OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Houston Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - February 19, 2026

Committees and Commissions — Thursday, February 19, 2026
BodyHouston, Texas
SessionCommittees and Commissions
DateThursday, February 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:30:05

Transcript — Verbatim
0:13

You all are so excited.

0:14

We haven't had a meeting in quite some time, but I'm looking to get some wonderful updates and some other information so that we can move forward with this wonderful committee.

0:27

And good afternoon.

0:28

I am Councilmember Dr.

0:30

Carolyn Evans Shabazz.

0:31

I'm the chair of the Arts and Culture Committee.

0:34

And it's now 2 06 p.m.

0:37

And I hereby call to order the meeting of this committee, the Houston Council for Thursday, February the 19th, 2026.

0:46

We're meeting here in the City Hall Council Chamber, 901 Bagby Street, second floor, Houston, Texas.

0:52

This meeting is open to the public and is being broadcast live on HTV, the City of Houston's municipal channel.

1:00

Presentation materials for today's meeting are also available on the city's website.

1:06

Before we begin, I want to recognize my colleagues who serve on this committee that are present.

1:13

We have Councilmember Julian Ramirez, and we have Councilmember Sally Alcorn.

1:19

And I also want to acknowledge any other members of council who have representation here.

1:38

So thank you so very much for being here and for joining us.

1:42

And to our cultural leaders, nonprofit executives and community advocates, thank you for the work you do every day to strengthen Houston's creative economy and cultural identity.

1:53

And thank you for your patience.

1:55

It's been a while.

1:56

We've been trying to get some things in place and some people in place.

1:59

So, you know, I don't like meeting just to meet.

2:02

And so wanted to make sure that we had something to talk about.

2:05

And so Houston's arts and culture sector is not an accessory to our city, it's foundational to who we are.

2:13

It drives economic development, it shapes tourism, it defines neighborhood identity, it supports small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, and it tells Houston's story to the world.

2:26

As chair of this committee, I remain committed to ensuring that our cultural investments are transparent, equitable, strategic, and accessible across every district.

2:37

Our first item on our agenda is the mayor's office for the up arts update, which is something we've really been waiting on.

2:46

I want to recognize the director, Michelle Lyall.

2:51

And before we move into the formal update from the mayor's office for the arts, I want to certainly acknowledge her important leadership and this important appointment.

3:01

And on February the 13th, 2026, Mayor John Whitmeyer named Michelle L as the C of City of Houston's new director of the Office of Arts.

3:12

The name changed, right?

3:14

All right.

3:15

A new branding.

3:17

Okay.

3:17

I want to commend Mayor Whitmeyer for this appointment.

3:20

The mayor has consistently emphasized that public safety, economic vitality, and quality of life must move forward together.

3:28

And the arts are essential or an essential part of that equation.

3:33

His decision reflects an understanding that creative and cultural investments strengthen neighborhoods, improve access to opportunity, and elevates Houston's national and global profile.

3:45

Mayor Whitmeyer's commitment to building a stronger, more connected Houston includes ensuring that the arts remain central to our strategic.

3:53

I should have let you sit down.

3:55

Well, I'm reading all of this.

3:56

Central to our civic strategy, and we appreciate his leadership in making this appointment.

4:32

Ooh, Lord.

4:34

In 2025, she received the Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Award.

4:39

Girl, you're so accomplished.

4:41

It's just going to take a minute.

4:42

In recognition of her volunteer service supporting and educating Houston's Hispanic community, a reflection of her deep commitment to inclusive representation.

4:52

Her experience includes leading multimillion dollar capital campaigns and serving as development director of El Centro de Corazon.

5:01

I said that.

5:02

I said it did that.

5:04

A federally designated community health center serving uninsured and underinsured Latino patients.

5:11

There she managed communications and fundraising across multiple sites, experience that demonstrates operational leadership and community-centered vision.

5:19

I'm almost done.

5:20

It's like I'm doing the city proclamation, right?

5:23

Anyway, Director Lial has shared that she looks forward to collaborating with arts and residents to broaden support and access to the arts across Houston.

5:32

That commitment aligns with the priorities of this committee.

5:35

Director Liao will officially transition into a rule new role on March 2nd, 2026.

5:42

And I'm not going to read this again next month.

5:44

And we'll work closely with this committee moving forward.

5:50

And certainly want to thank you for your service and for your presentation and for your willingness to partner with this committee as we continue strengthening Houston's cultural landscape.

6:04

Thank you.

