HEARTBEAT OF HOUSTON
Art With a Social Message . . . Inspired Yet?
I
f you cruise the streets of Houston today, you’re bound to notice something special: the rise of public art. In recent years, street artists and creative minds have run wild with downtown revitalization and beautification efforts. When the community donates a wall for an art project, artists and like minds come together to paint the town. One street art project in particular has commanded locals’ attention: the #GIVEhou campaign, with its mission to “inspire civic pride,” said Noah Quiles of UP Art Studio. The #GIVEhou campaign—commissioned by Black Sheep Agency, in collaboration with UP Art Studio, with art by artist Wiley Robertson—asks the community to “picture yourself here because we all need to give back.” What does that mean? It’s quite literal, really. Take a picture at one of the six GIVE murals, then post it to social media with your pledge to give back to Houston. According
"Love" at St. Mark's Street
36 | OPPORTUNITY HOUSTON
04.02.15 GHP Spring v2.indd 36
4/7/15 12:36 PM
PHOTO: TESS COOK
BY TESS COOK
to Aimee Woodall of Black Sheep Agency, they initiated this project with one primary goal: to ignite a conversation. “We wanted to create something that was hard to ignore—something inspiring, something that would give people a reason to think about how they are an essential part of the giving equation.” And it’s working. Hundreds of Houstonians have pledged their commitment via social media to give back to the community already, and the campaign has just begun. Philanthropy is no stranger to Houston, which is the seventh most giving city nationwide, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The #GIVEhou mural collection is an accurate reflection of not only the thriving arts community but also the charitable spirit of our city. Join us with your commitment to Houston, because we all need to give back!
PHOTOS: (TOP) BLACK SHEEP AGENCY; (BOTTOM) TESS COOK
Members of The Black Sheep Agency who initiated the #GiveHou project