MISSION

DiverseWorks commissions, produces, and presents new and daring art in all its forms through innovative collaborations that honor each artist’s vision without constraint.

VISION

We honor freedom of expression as an essential tenet of a civil society and know that art carries an astounding promise for individual growth and insight.

Through sharp attention to artistic quality and creative action, Diverseworks:

• will invigorate Houston by fostering civic participation, cross-cultural understanding, and fueling artistic innovation
• will be a nationally recognized artist-centered leader in presenting art that defies expectations
• will supply a steady array of stimulating installations, unlikely collaborations, and inventive happenings
• and will take risks and present work that might not otherwise be shown

VALUES

We value freedom of expression, authenticity, experimentation, collaboration, diversity, and fun.

ABOUT

Founded in 1982 by Charles Gallagher, together with fellow artists Billy Hassell and  Doug Laguarta, DiverseWorks has been a recognized national leader for its ground-breaking programming; as a resource for the innovative and meaningful engagement of communities; as a commissioner of contemporary works in multiple media; and as a force that has shaped contemporary thought and practice in Houston and the nation. DiverseWorks is a leader in the nationwide movement of artist-centered organizations and is a vital presence in national organizations such as the National Performance Network, the Visual Artists Network, and the National Dance Project.

DiverseWorks serves as a forum for issues and works that have no other public outlet in Houston, and plays a similar role nationally. DiverseWorks provides first-time commissioning opportunities for emerging artists, continued support for innovative mid-career artists, and acts as a launching pad for young artists and arts organizations. DiverseWorks supports artists and projects that inspire dialogue about contemporary culture among artists, audiences, and the greater community. DiverseWorks is a local and national source for high quality experiential and progressive works of art that compel viewers to broaden their perceptions of what art is and how art can be a critical tool for addressing social, cultural, and aesthetic concerns.  DiverseWorks has commissioned or organized major projects by renowned visual artists such as Mel Chin, Harrell Fletcher, Maria Elena Gonzalez, Zhang Huan, Alfredo Jaar, David McGee, Michael Jones McKean, William Pope.L, Paul Henry Ramirez, and Marina Zurkow, among many others.  Additionally DiverseWorks has worked with such provocative performing artists as Elia Arce, Andre Gingeras, Pat Graney, Miguel Gutierrez, Deborah Hay, Ayman Harper, Stephan Koplowitz, Donna Uchizono, and numerous others.

In 2012, DiverseWorks relocated to a more accessible and flexible space in the heart of Houston’s Midtown Cultural Arts District. At that time, DiverseWorks unveiled a new logo and a renewed programmatic focus on artists who work across disciplines and engage multiple audiences.  Over the past year, DiverseWorks has presented or commissioned projects that blur the boundaries between visual and performing arts by Elia Arce, Nora Chipaumire, Keren Cytter, Tony Feher, Aaron Landsman, and Liz Magic Laser.