HOUSTON, Sept. 14, 2026, Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) will commemorate two decades of strengthening Houston's creative community during The Gilded & Golden Gala: Celebrating 20 Years of Houston Arts Alliance, the organization's annual benefit on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Thompson Houston.

Houston Arts Alliance is the City of Houston's local arts agency and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. HAA administers city-funded arts grants, commissions and cares for the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection, and leads cultural planning, bringing public, private and philanthropic investment together to strengthen the region’s creative life. HAA also operates one of the nation's only year-round arts resilience and recovery programs, helping the creative sector stay resourced and resilient throughout every season.

The gala is projected to cultivate more than $520,000 through contributions to uplift that long-term work through privately raised funds, an essential facet of the organization's longevity in addition to its public facing programming and partnership with the City of Houston. Proceeds from the gala will support Houston Arts Alliance’s ability to respond to the needs of Houston’s arts community, allowing continued investment in Resilience and Recovery, community engagement, data advocacy, artist-centered initiatives, and emerging areas of need across Houston’s cultural sector.

The milestone celebration will recognize the artists, cultural organizations, civic partners, and supporters who have shaped Houston's arts landscape. Debbie Allen, the acclaimed actress, director, producer, choreographer and arts educator, will receive the Golden Trailblazer Award, recognizing her distinguished career and contributions to arts, culture and education. Houston Arts Alliance will also recognize H-E-B as its Community Legacy Honoree for the company's decades-long investment in Houston Arts Alliance, and its commitment to strengthening Houston’s creative community.

“For 20 years, Houston Arts Alliance has worked alongside artists, cultural organizations, and civic partners to help build a stronger creative community. This anniversary is an opportunity to honor that shared work while looking ahead to what Houston’s creative sector needs next: greater access to opportunity, more sustainable livelihoods and the resources to withstand disruption. The Gilded & Golden Gala celebrates how far we have come and helps ensure that Houston’s artists and cultural organizations can continue shaping the future of our city.” said Taylor Jackson, CEO of Houston Arts Alliance.

The evening will be hosted for the fifth consecutive year by ABC13’s Rita Garcia and championed by Gala Co-Chairs Leigh Smith and S. Shawn Stephens. Houston Arts Alliance Board Member and Special Events Committee Chair Lauren Anderson, Board Chair Sergio Selvera and members of the organization's leadership and board will join artists, cultural partners, philanthropists, corporate supporters and community leaders among more than 450 guests.

Guests will experience an evening of art, entertainment and community featuring original works by participating artists, a curated silent auction and opportunities to support Houston's creative future. Silent auction registration is currently available at https://qtego.us/l/haatx/r. 

EVENT DETAILS

What: The Gilded & Golden Gala: Celebrating 20 Years of Houston Arts Alliance

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Time: 6 p.m. VIP Reception | 7 p.m. General Admission

Location: Thompson Houston, 1717 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019

Emcee: Rita Garcia, ABC13

Golden Trailblazer Honoree: Debbie Allen

Community Legacy Honoree: H-E-B

Gala Co-Chairs: Leigh Smith and S. Shawn Stephens

Entertainment: Kam Franklin, Urban Souls, and many more

H-E-B serves as the Gold Standard Sponsor. Generous support includes Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Eddie and Chinhui Allen, Chevron, Jim Jordan and S. Shawn Stephens, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Sewell Automotive Companies Automotive Exclusive, Houston First Corporation, Bank of America, UOVO | Art, Fashion, and Wine, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, United Airlines, Innovating Marketing Group and other corporate and community supporters.

Tickets, sponsorship information and the complete list of participating artists, entertainers and supporters are available at houstonartsalliance.com/gala.

ABOUT HOUSTON ARTS ALLIANCE

Houston Arts Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strengthens Houston's creative ecosystem through programs supported by private, philanthropic and public partners. As Houston's local arts agency, Houston Arts Alliance partners with the City of Houston on key public programs while also delivering privately and philanthropically supported initiatives serving the broader creative community.

Its work includes administering city funded arts grants, commissioning and caring for civic art, leading cultural planning and supporting resilience and recovery efforts. Houston Arts Alliance's mission is to connect Houston's creative community by equipping artists and organizations with the support, resources and partnerships needed to grow and lead with creative strength. For more information, visit houstonartsalliance.com.

Houston Arts Alliance
5280 Caroline Street, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77004 | 713-527-9330 | houstonartsalliance.com