A major milestone has been reached in the effort to establish a Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex in Houston, as the City of Houston announces $130,000 in public funding for the initiative. The investment marks a bold step toward positioning Houston as a national epicenter for American Latino arts and culture.

The funding—championed by Council Members Mario Castillo (District H), Joaquin Martinez (District I), Amy Peck (District A), and Edward Pollard (District J)—will be directed through the Houston Public Library, which is serving as the city’s official partner in the project. This commitment underscores Houston’s recognition of its vibrant Latino community, which makes up more than 40% of the city’s population, and its dedication to honoring multiculturalism, heritage, and the arts.

“We are deeply honored and moved by the trust the City of Houston has placed in ALMAAHH,” said Carlos Duarte, President of ALMAAHH. “This support is a powerful signal—to our community and to the nation—that American Latino stories, arts, and voices belong at the center of our cultural life.”

ALMAAHH (American Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex of Houston, Harris County) is working to establish a landmark arts and culture hub, tentatively located in the city’s East End—a historic neighborhood rich in Latino heritage. With this funding, the organization plans to advance its capital campaign, launch new programming, and strengthen engagement with Latino artists and audiences across Houston.

Economic studies have shown that the creation of the complex could bring significant benefits to the local economy, including job creation, increased tourism, and higher tax revenues—making it not only a cultural beacon but also an economic asset for the entire city.

“This vote is not just about funding—it’s about vision, belonging, and the future of our city,” said Geraldina Wise, Chairwoman of the Board. “We are building more than an arts complex—we are creating a space where American Latinos see themselves reflected, and where all Houstonians can experience the American story through Latino voices, creativity, and perspective.”

The $130,000 investment provides ALMAAHH with crucial momentum as it prepares for expanded programming and fundraising efforts in 2025 and 2026. It will also support essential site research and planning, laying the groundwork for a future cultural anchor that reflects Houston’s evolving role in the American Latino experience.