Eleven Houston organizations are named cultural treasures, will receive $5 million
Houston is a city of many treasures, from its food options to its neighborhoods. The Black, Indigenous, People of Color Arts Network & Fund has expanded that list of treasures with the announcement this month of 11 Houston organizations that will receive $5 million over the next two years.
The Houston Cultural Treasures initiative is part of a national effort by the Ford Foundation to recognize artistic diversity and support historically underfunded arts organizations.
The BIPOC Arts Network & Fund made the announcement at a news conference at the DeLuxe Theater in Fifth Ward. The 11 Houston organizations receiving the “Cultural Treasures” designation are:
Arte Público Press
Founded in 1979, Arte Público Press is the United States’ most extensive Latino publisher and publishes over 25 books for readers of all ages. It’s located on the University of Houston campus.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the nation’s largest museum dedicated to the legacy of African Americans in the military, and it contains the largest private collection of African American military memorabilia anywhere in the world.
Community Artists’ Collective
Since 1984, the Community Artists’ Collective has been dedicated to advocating for African American artists and to increasing the accessibility of arts education for all ages.
Community Music Center of Houston
Established in 1979 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church by Ron Scales and Patricia Johnson, the Community Music Center of Houston celebrates the the beauty and cultural significance of Black music traditions and provides diverse programming, including performance, exhibitions and oral histories.
Houston Museum of African American Culture
The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, exploration, interpretation and presentation of Africans and African Americans, from Houston and throughout the African Diaspora.
Indo-American Association
Founded in 1993, the Indo-American Association is one of the longest-serving organizations in the nation focused on preserving Indian performing arts.
Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts
MECA is a community-rooted organization dedicated to arts and cultural programs for families in underserved communities.
Nia Cultural Center
Since 1996, Nia has shepherded much of Galveston’s Black history and culture with public events, Summer Freedom School, Juneteenth events, living history plays, art exhibits, concerts, workshops and public forums.
Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say
Founded in 1998 by Tony Diaz, Nuestra Palabra is Houston’s first reading series for Latino writers to share their work in English, Spanish and Spanglish.
It is now a national leader in Latino literary arts and culture.
SHAPE Community Center
SHAPE is rooted in the principles of unity, selfdetermination, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith, and it aims to improve the quality of life for people of African decent.
Silambam Houston
The Indian classical arts organization is dedicated to fostering an appreciation and comprehension of India’s rich artistic traditions.