6:13

Thank you all very much.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Arts And Culture█████████████████████████████████████████████65%
Parks and Recreation████████12%
Procedural███4%
Public Engagement███4%
Grant Management███4%
Budget██3%
Community Engagement██3%
Historic Preservation██3%
Public Health█2%
Summary of Proceedings

Houston Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - February 19, 2026

The Arts and Culture Committee of the Houston City Council met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 2:06 PM to 3:35 PM in City Hall Council Chamber. Chair Dr. Carolyn Evans Shabazz presided, with Councilmembers Julian Ramirez and Sally Alcorn present. The meeting featured updates on the Mayor's Office for the Arts, Houston Arts Alliance grants, Tranquility Park revitalization, and the Theater District Open House, followed by public comments.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tony Diaz (Nuestra Palabra) commended the appointment of Michelle Lyall as director of the Mayor's Office for the Arts, praised Sergio Silvetta as new HAA board chair, and thanked HAA for a festival grant of $14,500 for the Houston Text Fest (October 17, 2026).
  • Emily Ardwan (Preservation Houston) expressed support for Tranquility Park improvements but urged that changes be reversible to preserve the original 1970s design and commemorative character.
  • Michelle Bontan (Anderson Center for the Arts) thanked the committee for arts support, highlighted the arts' $1.3 billion economic impact, and shared personal memories of the park.
  • Rey Slamidas (Houston Poet Laureate, through April 2027) reported over 60 events since April 2025, noted Houston's vibrant literary scene, and invited all to a poetry workshop on March 21, 2026.
  • Chebak Enterprise Faith to Black representative thanked the committee for grant support for the Faith Black Arts Festival, held in summer 2025, and announced a biennial return in 2027.
  • Manette Pazhall (former arts director under Mayor White and Mayor Parker) congratulated Michelle Lyall, noted the 2015 Arts and Culture Plan still guiding HAA, and thanked the committee for creating the Poet Laureate program.
  • Jason Oliver (Third Ward Cultural District, Hue Arts and Action) celebrated Michelle Lyall's appointment, highlighted recent arts wins (Cam Franklin Grammy, TSU exhibition at Smithsonian), and invited all to PhotoFest on March 7, 2026.
  • Lex Lemaire (artist, medical reserve corps) urged integration of art and healing, proposed a retired rocket for Tranquility Park, raised health concerns for FIFA 2026 crowds, and invited support for her soccer ball art project.

Discussion Items

Mayor's Office for the Arts Update

Chair Shabazz formally introduced Michelle Lyall as the new director of the Mayor's Office for the Arts, appointed by Mayor John Whitmire on February 13, 2026, effective March 2, 2026. Lyall resigned as chair of Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) and thanked the community. She emphasized collaboration, community engagement, and elevating Houston's arts sector. Councilmembers welcomed her with no further questions.

Houston Arts Alliance Update

Taylor Jackson (CEO) and Quang Vu (Director of Grants) presented:

  • HOT Contract: The Hotel Occupancy Tax (7%) funds arts via 19.3% allocation from Houston First. The current 5-year contract (signed 2019) with two 1-year renewals expires end of 2026. HAA received approval to begin negotiating a new contract with the city, aiming to maintain the structure to avoid funding disruptions. The new contract will require City Council approval.
  • Civic Art Contract: The 1.75% set-aside for capital projects funds civic art. The current contract (initial 2-year term ending July 2026) includes three 1-year renewal options. Renewal requires approval by the mayor's designee (now Michelle Lyall) and mayor's approval, not City Council vote.
  • Grant Performance: In 2025, HAA received 883 applications and awarded 443 grants totaling over $16 million. Annual evaluation underway to improve reach and equity.
  • Councilmember Alcorn asked about the 7% city retention from HOT allocation; Jackson confirmed the city keeps 7% of the 19.3% and remits the rest to HAA.
  • Councilmember Ramirez asked about the civic art inventory; Jackson confirmed completion and a website platform nearly ready for public access.
  • Councilmember Alcorn asked about grant size range; Vu stated the smallest is "Let Creativity Happen" (up to $2,500) and the largest is for organizations with operating budgets over $10 million.

Tranquility Park Revitalization Update

Chris Larson and Cassie Hoprich (Downtown Houston Plus) presented a plan to revitalize the underperforming park (only 5-10% patronage of average downtown parks). The park, built in 1979 to commemorate the moon landing, has a damaged fountain (membrane over parking garage needs $50-60M repair). The $5.5 million concept (partially funded: $2M raised so far) includes:

  • Clean & Safe: Landscape repair, pressure washing, improved lighting, security presence, coffee kiosk, and modified walls for sightlines.
  • Places for People: Wooden decking over fountain areas for events (farmers market, festivals), seating, and shade structures.
  • Public Art: Kinetic art referencing rocket boosters, textile shade installation, dynamic lighting projection, and light installations on mounds (lunar topography).
  • Timeline: Initial work by summer 2026 (for World Cup visitors), more complex work through 2026. Fundraising ongoing, including potential CIP allocation and federal appropriations.
  • Councilmember Alcorn asked about the fountain; Hoprich noted a FEMA grant for mechanical repairs may allow misting but not water-holding basins. Ramirez supported the plan, noting the fountain is too expensive to fully restore.

