The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston (IHCH) is a 501(c)(3), founded in 1965 by a group of Houston professionals interested in preserving, enhancing and promulgating the Hispanic culture and language inherited from Spain and Latin American.
The Institute’s mission is to provide scholarship to outstanding students who otherwise could not afford to attend college and to disseminate and preserve the rich culture of Hispanic culture and to highlight the historical, linguistic, scientific, and artistic achievements and presence of Hispanics in the United States, particularly in Texas who are such integral part of our city.
The Institute serves the Houston community through a wide range of Cultural and educational programs, which are provided free of charge or at very nominal cost and may be in collaborations with local universities or other cultural organizations. These cultural activities, which are supported in part by a matching grant by City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, include:
- Visual arts and sculptures exhibits;
- Historical, literary, linguistic, folklore, social studies, and business arts lectures;
- Theatre, poetry, dance and musical presentations.
Education is a top priority for the Institute of Hispanic Culture. To date, the Scholarship Program has award $1,500,000 in scholarships to High School and Universities students. Funds to support the Scholarship Programs are raised from an annual “Noche de las Américas” Gala. This traditional event commemorates the Discovery of America by the visionary Christopher Columbus and recreates all the pageantry of the Royal Court of Spaniard Monarchs Fernando de Aragon and Isabel de Castilla.
The annual Folkloric Festival held at the Miller Theatre in Hermann Park, in honor of Columbus Day, October 12th. This festival is a four-hour, professional produced, theatrical presentation of the music and dance of the Hispanic World. This free Saturday night performance, attracts an audience of over 10,000 people an features the participation of a famous performing artist from the designated honored country of the year. Thanks to matching grants from the City of Houston, Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Houston Endowment, and local corporations and foundations we provide free of charge to the entire community of Houston.
The José Marti Award is a annual literary contest and is to enhance the acknowledge and accomplishments of Ibero-America heroes and literary leaders. Monetary awards are given to the top three essayists.
The IHCH, due to the donations and dedication of its members and patrons especially the late Mr. Keith Jackson, owns its building. The site was renovated by generous grants from foundations, such as the Houston Endowment and the Strake Foundations and from individuals. Today, the Institute of Hispanic Culture continues to preserve, enhance and promulgate the Hispanic culture and language.
In order to continue this longstanding tradition and do even more, we need your help and support.
Thank you.
