restore our arts ecosystem and reinvigorate our travel and tourism industry.” 

Funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), these grants provide immediate and short-term financial assistance to organizations impacted by the global coronavirus (COVID-19). The grants awarded ranged from $8,500 to $100,000 and can support artist contracts, marketing in support of the activities in the artist contracts, and staff expenses incurred between July 1, 2021, through the end of this calendar year. 

“Leadership that not only supports but advances the arts in Houston is what we have in Mayor Sylvester Turner,” stated MOCA Director Necole S. Irvin.  “Ensuring that the arts are an integral part of City structure and opportunities, like this stabilization funding, are equitable continue to strengthen the entire community.” 

The COVID-19 public health crisis wreaked havoc on the creative economy. According to the Texas Comptroller, Texas’ arts and entertainment industries were among the hardest hit by the pandemic with $1.6 billion in cumulative losses for the creative industries in Houston along with a loss of more than 42,000 creative jobs. 

“Supporting our arts and cultural organizations and helping them recover from the strain of the pandemic not only strengthens our economy, but it also strengthens our sense of community,” said Todd Stein, M-AAA’s president and CEO. “We are honored to partner with the MOCA on this grant opportunity to help arts organizations preserve our collective history and amplify artistic voices.” 

Go to this link to see which grantees will receive funding.