Theater District Open House

Craig Hofschild (Theater District) announced the free Theater District Open House on March 9, 2026 (11 AM-4 PM), featuring eight resident arts organizations with free performances, workshops, tours, and a concluding Houston Symphony concert at 3 PM. Last year drew 7,500 visitors (18,360 venue entrances). New this year: Alvin Ailey workshop and return of free symphony concert. Reduced parking ($7). Hofschild also highlighted community impact: TUTS Disney residencies (200 students), Houston Symphony student concerts (60,000 students), Houston Ballet sensory-friendly Nutcracker, and HGO Grammy win. He noted collaboration among seven cultural districts for a summer arts festival aligned with FIFA 2026. Councilmembers requested media packets for constituent promotion.

Key Outcomes

  • Appointment: Michelle Lyall confirmed as Director of the Mayor's Office for the Arts, effective March 2, 2026.
  • HOT Contract: HAA authorized to begin negotiations with city for a new contract; City Council will vote on final terms.
  • Civic Art Contract: Renewal process to begin with Mayor's Office of the Arts, first one-year renewal due July 2026.
  • Tranquility Park: Revitalization plan presented; $2M of $5.5M raised; committee expressed support for the concept and requested further updates on fundraising and public art details.
  • Theater District Open House: Scheduled for March 9, 2026; committee encouraged promotion and attendance.
  • Next Meeting: The committee will meet on March 26, 2026 (and subsequent dates through December).

Meeting Transcript

You all are so excited. We haven't had a meeting in quite some time, but I'm looking to get some wonderful updates and some other information so that we can move forward with this wonderful committee. And good afternoon. I am Councilmember Dr. Carolyn Evans Shabazz. I'm the chair of the Arts and Culture Committee. And it's now 2 06 p.m. And I hereby call to order the meeting of this committee, the Houston Council for Thursday, February the 19th, 2026. We're meeting here in the City Hall Council Chamber, 901 Bagby Street, second floor, Houston, Texas. This meeting is open to the public and is being broadcast live on HTV, the City of Houston's municipal channel. Presentation materials for today's meeting are also available on the city's website. Before we begin, I want to recognize my colleagues who serve on this committee that are present. We have Councilmember Julian Ramirez, and we have Councilmember Sally Alcorn. And I also want to acknowledge any other members of council who have representation here. So thank you so very much for being here and for joining us. And to our cultural leaders, nonprofit executives and community advocates, thank you for the work you do every day to strengthen Houston's creative economy and cultural identity. And thank you for your patience. It's been a while. We've been trying to get some things in place and some people in place. So, you know, I don't like meeting just to meet. And so wanted to make sure that we had something to talk about. And so Houston's arts and culture sector is not an accessory to our city, it's foundational to who we are. It drives economic development, it shapes tourism, it defines neighborhood identity, it supports small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, and it tells Houston's story to the world. As chair of this committee, I remain committed to ensuring that our cultural investments are transparent, equitable, strategic, and accessible across every district. Our first item on our agenda is the mayor's office for the up arts update, which is something we've really been waiting on. I want to recognize the director, Michelle Lyall. And before we move into the formal update from the mayor's office for the arts, I want to certainly acknowledge her important leadership and this important appointment. And on February the 13th, 2026, Mayor John Whitmeyer named Michelle L as the C of City of Houston's new director of the Office of Arts. The name changed, right? All right. A new branding. Okay. I want to commend Mayor Whitmeyer for this appointment. The mayor has consistently emphasized that public safety, economic vitality, and quality of life must move forward together. And the arts are essential or an essential part of that equation. His decision reflects an understanding that creative and cultural investments strengthen neighborhoods, improve access to opportunity, and elevates Houston's national and global profile. Mayor Whitmeyer's commitment to building a stronger, more connected Houston includes ensuring that the arts remain central to our strategic. I should have let you sit down. Well, I'm reading all of this. Central to our civic strategy, and we appreciate his leadership in making this appointment. Ooh, Lord. In 2025, she received the Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Award. Girl, you're so accomplished. It's just going to take a minute. In recognition of her volunteer service supporting and educating Houston's Hispanic community, a reflection of her deep commitment to inclusive representation. Her experience includes leading multimillion dollar capital campaigns and serving as development director of El Centro de Corazon. I said that. I said it did that. A federally designated community health center serving uninsured and underinsured Latino patients. There she managed communications and fundraising across multiple sites, experience that demonstrates operational leadership and community-centered vision.

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