Houston is full of hidden gems, and one of its brightest treasures is Project Row Houses, located in the city’s historic Third Ward. Known as one of Houston’s oldest African American neighborhoods, Third Ward is filled with culture, love, pride, and impact. At the heart of it all is Project Row Houses (PRH), a one-of-a-kind space where art and community intersect in powerful ways.
The Mission of Project Row Houses
With a mission to “empower people and enrich communities through engagement, art, and direct action,”as stated by Project Row Houses (PRH), they do exactly that. Its programs span from artist residencies, fellowships, and community collaborations to public art initiatives and partnerships with the University of Houston. Stretching across five city blocks and encompassing 39 structures, PRH is more than an art space—it’s a living, breathing community hub.
Shaped by Creativity
When you visit PRH, you step into a neighborhood that has been intentionally shaped by creativity. The project began with the restoration of shotgun-style row houses, turning them into vibrant galleries and cultural spaces. Today, the houses host rotating exhibitions called Artist Rounds, each focused on themes that matter deeply to the community and beyond.
Round 50: Race, Health, and Motherhood
During one of my visits, I had the chance to experience Round 50: Race, Health, and Motherhood. The theme called attention to maternal mortality, especially among women of color—and most urgently among Black women in the Third Ward.
Walking from house to house, every installation offered a new lens on the issue. Some featured wall-sized paintings, others sculptures or photography. One house displayed handwritten letters with deeply personal stories of struggle. Another invited visitors to participate by writing thoughts on sticky notes to add to the conversation. Each space was an intimate yet powerful reflection of lived experiences, research, and resilience.
Connected through Song
While exploring one installation, something unexpected happened—a visitor began to sing. She wasn’t part of the exhibit, but she felt moved in the moment. Her alto voice filled the space, and soon a crowd gathered around her. People clapped, sang along, and shared in that spontaneous joy. It was a reminder of what PRH is all about—connection, community, and the ways art inspires us to join in.
Connected through Motherhood
We left that house and walked into the next, where dancers were arranging the space for a creative performance. To my surprise, I recognized one of the choreographers, a fellow mom I’d met through a local group. She beamed with pride as she spoke about contributing to the round. That’s the beauty of PRH—you don’t just see art, you meet the people behind it, many of them neighbors, friends, or fellow Houstonians.
Connected through Small Businesses
Project Row Houses is also about celebrating small businesses and community entrepreneurship. After touring the installations, we stopped to enjoy food vendors and browse tables lined with handmade goods from local artisans. My daughter made new friends while playing in the open courtyard where families gathered for lunch. It felt like more than a visit—it felt like being part of something bigger.
2025 Business Residency Program
Additionally, Project Row Houses has a Business Residency Program that provides local and emerging business owners who are committed to pouring into Houston’s Third Ward with the support needed to thrive. More specifically, as described on PRH’s Business Residency Program page, their goal is to “invite emerging businesses dedicated to serving communities to collaborate with us in supporting a thriving Third Ward.” These business owners may also have office space for up to three years.
The 2025 Business Residency Program includes four small business owners who are passionate about florals and design (Third Ward Blooms), natural hair care (Back to Natural), health and wellness (Come Bee), and music education (Piano Vibes).
Connected through Community
Project Row Houses is doing important work that goes far beyond art exhibitions. It’s a space where art reflects life’s experiences, culture and history are preserved, community thrives, and visitors, from all backgrounds engage deeply, exploring topics that may be new or challenging, but always meaningful…