For over fifty years, Public Art UHS has provided free access to art through its permanent collection, temporary programs, and exhibitions, offering unmediated experiences to diverse communities.
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A COLLEGE OF THE ARTS FOR A CITY OF THE ARTS
Located in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward, KGMCA is a catalyst for exploration and transformation through its academic programs, performing arts centers, museum, and interdisciplinary spaces.
OUR IMPACT
At the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, creativity drives powerful impact. As a key contributor to Houston’s $26 billion creative economy, KGMCA helps fuel more than 180,000 arts jobs across the city. Each year, our students and faculty produce over 200 performances and exhibitions, advancing the arts locally and globally. With 1,500 students from 60+ countries and more than 30 degree programs across three schools, we are shaping the next generation of creative leaders.
- $26B City of Houston Creative Economy
- 180K Arts Jobs in City of Houston
- 200+ Annual Performances & Exhibitions
OUR MISSION & VISION
The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston will become a premier institution for education, scholarship, and innovation in the arts at a major public research university.
The College's primary purpose is the advancement of the arts, through research, practice, and the cultivating of the next generation of creative professionals and audiences. The College commits to sustainable practices in the arts that actively address and advance the public well-being.
ROOTED IN HOUSTON, CONNECTED TO THE WORLD
Collaborations with the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Alley Theatre, Contemporary
Arts Museum Houston, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston provide students with professional
experience and networking opportunities.
Our students and faculty spearhead community initiatives, public art installations, and educational programs that enrich and serve Houston’s diverse neighborhoods across its expansive 600+ square miles.
As integral participants in Houston’s $26 billion creative economy, our graduates play a vital role in advancing the city’s cultural leadership and supporting the sustainability of 180,000 arts-related jobs.
Houston’s robust international connectivity facilitates the active participation of our students and faculty in cultural exchange initiatives, international exhibitions, and cross-cultural artistic collaborations on a global scale.
OUR COLLEGE WAS FORMED IN 2016, BUT OUR HISTORY BEGINS LONG BEFORE THAT
- Pre-2016: Building the Foundation
- For decades, the University of Houston's individual arts programs built strong reputations in music, art, and theatre. The Moores School of Music, established in the 1940s, gained national recognition. The School of Art and School of Theatre & Dance developed their own distinguished legacies, creating the groundwork for future collaboration.
- 2016: A Transformational Moment
- The McGovern College of the Arts was officially established, uniting three schools
under one unified vision. This historic moment was made possible by a transformational
$20 million gift from the late Kathrine G. McGovern, a Houston philanthropist and
former University of Houston System regent who championed education and the arts.
- The McGovern College of the Arts was officially established, uniting three schools
under one unified vision. This historic moment was made possible by a transformational
$20 million gift from the late Kathrine G. McGovern, a Houston philanthropist and
former University of Houston System regent who championed education and the arts.
- 2016-Present: Growth and Recognition
- Since our formation, we've launched ambitious strategic initiatives, expanded our facilities, strengthened community partnerships, and gained national recognition for our innovative programs. Our faculty have won prestigious awards, our students achieve remarkable success, and our impact on Houston's cultural landscape continues to grow.
The Artistic Core of a Powerhouse University
The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts is home to three vibrant schools—the Moores School of Music, the School of Theatre & Dance, and the School of Art—that together form the creative core of the University of Houston. As part of UH’s reputation as a powerhouse of innovation, KGMCA drives artistic exploration and groundbreaking creativity that fuels the university’s impact locally and globally.
SCHOOL OF ARTA creative hub for visual artists, designers, and scholars pushing boundaries in contemporary art and design. |
MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSICA nationally recognized program training musicians, composers, and educators through performance, scholarship, and innovation. |
SCHOOL OF THEATRE & DANCEA vibrant community of performers, directors, designers, and choreographers shaping the future of stage and screen. |
Blaffer Art Museum
One of the most influential university art museums in the country, presenting innovative exhibitions and providing students with curatorial and research opportunities.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts
A leader in interdisciplinary programming, fostering collaborations between arts and other fields while engaging the broader community.
Public Art UHS
FRIENDS OF KGMCA
Your gift to the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts signifies more than support—it reflects a shared commitment to advancing excellence in the arts. As a Friend of KGMCA, you join a community dedicated to fostering innovation, expanding access, and shaping the future of creative practice.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Guided by a bold 5-year strategic plan, the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts is advancing student success, community engagement, and innovation in the arts. Recent initiatives, from wellness programs and multilingual outreach to alumni mentorship and expanded career support, reflect our commitment to a vibrant, supportive, and forward-thinking arts community on campus and in the city of Houston.
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