Through this program we engage the talents and creative abilities of artists to solve economic, cultural and social challenges in the natural and built environment in which we live, work and serve. There are several components to this program including:

• Cultural/Historic Preservation and Tourism: We collaborate to create, promote and preserve points of interest for residents of and visitors to Houston. The Jubilee Quilt Circle meets each Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Novice and experienced quilters are invited to join the Circle and learn this historic craft. The Collective’s exhibitions are designed to celebrate Houston’s history and to provide new insights into the city’s expansive art offerings.

• Community events and festivals features and promotes local talent through our collaborations and cooperative ventures with other community organizations. We are associated with the annual Kwanzaa celebrations, Redefinition presentations, African American history observances, PanAfrikan Cultural Festival (PACFest) and Juneteenth and participate with others to promote and preserve evidence of our cultural traditions and values.

• Public art is the highest form of art because it is highly accessible. Our first building was our initial public art project. With the help of approximately 30 intergenerational volunteers, Texas artists Ruth McNay and Anastasia Sams designed, created and installed their respective aspects of the façade of our facility at 1501 Elgin. Subsequently, Reginald Adams, Roland Lawar and Kirk McMillan contributed additional sculptural and mosaic elements to further enhance the building while communicating positive messages to people who transit through the area. Reginald Adams facilitated the design elements that were installed at the Mickey Leland Memorial Park. Roland Lawar and Buffalo Bayou Art Park were our collaborators in the temporary installation of “Family of Man” at Baldwin Park. Marsha Dorsey Outlaw designed and fabricated the elements that have made Peggy Park such a spectacular green space. Ann Johnson and The Collective have engaged the public in activities at the new park at Palm Center.

• Publications assist visual artists in the documentation of the work of our time. Our role in this endeavor is to assist in the design, printing and distribution of their work to increase the accessibility of their work in the marketplace.