2003 Report to Friends and Volunteers Current Activities
Viewbook
From the earliest written words about Texas to our modern "Space City," we're launching into the world of publications with an important project that will bring a new cultural perspective to Houston and our diverse history.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#book
Regional Research
Rafting on the Guadalupe River... Horseback riding in Bandera... Touring the Valverde Winery... Dancing to polka music at the SPSJT Hall... Hiking Enchanted Rock... It's part of the research, and fun for everyone.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#region
Educational Travel Programs
The Fiesta de San Lorenzo is going on its fourth century in New Mexico and the immigrant-inspired West Indian Parade in Brooklyn is one of the biggest in the country. Our educational tours seek out these great cultural experiences.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#travel
Youth Education Camp
Many bright kids face dark futures because there is nothing in their world to spark their interest in subjects that may help them stay in school. Camp Dos Cabezas will help many kids achieve success by bringing history alive.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#camp
Photography and Video Classes
The Wall Street Journal featured our cultural and social approach to teaching photography and video last summer. Now we're beginning to produce documentaries and field workshops. Everyone is encouraged to participate.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#class
Documentary Projects
Louisiana shrimp boats, Houston neighborhoods and Mexican markets all contain stories that deserve to be told by people who want others to know about their joys and hardships. Help us record more of the "peoples' history."
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#projects
Internet Features
Thousands of visitors per day are discovering the diverse traditions of Houstonians and the far away lands where they originate. And we are discovering our Internet visitors share equal concern for the social issues we all face.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#features
Internet Resources
Our steadily climbing Internet traffic provides us with a great opportunity to raise public awareness of the multitude of organizations and events in Houston. We need help maintaining these resources for the community.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#internet
Library - Music, Books, Films
The music and images, and the words written about our regional cultures are integral in helping diversify the interests of people consumed by mass media. It's one of our most important goals -- to build collections of these valuable resources.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03a.html#library
Forums and Discussions
Cultural literacy is a state best achieved by people talking with each other. The results in the positive exchange of community ideas during the town hall-style discussions we've organized are indisputable. Were seeking more involvement.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#forums
Educational Programs and Events
The music and message of the Mardi Gras Indians, and the cultural traditions of the Navajo Nation are found far away from Houston, but exposing Houston audiences to these valuable cultural traditions is important for their survival.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#events
Virtual Classroom
Once introduced to great adventurous topics like Cabeza de Vaca, La Salle and John Wesley Powell, people like to pursue their new interests at their own pace. The Virtual Classroom provides a little expert guidance at any time.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#virtual
Educational Media
We've had great fun and fanfare presenting the unique cultures of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico on radio and now we are working to turn many of the topics into valuable educational materials for school and community organizations.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#edmedia
Cultural Advocate of the Year
Cultural artists and social activists aren't often recognized for the work they do to make us think significantly about diversity and quality of life. We name a Cultural Advocate of the Year to give credence to all who work to make a difference.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#cay
Event and Media Planning
The survival of many cultural arts and ideas depends on community support. For many organizers that means drawing an audience for a recital or a film screening. Small organizations need professional volunteer help to stay alive.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#plan
Exploration Boating
It's the original form of transportation on our continent and the way two worlds came together. We've been following the route of Cabeza de Vaca and following narrow waterways to ancient Indian campsites.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#boat
Parade Project
Many cultural traditions and annual celebrations are marked by parades. They are fun to be in and they offer something for children of all ages. We cover many parades and trace their traditions. So what's next? Our own float, maybe.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#parade
Special Projects
From the historic journey of Cabeza de Vaca to the modern issues of globalization and the post September 11 world, we have a great deal of work to do to create dialogue. We need volunteers who are dedicated to ideals of cultural literacy.
http://www.houstonculture.org/report/report03b.html#special
2003 Report to Friends and VolunteersHouston Institute for Culture A 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization