Community Engagement
What is Community Engagement at MFAH?
Collaborating with the wide array of communities in Houston is important. The Museum strives to have an ongoing dialogue with community organizations that represent the variety and strength of Houston’s neighborhoods.
Our approach is rooted in practicing intentional listening and in showing up for partners through creating programs together—activating art-making engagements in neighborhoods, creating long-term partnerships, and welcoming partners and their communities to the Museum.
Community Programs
Art can serve as a catalyst for important conversations about the past, present, and future. Inspired by the Museum’s art collections and special exhibitions, we build grassroots collaborations by learning about the priorities of community partners, identifying opportunities for greater collective impact.
Art That Sparks Conversations
Created in partnership with Baker Ripley, Art of the Vote is a non-partisan program held at Baker Ripley Community Centers with the mission to encourage civic engagement among participating high school students, inspired by objects in the MFAH collections.
The MFAH partners with Writers in the Schools to host their META 4 Grand Poetry Slam, a one-of-a-kind program that highlights the power of the spoken word and the talent of young individuals willing to take their creative journey to new heights.
Art in the Community
The MFAH participates in the Day of the Dead Festival presented by MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling Through the Arts). This annual event brings together the Latino community from all corners of Houston to celebrate the beloved Mexican tradition.
Inspired by the Museum’s rich collection of Art of the Islamic Worlds, the MFAH participates in the Islamic Arts Society of Houston’s annual Islamic Arts Festival, which celebrates art-making techniques used for centuries across the Islamic worlds.
Art at MFAH: Community Roundtables
The MFAH consults with community partners to co-design programming for special exhibitions and permanent collection installations. For example, community groups were invited to the Museum prior to the opening of the Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds, culminating in “Spring Festival: New Beginnings.” To prepare for special exhibitions of Indian textiles from the Parpia Collection, the MFAH worked with community members to create programs showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Houston’s South Asian communities.
Community Storytelling
Then and Now: John Biggers’s Legacy (Part 1 of 2)
Storytelling lies at the heart of the Museum’s work in connecting art objects with the individuals who made them and the stories of the communities.
These storytelling videos highlight the traditions, art, and cultural contributions that thrive across the many neighborhoods of Houston.
Then and Now: John Biggers’s Legacy (Part 1 of 2)
Accessibility Programs
Art Beyond Sight
In this gallery program for visitors who are blind or have low vision, trained educators use verbal description and hands-on materials to engage participants with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. Art Beyond Sight takes place on the second Saturday of the month. Admission is free, but space is limited, so be sure to register in advance. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Looking Together
Looking Together is designed for visitors with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their care partners. During this program, participants discover and discuss works of art together in the Museum galleries. Looking Together takes place on the second Monday of the month. Admission is free, but space is limited, so be sure to register in advance. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Opportunities for Volunteers, Docents, and Seniors
Each year, more than 1,000 people contribute to the cultural vibrancy of this great city by donating their time to the MFAH. People of different backgrounds, from students to retirees, help the Museum meet its goal of bringing art into the lives of people throughout Houston’s communities.
Docents are volunteer Museum educators who engage visitors of all ages in conversations and active explorations about art. The docent training program encompasses art history as well as touring methods and techniques, so each docent is fully prepared to facilitate enriching gallery experiences. Contact [email protected] to learn more about this dedicated group of volunteers.
MFAH Speakers Bureau
Discover more about the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Schedule a free Speakers Bureau presentation for your group. Talks may be either virtual or in person. Hosting organizations must provide AV equipment and support. Each talk is an hour long with time for questions and discussion. Speakers Bureau is perfect for groups like senior residences, alumni associations, community centers, clubs, professional groups, and religious organizations. Contact [email protected] for more information.