Representatives from the Houston Museum of African American Culture, community members and public officials gathered Feb. 5 at the museum to receive a new donation of public funds.
The overview
Orchestrated by council member Edward Pollard and his office, the $25,000 donation is the first donation of public funds the museum has received.
Pollard, a frequent visitor to the museum, said he wanted to ensure that his district is putting money into spaces that uplift cultural diversity.
“This is a space for the public, a space for the public to come enjoy, a place for the public to come and learn, a place for the public to convene,” Pollard said. “And so I thought it was only right that we found a way to provide some public dollars for the museum.”
CEO John Guess Jr. said the museum is the only African American museum in the country that does not have dedicated public funds from public officials. (Courtesy Houston Museum of African American Culture)
A closer look
During the gathering at the museum, CEO John Guess Jr. and Chief Operating Officer Davinia Reed also debuted new technology to make exhibits more accessible.
Through virtual reality technology and in partnership with the Houston Public Library, students and community members across Houston will be able to virtually visit art exhibitions as though they are touring them in person.
“We wanted to find a way to ensure that people all over the city of Houston could enjoy some of the exhibits and some of the art without always having to be in the building, because in my district, sometimes it’s hard, based on resources and capacity, to be able to travel to this side of town,” Pollard said.
Something to note
The new initiative uses Oculus virtual reality technology to bring immersive art and cultural experiences into public libraries, schools, the Harris County Women’s Empowerment Center and other community spaces, according to a Feb. 2 news release from the council member’s office.
The release states the initiative aligns with Pollard’s mission to broaden educational opportunity and technological access citywide, “ensuring that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic background, can experience the transformative power of art and culture.”
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