In 2005, the Texas Legislature authorized the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) to designate Cultural Districts in cities across Texas. Today there are 52 Cultural Districts across Texas, seven of which are located in Houston, the most-state-designated Cultural Districts in any Texas city. The TCA defines Cultural Districts as special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community vitality. The Cultural Districts are intended to become focal points for generating business, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development, and fostering civic pride.

16 years after the program was established, the Houston Cultural Districts began meeting regularly to share concerns about preserving, strengthening, and sustaining their districts. They recognized that as a group they could work together to address these concerns and achieve common goals. In 2022, the Houston Cultural Districts received funding from Houston Endowment to undertake a collective visioning project, including an evaluation to better understand the collective quality of life and economic impact their Districts make on Houston.

Together, the Houston Cultural Districts represent a broad cross-section of the diverse neighborhoods and arts experiences that make Houston so unique. While each has a distinct identity, operating structure, function, and goal, each Cultural District uses art as a tool to educate, inspire, and improve quality of life while supporting their community and Houston’s economy.