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Join us for the first annual Greater Houston Arts Forum — an interactive gathering designed to bring together artists, cultural workers, nonprofit leaders, funders, educators, and policymakers from across the Greater Houston Region.

Discover how Houston's arts ecosystem operates, share challenges and ideas, and connect with artists, funders, and policymakers at this interactive forum. Register now and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of our region's arts community. 

We’re thrilled by the response! The daytime Forum is currently full — but you can still register for the evening reception to be part of the celebration.

The Greater Houston Arts Forum is a space for:

Learning: Get a clear picture of how the arts and culture sector functions in Greater Houston—from funding structures to advocacy strategies.

Sharing: Explore the real challenges and opportunities facing our creative communities, from economic development to public space activation.

Collaboration: Connect with changemakers from all corners of the ecosystem and discover new opportunities for connection, partnership, and increased visibility.

Action: Add your voice to discussions shaping the future of the arts in Houston—through interactive workshops, feedback sessions, and collective visioning.

Whether you’re an emerging artist, a seasoned administrator, or a curious ally, this Forum is designed to empower and connect all who care about the cultural life of our region. Secure your place by signing up today and help shape the future of the arts in Houston.

Click here for session descriptions and speakers.

8:00 - 9:00 am Arrivals, Breakfast & Networking

Vibrant Spaces: Tips on Activating your Cultural Landscape

Structuring Arts Data to Inform Arts Policy

Houston’s Creative Edge: Growing Arts, Jobs, and Innovation

Creative Economy in Action: Pathways for Artists & Creatives to Thrive in Houston

Creative Bridges: A Deep Dive into Houston’s Arts Ecosystem

Storycraft: Building Houston’s Cultural Narrative for the Global Stage

The Artist as Entrepreneur: Building a Sustainable Creative Career

o Infinity and Beyond: The Power of Creative Collaboration

Public Funding for the Arts in the Greater Houston Region

5:30 - 7:00 pm Reception (remarks at 6:00 pm)

Hosted by HouArts, Houston Arts Alliance, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and Houston Endowment.

By registering for Greater Houston Arts Forum, you agree to receive event-related communication.

HouArts is a region-wide initiative working to strengthen Houston’s arts and culture sector through strategic advocacy, expanded partnerships, and unified messaging. Guided by artists and arts workers, this platform centers equity, sustainability, and community-driven impact. Learn more at 

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture non-profit agency 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 programs and projects to meet the needs of the arts community, such as disaster preparation and research on the state of the arts in Houston. In short, HAA helps artists and nonprofits be bold, productive, and strong.  Visit 

About Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts serves as a connector, convener and incubator for all Houston audiences, artmakers and arts organizations. Opened in 2002, the campus houses two theaters and welcomes over 450,000 audience members annually to a wide range of arts experiences including the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center series. The Hobby Center is also home to a full season of musical theatre produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, as well as a variety of diverse performances from both Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education and accessibility initiatives are central to the Hobby Center’s impact in Houston through programs like the ExxonMobil Discovery Series, sensory inclusive performances, tactile tours, talkbacks, specialized audience services, and master classes for artists and students. The ExxonMobil Discovery Series creates access to engaging arts experiences for thousands of Houston-area students each year and are offered free of charge to schools. Please visit 

Houston Endowment is a private foundation established in 1937 by Jesse H. Jones and his wife, Mary Gibbs Jones, to improve the quality of life for everyone in Greater Houston. Today, it has more than $2 billion in assets and invests about $100 million a year in strengthening public education, increasing civic engagement, enhancing the arts and cultural sector, and growing Houston’s greenspaces—as well as addressing emerging opportunities in our region. Working with fellow Houstonians, Houston Endowment pursues bold goals, builds partnerships, and invests in innovative solutions to create a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive. Learn more at 

With additional support from Houston’s Cultural Districts

Houston’s seven state-designated Cultural Districts — 5th Ward Cultural Arts District, Arts District Houston, East End Houston Cultural District, Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District, Houston Museum District, Theater District Houston, and Third Ward Cultural District — collectively reflect the diverse neighborhoods and creative experiences that make Houston unique. Each district has its own distinct identity, purpose, and vision, yet all share a commitment to using the arts to educate, inspire, and enhance quality of life. Together, the Cultural Districts are championing and celebrating arts and culture for the Greater Houston region through the creation of collaborative initiatives such as HouArts. By working collectively, the districts not only strengthen their local communities but also attract investment, drive economic growth, and expand cultural engagement across Houston. Learn more at 

A special appreciation to our Community Partners!

Free Parking: The Hobby Center above ground parking garage is located directly behind the building with easy access from both Rusk and Walker Streets.