Midtown Houston continues to be a hub of artistic innovation, where diverse cultures and creative voices come together to shape the city’s cultural landscape. Through the 2025 MidtownHOU Arts Micro Grants, we are proud to support artists and organizations whose work reflects the vibrancy of our community.
This year’s theme, Cultural Kaleidoscope, encouraged artists to explore heritage, identity, and storytelling in new and meaningful ways. Whether through music, dance, theater, or visual arts, these projects will inspire, engage, and create lasting connections within the Midtown community.
Individual Artist Recipients (8)
Each of these artists brings a unique vision to this year’s program, transforming personal and cultural narratives into immersive artistic experiences.
Alexandre Serty – Urban Harmony (Visual Arts)
Serty’s work explores the relationship between urban spaces and artistic expression, using visual art to transform everyday environments into reflections of community identity. His latest work, Urban Harmony, is a long-lasting cultural asset for Midtown. With its bold design and universal themes, the mural will become a recognizable feature of the neighborhood, reinforcing Midtown’s identity as a hub for creativity and diversity.
The mural will be highly accessible to the public due to its prime location at Stesti Food Hall and Beer Garden, which offers a diverse selection of food and drinks. Positioned in a high-traffic area with easy access for both pedestrians and drivers, Urban Harmony will naturally draw in a sizable audience.
The project is set to begin in June of this year and is expected to be completed by August 2025, bringing an exciting new artistic landmark to Midtown just in time for the late summer season.
Artista Elisabet – Blooming Roots (Visual Arts & Public Art)
Elisabet’s project merges visual storytelling with public art, creating an installation that represents growth, resilience, and the interconnectedness of culture. Her vision extends beyond aesthetics, transforming waste into art through artistic trash cans that promote sustainability and recycling. By incorporating discarded materials in creative ways, the project highlights the beauty of overlooked items while encouraging mindful consumption and disposal. Through community involvement and local business sponsorships, the initiative will foster pride and ownership while reinforcing Midtown’s commitment to sustainability and creative reuse.To maximize impact, the trash cans will be installed in high-traffic areas such as walking paths and bus stops near Midtown Park, ensuring accessibility and visibility for both residents and visitors. The project is currently in progress and is expected to be completed by Summer 2025, bringing a new dimension of public art and environmental awareness to the community.
Aryn Ward – Good Medicine: Native American Music for Heritage Month (Cultural Presentation – Mvskoke Nation
Ward’s project highlights the power of Native American music, preserving and sharing traditional sounds while engaging audiences in cultural storytelling. By performing in schools, cultural centers, and public venues, the project fosters connection, dialogue, and cultural exchange, reaching both Native and non-Native communities. This initiative seeks to create shared spaces for healing, reflection, and deeper engagement with Native American traditions.
Beyond this event, the project aims to lay the groundwork for ongoing cultural programming in Houston, ensuring that Native American music and heritage are not only preserved but celebrated for future generations. Rooted in Midtown Houston, both geographically and in spirit, the project is supported by the Midtown Houston Micro Grant and may include partnerships with Midtown-based venues and organizations to deepen its connection to the neighborhood.
By bringing never-before-heard works and traditional music into the heart of the city, the festival is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive space that highlights Native voices and builds a cultural bridge between Native artists and the broader Houston community. To expand its reach and impact, Ward will partner with local schools, cultural centers, and community organizations to ensure that the project reaches a wide and diverse audience, especially underserved populations. The project is set to begin on September 1, 2025, and will conclude on November 30, 2025, bringing a rich cultural experience to Houston while strengthening connections within the community.
Audrianna Woods – Hues of Harmony (Visual Arts)
Woods’ project explores the emotional and cultural significance of color, using visual art to evoke connection, introspection, and shared experiences. Through interactive elements like the “Unity Wall,” live painting, and discussions, the exhibition fosters cultural appreciation and dialogue, encouraging participants to reflect on their heritage while embracing others’. Rooted in the vibrant spirit of Midtown Houston, the project draws inspiration from the neighborhood’s rich cultural diversity and thriving creative community. By showcasing local artists and engaging community partners, it celebrates the unique character of Midtown and contributes to its growing reputation as a hub for artistic expression and cultural connection. By creating a space for education and artistic collaboration, Hues of Harmony aims to strengthen community bonds and highlight the beauty of diversity. Beyond this event, the project envisions an ongoing platform for intercultural exchange, expanding through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects that celebrate shared heritage and unity. Additional details on Hues of Harmony will be provided at a later date.
Brian Menifee – Rhythm & Reflection (Music & Performance)
Menifee’s project blends live music with spoken word to create an interactive experience that reflects on history, community, and personal identity. By incorporating elements of movement, mindfulness, and cultural storytelling, the performance fosters deeper engagement and connection among participants. Beyond a single event, Rhythm & Reflection aims to inspire lasting cultural appreciation and wellness practices. Through its focus on community dialogue, sustainable event planning, and support for local talent, the project serves as a model for future artistic gatherings that celebrate diversity and creative expression. The event, titled “Stretch and Release,” will take place during a community yoga session at Bagby Park on the first weekend in September 2025.
