This page provides different groups, collectives, meet-ups, organizations, online resources, etc. that give access to communities you can be a part of, either in Houston or beyond.

Online Directories

The following are organizations or websites that provide a free online presence to find other artists.

Fresh Arts Artist Registry – Fresh Arts’ online registry invites Houston creatives to create a profile to make them findable to others in Houston’s arts community.

MantecaHTX – The nation’s first online directory of Latinx creatives practicing in the literary, performing and visual arts.  We are based in Houston, Texas and believe in a need to collectively organize as cultural producers, curators and organizers to fully grasp the artistic landscape of Houston.

Poets & Writers – Well over ten thousand poets, writers of literary prose, and translators maintain listings in this essential resource for literary artists who are interested in connecting with their peers—as well as editors, agents, and reading series coordinators looking for authors and translators for new projects. 

Artist Collectives/Societies/Groups

The following are collectives/societies/groups that offer a membership or events/meet-ups, either paid or free, for community building.

Visual Arts

Houston Art Society – The goal of Houston Art Society is to advance the study and appreciation of the arts through art demonstrations, workshops and art shows. Fellowship is fostered through annual Christmas and Spring luncheons for members.

Houston Center for Photography – Houston Center for Photography’s mission is to increase society’s understanding and appreciation of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture. We strive to encourage artists, build audiences, stimulate dialogue, and promote inquiry about photography and related media through education, exhibitions, publications, fellowship programs, and community collaboration.

Print Matters – PrintMatters is a Houston-based 501c3 non-profit arts organization started by five artists who have exhibited locally and nationally and shares a love of printmaking. Our goals are to promote traditional and non-traditional printmaking, encourage print collecting, and further the professional growth of our members.

Visual Arts Alliance – Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) is an educational organization for serious practitioners of the visual arts and interested members of the general public. Founded in Houston, TX in 1981, VAA is an all volunteer-run, 501(c)3, non-profit organization.

Watercolor Art Society – Houston – Founded in 1975, the Watercolor Art Society – Houston (WAS-H) is a non-profit organization with over 700 members. For over 40 years, WAS-H has brought the excitement of water-media to the greater Houston area with outstanding exhibitions, world-class instruction and dedicated community outreach. Year-round opportunities are provided to every level of painter, from novice to the seasoned expert.

Literary Arts

FuenteCo – To nurture creativity and community, we offer a program of generative workshops and retreats, including our day-long flagship retreat, Write Wild; FuenteCo Write-ats, our ever-moving impromptu coffee shop get-togethers for stray writers; a Youth Studio program where young writers and artists will self-reflect and let their imagination roam free; and a variety of readings, open mics, projects, collaborations, and other events.

Tintero Projects – Tintero Projects / Proyectos Tintero aims to promote writing & reading opportunities for emerging Latinx poets and writers in the Houston – Galveston/Gulf Coast Region.

VIP Arts Houston – For the last 10 years, VIP Arts Houston has bridged the gap between marginalized artists through training, dialogues, and collaborative projects. We have since continued to invest in our community through the creation of more community workshops, The Colony Summit for writers of color, and A Conversation for Colored Girls.

Writespace – Writespace is a 501(c)3 grassroots literary arts organization supporting writers of all genres through writing workshops, festivals, manuscript consultations, readings, open mics, and other events. We seek to give writers who can’t afford to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing the same high-quality training and mentorship opportunities available through MFA programs.

Cinema Arts

Aurora Picture Show – Aurora Picture Show is a non-profit media arts center that presents artist-made, non-commercial film and video.  We are dedicated to expanding the cinematic experience and promoting the understanding and appreciation of moving image art.  

Houston Film Commission – The Houston Film Commission, a division of Houston First Corporation, was founded in 1987 with the purpose of promoting the greater City of Houston & Harris County areas as a film & television production destination.

Southwest Alternate Media Project – Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit media arts center in 1977, SWAMP is Houston’s premier creative resource for filmmakers and film lovers. SWAMP promotes film and new media through education, information, and presentation activities for all ages.

Performing Arts

Dance Source Houston – The mission of Dance Source Houston is to nurture and support contemporary dance artists, the organizations that present them, and to identify and build audiences for contemporary dance in the greater Houston area.

Dramatists Guild of America – The Dramatists Guild of America is the membership association of playwrights, librettists, composers, and lyricists writing for the stage in the United States.

Houston Songwriters Association – Our mission is to support and encourage the art and craft of songwriting, to provide resources and educational opportunities to songwriters, and to nurture a positive environment in which songwriters may fully develop their potential as songwriters. The group meets monthly to critique songs and showcase talent