The arts play an important connecting role in society in ways that other sectors cannot. Artists can move through a variety of environments using music, performance, visual arts and other media to address difficult topics, challenge cultural stigmas, bring diverse people together, and provoke new ways of thinking that can lead to powerful social and political changes. In a time of censorship, political bullying, and polarization between people, where do the arts stand today, locally and nationally? What is the role of the arts as commentator and catalyst for social justice? And what is the responsibility of cultural institutions and patrons for preserving the arts as a voice for the public?

In partnership with Houston Grand Opera and in conjunction with their initiative Seeking the Human Spirit, join the Rothko Chapel for a conversation exploring arts and activism in society today from the perspectives of the artist, cultural institution and funder.

The conversation participants include Peter Sellars, renowned opera and theater director and professor at UCLA; Debbie McNulty, Director of Mayor Turner's Office of Cultural Affairs; and Patrick Summers, Artistic and Music Director of Houston Grand Opera; moderated by the Rothko Chapel’s Executive Director David Leslie.

If you could know the truth about the threat of climate change — would you want to know? Before the Flood, presented by National Geographic, features Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand. He goes on expeditions with scientists uncovering the reality of climate change and meets with political leaders fighting against inaction. He also discovers a calculated disinformation campaign orchestrated by powerful special interests working to confuse the public about the urgency of the growing climate crisis. With unprecedented access to thought leaders around the world, DiCaprio searches for hope in a rising tide of catastrophic news. March 21, 2018, at Rice Media Center. 6:30 PM conversation, networking, and a light meal; 7:00 PM screening. Free to the public, though donations are kindly appreciated.

Step Up to the Challenge and join us at the Fight For Air Climb. When you participate in a Fight For Air Climb, you are stepping up to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by lung disease. Participants raise funds to support the mission of the American Lung Association while training to climb 48 floors, 1,062 step to the top of The First City Tower. Whether you are climbing alone or with friends and family, as a part of a healthy lifestyle or in honor of all those who are affected by lung disease, you will achieve a sense of personal accomplishment as you reach the top of the building and the height of your fundraising potential. Every step you take moves us forward in our fight for healthy lungs and clean air.

"When people in a democracy are not educated in the art of living --- to strengthen their conscience, compassion, and ability to question and think critically --- they can be easily manipulated by fear and propaganda.  A democracy is only as wise as its citizens, and a democracy of ignorant citizens can be as dangerous as a dictatorship."

After the recent mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas, students of the school have organized a nationwide protest including Houston, TX to plea for a strengthening of gun laws.

If you would like to have a serious conversation about gun control, the time is now. Students, Teachers, Parents, and concerned citizens are invited to march in solidarity with us. Please share this page with your loved ones and ask them to join as well.

Day of:
* Meet at 9am at Tranquility Park
* March begins around 9:05am — we will march 8 blocks total; to Ted Cruz’s office, then back to Tranquility park going with the flow of traffic
* Rally begins around 10am in Tranquility Park

This event is being put together by local students, parents, and teachers hoping to give a voice to those seeking change. As this event grows and changes, more information will be shared on this page. If you have any resources or wish to help in any way, we are welcoming you.

Outdoor Music, Peace and Justice Festival in a beautiful, shaded setting at the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, with indoor space in case of bad weather. Music! Food! Information Tables! Networking! Fun!

Bring lawn chairs and picnic lunch, or food cooked by Food Not Bombs will be available on site for a donation.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening with peace and justice activists. HPJC member organizations are invited to share information and literature, while everyone gets to have a day of music and food and fun. To reserve space for a table/booth, contact Mark Holt at [email protected]

Free Admission.

Backspace is a rock-n-roll covered band started in 2007, a group of like-minded (and like-hearted) business professionals who want to benefit the Houston community through their music. Their annual show is a themed “one-time-only” performance for charity. The theme for the 2018 show is “Backspace Rocks the A, B, C’s” wherein Backspace will play a 26-song set by 26 bands representing every letter of the alphabet. The concert will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018, at White Oak Music Hall. Come support Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and other Houston charities that are serving our youngest in need, at a time when we need it the most.