At CHAT (Culture of Health–Advancing Together), the start of 2025 has been full of vibrant activity, deep connection, and unwavering commitment to our mission to partner with and support to grow access to the arts, culture, and creativity.
Over the past few months, we’ve continued to lean into the power of art, education, and community as the heart of our approach to public health and cultural empowerment.
Art as Healing
From the rhythms that waft out of our afterschool music program to the powerful storytelling in our Girls’ Own Stories photography series, the arts continue to be a cornerstone of CHAT’s work.
These art programs do more than teach creative skills—they cultivate self-expression, build confidence, and open doors for young people to explore identity and community in meaningful ways.
This season also brought opportunities to expand our dialogue about the role of arts in public health on a national level. Our participation in the Americans for the Arts convening reaffirmed what we see in our own community every day: art is transformative. It fosters belonging, sparks dialogue, and amplifies community voices. It was powerful to engage with fellow arts leaders and return to CHAT with fresh inspiration for using arts and creativity as a tool for healing, advocacy, and connection.
Education as Empowerment
Education remains at the core of our vision for long-term community well-being. Whether through programs that directly serve youth and families or through our engagement with research and policy, we’re dedicated to creating access to learning opportunities that empower.
In February, we celebrated the opening of a new GRAD Café location—a beacon for students and families seeking guidance on college, career, and financial aid. We also took part in a data-driven dialogue with the Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Center, exploring how research can better inform education and student success.
At community events like the Prestige Learning Institute Fair, we connected directly with families, answering questions and sharing resources that bridge the gap between need and opportunity.
Every conversation and connection furthers our commitment to educational access—because we believe everyone deserves the tools to thrive.
Community as Foundation
None of this work happens in isolation. Over the past three months, our partnerships have continued to blossom, reminding us of the deep value of shared vision and collaboration.
Our participation in the National Immigrant Inclusion Conference (NIIC) strengthened our resolve to advocate for access to healthcare. At powerful Lunch and Learn gatherings, we joined local partners including Connect Community, The Garden, Rainbow Health, Brave Little Company, Nameless Sound, Story Zone Media, and the Houston Center for Photography, to exchange insights on how art, storytelling, and health intersect. These conversations inspired new ideas and possibilities—and deepened our appreciation for the vibrant network of organizations working alongside us.
We’re grateful to everyone who has walked with us so far this year: our students, families, partners, and supporters. Here’s to continuing this journey—together.