In this issue

"Houston's Cultural Treasures"

"Irmandade" exhibition continues

November Second Thursday Workshop

Entrepreneurship Coordinator

October Activities

Subscribe to CAC YouTube Channel

COVID-19 Update

The Collective's Gift Shop

Jubilee Quilt Circle



The announcement was made at the De Luxe Theater in late November. Photo courtesy of Houston Public Media

BANF invests in

Houston's cultural treasures

The Collective has been named a “Houston Cultural Treasure,” one of 11 organizations selected by the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Arts Network and Fund (BANF). BANF selected the cohort of under-recognized BIPOC anchor art organizations and will invest more than $5 million across two years (2024-2025), providing vital multi-year operational and technical support grants.

The other newly designated Houston Cultural Treasures are Arte Publico Press, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum,  Community Music Center of Houston, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Indo-American Association, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts, Nia Cultural Center, Nuestra Palabra, SHAPE Community Center, and Silambam Houston.

To be designated a Houston Cultural Treasure, organizations had to demonstrate leadership through cultural production, community advocacy, and a history of community connectivity that uplifted and inspired Houston’s communities of color. These organizations have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fortify and elevate the BIPOC arts ecosystem in our city. By investing in these remarkable organizations, BANF is building a more equitable and inclusive arts and culture system that truly represents the diversity and talent that thrives in Houston. Each Houston Cultural Treasure will receive a multi-year general operating grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on their size and needs. BANF also created a two-year Learning Cohort that will provide opportunities for experimentation and capacity-building for the organizations.

The Houston Cultural Treasures is a visionary endeavor aligned with a broader national effort led by the Ford Foundation, which aims to recognize and celebrate the diverse tapestry of artistic expression and excellence nationwide and support historically underfunded arts organizations. Locally, Ford Foundation partnered with Houston Endowment, The Brown Foundation Inc., The Cullen Foundation, Kinder Foundation and The Powell Foundation to create a $12.4 million fund that provides philanthropic support for BANF.

Second Thursday Workshop

Welcome to new entrepreneurship coordinator

Merian Sherrod has been named entrepreneurship coordinator for The Collective.

Merian, an avid art collector and appreciator of all art forms, has long been a volunteer and contributor to The Collective and has worked on various projects for the organization during the eight years she has lived in Houston.

In 2018 she entered and completed the SURE entrepreneur program at the University of Houston. She established Amaris Simone the Art of Living, an art consulting business, in the spring of 2019. Its goal/purpose is to assist communities and arts organization by organizing art events that promote and demonstrate support for diversity and inclusion; providing art and cultural knowledge via art salons, educational programs and cultural events and excursions and by utilizing creative variety to expand exposure.

She is currently making plans for The Collective’s annual Ashé Holiday Market, which will begin December 8.

October Activities

Above: Patricia Chandler and Leslie Abrams greet the public at The Collective's Information Booth at the Houston International Quilt Festival.

Above: Lesley Abrams meets with a visitor from Scotland at the Quilt Festival.

Above: Handmade dolls and angels on display at the Quilt Festival

Above: Children's weekly after-school art classes at the Hester House

Above left and right: Visitors at the Ernest McMillan book signing and conversation