PRH Turns 25
Project Row Houses celebrates its 25th Anniversary
Houston, TX – February 5, 2018 – Project Row Houses (PRH) is excited to announce that 2018 is its 25th Anniversary. Project Row Houses was founded with a mission to be the catalyst for the transformation of community through the celebration of art and African American history and culture. While the heart of this mission remains at the core of our work, Project Row Houses has always been adaptive and responsive to our ever-changing neighborhood. PRH’s roots remain deeply planted in the Historic Third Ward community.
“We have so much to celebrate as we continue our work in this historic community,” said Eureka Gilkey, executive director. “We also see this milestone as an important opportunity to pause, take stock, and renew our vision for the future.”
Over the past two decades, PRH has become an international model for artists and communities to address their needs for historic preservation and community enrichment. PRH is excited and proud to share its new mission statement: We empower people and enrich communities through engagement, art, & direct action.
Going forward, PRH has also embraced a new look – one that aligns with the vision and direction of the organization while paying homage to its founding principles. With the development of projects like Trans.Lation: Vickery Meadow in Dallas, TX, and Victoria Square Project in Athens, Greece, the PRH model is tested and active, empowering individuals and communities through collective creativity and establishing sustainable opportunities.
Join Project Row Houses as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary with a series of events that highlights the history and culture of the organization as well as the individuals who have made the past 25 years possible. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit projectrowhouses.org/anniversary.
25th Anniversary Activities
Athens Tour | April 26-30
Experience the PRH model on a global scale as we set off to Athens, Greece and visit the newly established Victoria Square Project. Guided by 2014 MacArthur Fellow and PRH Founding Director Rick Lowe, we’ll see how Athenian artists have applied the PRH model to a community of refugees in need of a catalyst for empowerment.
CommuniTea with YMRP | May 6
To celebrate and commemorate the women of PRH – the legacy of female leadership, contributions, and community – don your hat, sandals, sundresses, and seersucker suits for an afternoon of fun, celebration, and treats! Purchase tickets at bit.ly/teawithymrp
Founders Bus Tours | June 2, 9, 16, 22
Join us for a tour of public art created by the founding artists of PRH. Led by the PRH staff, this tour will feature discussions with founders Jesse Lott, Bert Samples, and George Smith as participants explore and reflect on their rich artistic practices.
Screenings with MFAH | July 13-15
PRH will collaborate with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to showcase filmmakers of color as we screen works that act as extensions of Black Life, explore various means of building community, and illustrate how art is subtly interweaved into everyday life.
DC Trip | August 2-5
Journey with PRH to the US capital for a special tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which houses a permanent display on Project Row Houses as well as work by founding artist Floyd Newsum. We will also be bringing 10 students from the neighborhood so that they can experience the museum and see themselves in the history.
Symposium | September 7-8
This thought-provoking symposium examines the intersection of art and community as well as the founding principles of Project Row Houses and the practices of socially engaged artists. Artists, curators, and organizers will come together to explore the issues that face contemporary art, the Third Ward and other, similarly marginalized communities.
Round 48 Opening + Block Party | October 13
Round 48 will investigate the storied connection between artists and activism within contemporary art. In conjunction with the opening, we’ll be hosting a block party that spans our expansive site with fun games, great food, and amazing performances.
