Michelle Anderson Bonton, Founder and Executive Director of the Harris County Cultural Arts Center (HCCAC) in Houston, Texas, shares her journey with HCCAC, its impact on the underserved BIPOC communities in Harris County, and how receiving the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) award has been of great importance for her organization.
The Beginnings of HCCAC
HCCAC was incorporated in 2018 as the first and only arts organization in East Harris County, Houston. Before its establishment, the area lacked cultural assets like museums, galleries, and performance venues. Residents traveled long distances to experience live performances or art and culture. HCCAC filled this void by providing opportunities for shared community experiences, effectively anchoring exhibits with community lectures and discussions centered on the Black experience to promote cultural healing.
Serving the Community
HCCAC’s mission is to expand arts access to over 70,000 residents in East Harris County, serving communities such as Pleasantville, Settegast, Lakewood, Scenic Woods, and neighborhoods along Federal Rd, near I-10 East, North Shore, and Sheldon. These communities are predominantly Hispanic, Black, and White, with a median household income of $83,000. HCCAC aims to uplift underserved and under-resourced areas, addressing high poverty and unemployment rates while enhancing the quality of life through arts and cultural initiatives.
Supporting Black Creatives
In addition to community engagement, HCCAC empowers Black creatives to succeed in the arts industry. Currently, the organization supports nine Black creatives with studio space, stipends, and opportunities to present and exhibit their work. This enriches the local artistic landscape and helps artists compete more successfully in the marketplace through business development and mentoring.
The BANF Grant
HCCAC received the BANF grant, which Michelle describes as a straightforward application process with clear guidelines. When the award was approved, she felt that her organization had been seen and heard and that the funds were crucial for operational sustainability. The grant also positioned HCCAC as a credible organization for the public, resulting in an additional $150,000 in funding.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, HCCAC plans to use its grant funds to pay staff and expand its Artist in Residence program. The organization also has ambitions to create a “maker” room for artists, implement capital improvements to its facility, and retire the property debt, which would significantly bolster its annual operating budget.
Collaboration with BANF Recipients
HCCAC has formed strong partnerships with other BANF recipients like the Houston Artist Collective and Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective, fostering a collaborative environment to further their shared missions.
Message to Greater Houston Area
HCCAC is dedicated to improving lives by expanding arts access and preserving Black history and culture through supporting Black creatives. By mitigating structural barriers that hinder the work of Black artists, HCCAC amplifies their voices, showcases their art in underserved areas, and carries forward the stories of Black people in a meaningful way, contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive Houston community.