Congratulations to the 2024, Round 1 of City’s Initiative and Let Creativity Happen Grantees!

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) is awarding $100,000 in grants to 10 individuals and nonprofit organizations whose work furthers cultural tourism and resilience throughout the city of Houston. The funds were awarded through City’s Initiative, a competitive grant program administered by Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) and funded by a portion of the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax. The City’s Initiative application period is open three times annually and grant funding falls into three categories: Art + Neighborhood Cultural Destinations, Art + Disaster Resilience Awareness, and Art + Conference Tourism.

$97,000 in grants were also awarded to 39 individuals and nonprofit organizations for specific programs that amplify artistic creativity and innovation taking place in the City of Houston. An extraordinary number of awards were bestowed, underscoring the exceptional impact and significance of the recipients’ contributions.

The funds were awarded through Let Creativity Happen, a competitive grant program administered by Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) and funded by a portion of the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). The program opens three times annually and encourages artists, creative individuals, and organizations to take creative risks that may not qualify for more traditional funding opportunities. Awards support innovative ideas that redefine artistic boundaries, reshape the conversation about art and art experiences, and/or establish unique opportunities to experience art.