About

Only Open to the Public

Established in 1969, Public Art of the University of Houston System (Public Art UHS) is the oldest, most significant and only collecting arts organization within the University of Houston System, the fourth-largest university system in Texas. Public Art UHS’ reach spans the four component universities of the UH System—University of Houston (UH), University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), and University of Houston-Victoria (UHV)—as well as additional campuses in Sugar Land (UH), Pearland (UHCL) and Katy (UH/UHV), making art accessible to millions of Texans.

As the UH System’s premier arts organization, Public Art UHS impacts and enriches the daily lives of the UH System’s more than 70,000 students and nearly 10,000 faculty and staff. Additionally, it serves various communities throughout Greater Houston and South East Texas through robust programming, exhibitions, publications, research and one of the most significant university-based public art collections in the United States. Its unique model of blurring the lines between art and the public positions Public Art UHS as an exemplary 21st-century museum.

Rachel Mohl serves as executive director and chief curator of Public Art UHS.

Our Mission

Public Art UHS engages academic and global communities in an open forum to promote dialogue about visual arts and its relevance to contemporary life. It enriches the cultural and intellectual character of the University of Houston System, and reflects and connects its unique audiences.

Our Vision

Public Art UHS is committed to creating a collaborative ecosystem where publicly accessible art, higher education, and community converge. It also strives to deepen connectivity with audiences in and beyond Houston and to continue to expand our artists, artworks, and programming. To that effect, Public Art UHS consciously works with superior artists who—through their unique life experiences, exceptional creativity, or commitment to pushing public art into new and emerging territories—help us advance this vision and critical goals.

History

The story of Public Art UHS began shortly after the University of Houston entered the state of Texas system of higher education in 1963, 36 years after its 1927 establishment.