(HOUSTON, TX) November 22, 2021 — Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) is pleased to announce the establishment of a $3.5 million legacy endowment fund by the Windgate Foundation in support of the Center’s Artist Residency and Curatorial Fellowship Programs. This gift marks the first operational endowment fund for HCCC and directly supports two highly visible programs in support of practicing artists and emerging curators. The gift was made by the Windgate Foundation through Arkansas Community Foundation to establish the advised fund on behalf of HCCC and its programs.
The Artist Residency and Curatorial Fellowship Programs are two of Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s most unique initiatives. The residency program supports the careers of practicing artists, while simultaneously educating the public about the artistic practices of a rotating selection of talented makers. The program affords visitors the chance to meet artists from all disciplines, welcomes them into a studio environment, and allows them to see what goes into the creation of remarkable pieces of art. Likewise, the curatorial fellowship develops and champions the next generation of curatorial talent in craft. The three-year appointment provides each fellow with the invaluable experience of working with artists, institutional partners, and the public in learning the professional skills of a curator, while developing their own, unique curatorial voice and perspective.