Cultural Affairs Office

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) develops policies and initiatives that foster an environment in which art and culture flourish for the sharing and benefit of all residents and visitors.



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Arts and Cultural Activities

You can find great cultural destinations and engaging arts events happening all over Houston, daily. Visit Houston’s Cultural Events Calendar to explore the city’s extraordinary creative and cultural activities, including individuals and organizations supported by City grants.

Find out what’s happening in Houston's SEVEN Cultural Districts: Arts District Houston, Midtown Cultural Arts & Entertainment District, Theater District Houston, Houston Museum District, East End Cultural District, Third Ward Cultural District, Fifth Ward Cultural District.

Civic Art in Houston

Our Civic Art Program was established in December 1999, when City Council adopted an ordinance mandating the inclusion of civic art in select Capital Improvement Projects. Each year, the civic art component of Capital Improvement Projects includes the design and construction or acquisition of new civic art projects into City’s public collection of artworks. The primary objective of our program is to enhance the urban environment through the inclusion of artist-designed elements in new municipal facilities, contributing to a sense of community pride. The Civic Art Program supports the City’s commitment to neighborhood enhancement, to improving overall quality of life for Houston residents, and to creating inviting cultural experience for visitors to our city. As projects are completed, they enhance Houston’s presence as a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis, both nationally and internationally.


Photo Credits: Alex Barber