Inés Maria Bravo – Sound of the Hispanic Heritage: A Bolero Journey (Music)
Bravo’s work celebrates the timeless tradition of Bolero music, offering audiences a deeper connection to Hispanic heritage through sound and storytelling. As the first concert in a planned series, this performance will explore the regional variations of Bolero across Latin America, showcasing the genre’s rich cultural evolution.
By launching an ongoing musical series, Sound of the Hispanic Heritage aims to build a dedicated community of cultural enthusiasts, provide a platform for Latin American artists, and foster cross-cultural dialogue. This project will contribute to Houston’s reputation as a hub for diverse artistic experiences, ensuring that Latin American musical traditions continue to be celebrated and preserved. The series starting April 22nd and will conclude with a special event on April 24 at Gipsy Poets in Midtown, bringing together artists and audiences for a vibrant celebration of Bolero music and Hispanic heritage.
Jasmine Williams – Omnes Purple (Music, Dance, Theatre & Visual Arts)
Williams’ multidisciplinary project merges music, movement, and visual storytelling to create an immersive experience that speaks to identity and transformation. By blending multiple genres, eras, and creative visions, Omnes Purple aims to redefine remix culture, showcasing its power to unite artistic disciplines in a bold, original performance.
With a long-term vision of expanding beyond local theaters, Omnes Purple seeks to reach global audiences through major cultural festivals, digital experiences, and interactive media. Through workshops, panels, and innovative tech-driven performances, the project will not only entertain but also inspire future generations to explore new artistic frontiers. The opening night is on August 30 at the Matchbox Theatre.
Judith Castillo – Transformative Theater: A Project for Healing and Creative Expression for Children (Theatre)
Castillo’s project brings theater into the lives of children, using performance as a tool for healing, self-expression, and empowerment. By fostering creativity and emotional intelligence, the initiative equips children with the confidence to share their stories and embrace their cultural heritage.
With a long-term vision of making the arts more accessible, Transformative Theater aims to create lasting community connections by partnering with educators, local leaders, and cultural advocates. Through mentorship, performances, and collaborative storytelling, the project will empower future generations to use theater as a means of self-discovery, resilience, and positive social change.
The program was held during Spring Break 2025 at Midtown Park, offering children an engaging and impactful experience during their time off. On Saturday, April 6, 2025, the young participants shared their work in a culminating performance at the park, celebrating their creativity, growth, and the power of shared storytelling.
Arts Organization Recipients (2)
These organizations are expanding access to the arts through performances, collaborations, and community-driven programming.
Loop38 – Expanding Musical Narratives (Music & Contemporary Performance)
This innovative music ensemble will present performances that push the boundaries of contemporary music, creating dynamic experiences that reflect diverse artistic voices. By partnering with HISD language immersion magnet schools and engaging Houston’s multicultural communities, the project fosters cross-cultural connections through music. Through strategic outreach, including social media, print, and radio promotions, Expanding Musical Narratives aims to bring diverse audiences together for an interactive concert experience. By building on past successful events, the project will continue to redefine contemporary performance while encouraging cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.The initiative will culminate in a public performance on May 18, 2025, at MATCH, offering audiences a unique and immersive musical experience. Additionally, The Sun, the Moon, and the Singing Tree concert at the MATCH gallery will have a lasting educational impact, serving as the foundation for ongoing in-school programs that Loop38 will develop for kindergarten, first, and second-grade students in HISD schools this year and beyond.
The Pilot Dance Project – Fifth Annual Texas Latino/a/x Contemporary Dance Festival (Dance)
Now in its fifth year, the Texas Latino/a/x Contemporary Dance Festival showcases the work of Latino/a/x choreographers and performers, celebrating the evolution of Latin dance traditions in Texas. With a vision to establish itself as a marquee program permanently housed in Midtown, the festival continues to grow, fostering connections with international artists and Latin American consulates in Houston. As the festival expands, The Pilot Dance Project is exploring new funding opportunities, including a potential National Endowment for the Arts grant. Future plans include additional performance rosters, outdoor showcases in Midtown Park, and broader community engagement—ensuring Latin dance remains a vibrant and accessible cultural force in Houston.
Event Dates & Times at MATCH
- April 18 at 8 PM – Opening Night Performance
- April 19 at 3 PM – Saturday Matinee Performance
- April 19 at 8 PM – Closing Night Performance
Bringing Art to the Community
The MidtownHOU Arts Micro Grants are dedicated to making art accessible and fostering creative expression in public spaces. Whether through a live performance, an interactive installation, or a community-driven project, these grant recipients will leave a lasting impact on Midtown Houston.
Stay tuned for details on upcoming performances, exhibitions, and events featuring this year’s artists and organizations. Midtown is a place where creativity flourishes, and we look forward to celebrating these artists as they bring their visions to life.