Since 1965, the Houston Arts Foundation has provided for the care and maintenance of dozens of Houston’s most iconic public works of art. We raise funds and initiate programs to preserve and protect Houston’s public art, and promote cultural awareness through collaborations with individuals, organizations, corporations, foundations, and with our Adopt A Monument Program.

The Houston Arts Foundation (HAF) has been part of the community since 1965. Established originally as the Houston Municipal Art Foundation, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has always had as its purpose the preservation and conservation of public works of art in the City’s collection. Since its inception, it was closely aligned with the Houston Municipal Art Commission (MAC), which was established in 1965 by Houston Mayor Louie Welch.

In 1993, the City and the MAC proposed that new works of art would require a donation of 10 percent of their appraised value to be considered for selection in the City’s collection. Then as now, the funds are received from private-sector donations, City grants, and the Adopt A Monument Program. These funds  are managed by HAF and used to maintain and conserve works of art in the City’s collection.

In 2006, under Mayor Bill White, a City ordinance disbanded the MAC. It was recreated as the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA), and the Houston Municipal Art Foundation was reorganized at that time as the HAF, with the continuing goal of preserving Houston’s public works of art. HAA and HAF continue to work in tandem. HAA recommends which works of art need preventative care, conservation, or restoration. HAF reviews their recommendations regarding the work required, the professional conservators they recommend for the job, and the budget for each project. As a Board, HAF either approves the proposal, or requests further information, documentation, or other support. When the HAF Board of Directors approves the final proposal, a check is written to HAA from HAF funds, and the work takes place.

Art objects under HAF care require a minimum donation of 10 percent of their value to enter the collection. These initial funds are restricted and used specifically for the particular work of art. HAF also receives unrestricted funds. Unrestricted funds can be spent as deemed appropriate by HAF. Both restricted funds and unrestricted funds are used as needed to maintain the condition of the objects in the collection.