Project Row Houses grew from seven artists’ vision of a space for artistic expression radically different from conventional museum and studio practice into an international model for art-centered cultural preservation, innovative neighborhood development, and resourceful community engagement.

PRH proves every day that effective creative place-keeping and community engagement can inspire meaningful and sustained positive change.

Now, as we embark on our 30th anniversary, we should all take a moment to recognize and honor the importance of this work and its lasting impact on the lives of communities near and far.

Project Row Houses is a living monument to the power of collaboration. Through our Social Sculpture model – an approach grounded in the belief that collaboration between artists, neighbors, activists, and innovators can be leveraged to positively transform communities – PRH has consistently provided vital resources to one of Houston’s most historic Black neighborhoods while supporting and nurturing existing community infrastructure.

Our model emphasizes both preservation and elevation: preservation of existing Black culture, traditions, spaces, and places, and elevation of the next generation or artists, neighbors, entrepreneurs, and the Third Ward diaspora.

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary we are affirming that social sculpture is the blueprint for how community engagement, centered in creativity and free expression, can truly make a difference.

By preserving vital cultural elements, elevating marginalized communities, and celebrating each success along the way, Project Row Houses continues to demonstrate how challenges at the local level can be met with thoughtful solutions that bring about transformative and lasting change.

I invite you to join us as we move ahead. Together, we can honor the legacy of this amazing organization as we continue our pursuit of a brighter future for our most vulnerable by empowering people and enriching communities through engagement, art, and direct action.

In solidarity and with gratitude,

Eureka Gilkey

Executive Director

Project Row Houses