Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs

Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs MOCA develops policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in Houston. MOCA is a resource for the community.

It implements the City's Arts and Cultural Plan with a vision to foster an environment in which art and culture flourish for the sharing and benefit of all residents and visitors. It highlights the local artist workforce through exhibitions in historic City Hall and oversees contracts for grants and cultural services and the City's Civic Art Program. MOCA facilitates temporary art, art donations to the City Collection, community murals and special projects.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo proudly celebrates 90 talented student artists from across southeast Texas at the S...
03/14/2025

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo proudly celebrates 90 talented student artists from across southeast Texas at the School Art Program Awards Ceremony!

Among the honorees are Class Champions, Reserve Class Champions, and top artists in categories like Colored Drawing, Mixed Medium, Monochromatic, Painting, 3D, Elementary, and Junior High.

Come see the amazing artwork on display in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center throughout the Rodeo! Plus, don’t miss the School Art Auction on Sunday, March 16, at 11 a.m. in the NRG Arena Sales Pavilion—support these incredible young artists! 🎨✨🤠

2025 Grand Champion Work of Art
“Nurture” by Sophie Zhou
The Kinkaid School

Experience Alief Swarm by Houston-based artist Bennie Flores Ansell!Suspended from a sky-blue ceiling, Alief Swarm first...
03/12/2025

Experience Alief Swarm by Houston-based artist Bennie Flores Ansell!

Suspended from a sky-blue ceiling, Alief Swarm first appears as a fluttering mass of birds or butterflies. But as you step into the atrium of The Alief Neighborhood Center, the installation transforms—900 dichroic acrylic shoes, shaped like butterflies, take flight, evoking themes of migration and movement.

As a part of the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection, this breathtaking piece welcomes residents with an uplifting journey, seamlessly connecting the indoor space to the butterfly garden beyond. Come witness the magic of Alief Swarm! ✨

📢 Theater District Open House is BACK! 🎭For the first time since 2019, the Houston Theater District is bringing back its...
03/10/2025

📢 Theater District Open House is BACK! 🎭

For the first time since 2019, the Houston Theater District is bringing back its Open House—a celebration of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene! Join us today, from 12 PM – 5 PM for an unforgettable experience, generously sponsored by ExxonMobil.

What’s in store?
🎭 Live performances from top Houston arts organizations
🎨 Face painting, hands-on workshops & family-friendly fun
🎬 Exclusive backstage tours
🎁 Prize giveaways, photo ops & special offers

Enjoy free performances by Alley Theatre, DACAMERA, The Hobby Center, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Performing Arts Houston, and Theatre Under the Stars!

Don’t miss this celebration of arts, culture, and community! 🎶✨

Celebrating the incredible women who serve our city! 💙These dedicated professionals from multiple City of Houston depart...
03/08/2025

Celebrating the incredible women who serve our city! 💙

These dedicated professionals from multiple City of Houston departments, keep Houston moving forward.

On , we honor their leadership, strength, and commitment to our community.

Rodeo season is upon us and the Mayor’s Office is ready for all the rides, food, and festivities!Additionally, we would ...
03/07/2025

Rodeo season is upon us and the Mayor’s Office is ready for all the rides, food, and festivities!

Additionally, we would like to congratulate our Music Advisory Board Officer, , on performing the National Anthem this past Monday.

What are you most excited about this year at the Rodeo? Let us know in the comments! 🤠✨

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Houston Mayor and U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner at the age of 70. A ...
03/05/2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Houston Mayor and U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner at the age of 70.

A native of Houston’s Acres Homes, Turner’s legacy includes nearly three decades in the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024.

He played a pivotal role in enriching Houston’s arts community through various initiatives and support mechanisms.

Elected to Congress in 2024, he continued to serve with dedication until his untimely passing. Our thoughts are with his family and all who mourn this profound loss.

Calling all artists and arts organizations! The National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants for the Arts Projects is now acc...
02/28/2025

Calling all artists and arts organizations! The National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants for the Arts Projects is now accepting applications! This federal funding opportunity supports project-based initiatives across various disciplines, including:

Artist Communities
Arts Education
Dance
Film & Media Arts
Theater & Musical Theater
Music & Opera
Museums
Visual Arts … and more!

📅 Deadline to apply: March 11

Apply today and invest in the future of the arts! Link in bio ✨

Come and celebrate the Bennett Road Exhibition Closing Celebration today from 3-5 PM! This is your final opportunity to ...
02/28/2025

Come and celebrate the Bennett Road Exhibition Closing Celebration today from 3-5 PM! This is your final opportunity to experience the powerful work of Martellus & Michael Bennett—a journey through identity, community, and culture.

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, engaging conversations, lite bites, and refreshing drinks.

Don’t miss this immersive artistic experience that challenges us to see ourselves and the world in new ways. 🎨

Houston native Michael Stevenson Jr. is reshaping how we see the future through his work as a social sculptor. His art e...
02/26/2025

Houston native Michael Stevenson Jr. is reshaping how we see the future through his work as a social sculptor. His art explores themes of erasure, remembrance, and boundless BIPOC futures creates spaces for reflection and peace.

His installation, “HOL’D UP”, originally debuted at Project Row Houses before becoming a fixture at George Bush Intercontinental Airport as part of the Civic Art Collection – Houston Airport System.

By suspending a large convex mirror with steel wire, Stevenson invites us to look beyond the visible black void—a representation of unseen possibilities and unrestricted futures. Floating weightlessly, “HOL’D UP” challenges us to envision dimensions beyond the present, making space for the futures we have yet to imagine.

Next time you’re at the airport, take a moment to engage with this powerful piece—see yourself within it, and reflect on what lies ahead.

Huge thanks to Houston Style Magazine for highlighting how $100,000 in grants through the Let Creativity Happen! program...
02/24/2025

Huge thanks to Houston Style Magazine for highlighting how $100,000 in grants through the Let Creativity Happen! program is fueling Houston’s creative community! 🎨✨

Link in bio for the full article 🔗

Harvey Johnson’s mural All God’s Chilluns Got Wings (2001) is a powerful piece within the City of Houston’s Civic Art Co...
02/21/2025

Harvey Johnson’s mural All God’s Chilluns Got Wings (2001) is a powerful piece within the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection, housed in the arts and activity room at Clinton Park. This vibrant work, part of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, reflects themes of heritage, resilience, and spirituality.

Johnson, a retired professor from Texas Southern University’s Fine Arts Department, was a prized student and later a colleague of the legendary Dr. John T. Biggers. His influence continues to shape the Houston art scene.

This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of artists like Harvey Johnson, whose work enriches our cultural landscape. Visit Clinton Park to witness this remarkable mural firsthand! 🎨✨

Come to the COMBEE Conversation & Book Signing with Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black! 📖✨Discover the incredible story of Harriet...
02/20/2025

Come to the COMBEE Conversation & Book Signing with Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black! 📖✨

Discover the incredible story of Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid, a daring mission for Black freedom during the Civil War, told by a descendant of one of its participants.

🗓 February 21st
📍 Freedmen’s Town Visitor Center
⏰ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Dr. Fields-Black will share her research from original documents and discuss Tubman’s extraordinary role in history. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate African American heritage.

📌 Limited space available—register now!

Address

901 Bagby Street
Houston, TX
77002

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18323931099

Website

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