PRESS RELEASE
The City of Houston Awards $100,000 to Projects Amplifying Artistic Creativity and Innovation
February 18, 2025 -- The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) is awarding $100,000 in grants to 40 individuals and nonprofit organizations for specific programs that amplify artistic creativity and innovation taking place in the City of Houston. The volume of awards reflects the remarkable breadth and importance of the recipients’ work in advancing Houston’s culture and vibrant arts community.
“Through this significant investment, we are not only sustaining but strengthening Houston’s dynamic arts community. These grants ensure that innovative programming, performances, and exhibitions will continue to enrich our city’s cultural and economic landscape in 2025 and beyond,” stated MOCA Director Necole S. Irvin.
The funds were awarded through Let Creativity Happen, a competitive grant program administered by Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) and funded by a portion of the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). The program opens three times annually and encourages artists, creative individuals, and organizations to take creative risks that may not qualify for more traditional funding opportunities. Awards support innovative ideas that redefine artistic boundaries, reshape the conversation about art and art experiences, and/or establish unique opportunities to experience art.
Images courtesy of Asia Society Texas Center and Pilot Dance Project
Grantees of the final round of Let Creativity Happen in 2024 for 2025 projects are listed below:
Adam Castaneda
Ashley Hoskins
Britt Thomas
Carlie Thompson
Chris Becker
Chukwunonso Ofili
Community Music Center of Houston
Deeper Than Dance
Deus Lee
Dominika Dancewicz
Dr. Lindsay Gary
Erin Rodgers
Foreign Studio
George Villanueva
Idris Grey
Indo-American Association of Houston
Jerrian Herd
Julia Claire Wallace
Katie Creeggan-Ríos
Kenya Anais
Loren Holmes
Marc Newsome
Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble
Oni Chambers
Outspoken Bean
Partnerschools, Inc.
Philip Karjeker
Pluto Soundz
Rachel Dickson
Ronnie Self
Steven Saltsman
The Jung Center
The Re-Education Project
Tian Qin
Toba Atkins-Montana
Toni Leago Valle
Violet Moon
Vitacca Ballet
Weston Twardowski
What It's Like Project
The 2025 Let Creativity Happen, Round 1 applications will open this March 24th and close on April 22nd, 2025.
Find out more information on past grantees and stay up to date with current funded projects and news related to grants by signing up for the Houston Arts Alliance Newsletter.
About the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA)
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs guides the City’s cultural investments with policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonMOCA.
About Houston Arts Alliance
Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture organization whose principal work is to implement the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments. HAA’s work is conducted through contracts with the City of Houston, overseen by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. HAA also executes privately funded special projects to meet the needs of the arts community, such as disaster preparation, research on the state of the arts in Houston, and temporary public art projects that energize neighborhoods. In short, HAA helps artists and nonprofits be bold, productive, and strong. To learn more about HAA, visit www.houstonartsalliance.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonArtsAlliance.