Houston First
The Houston First and Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) partnership is a newly established initiative recognizing Houston’s cultural landscape by working with artists to activate local spaces. The collaboration brings art out of traditional gallery spaces and the Houston community, creating a vibrant and engaging cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. Artists will exhibit in Partnership Tower, with presentations organized by CAMH curators Ryan N. Dennis and Patricia Restrepo. These sites will serve as dynamic canvases for temporary art installations, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. To ensure the program is Houston-centered, the selection will focus on artists directly related to the region—either from or currently based in the city. This initiative aims to showcase the region’s rich diversity of artistic expression and foster a deeper connection between the public and the arts.
Tay Butler and Lovie Olivia
Houston First
Tay Butler and Lovie Olivia participated in Contemporary Art Museum Houston (CAMH)’s artist-in-residence program, CAMHLAB, in partnership with Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy (HFTC). While in residence, their research highlighted, honored, and animated the critical histories and stories of Freedmen’s Town, a neighborhood established in 1865 by over 1,000 newly freed Black people that is now recognized as Houston’s first Heritage District. The presentation at Houston First is inspired by the ideas Bulter and Olivia were toiling with during their CAMHLAB residency.
Directions to CAMH
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) is only a short commute from Partnership Tower via public transportation or car. Visit the link below for comprehensive directions.