Montgomery County $43K Microgrants Fund Arts & Schools

The Woodlands, TX – January 28, 2026 – The vibrant arts and educational landscape of Montgomery County recently received a substantial infusion of support, with $43,000 in microgrants being distributed to 18 diverse recipients. This impactful initiative, a collaborative partnership between The Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC) and The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC), aims to cultivate local arts and cultural programs, directly enhancing the community’s engagement with creative expression. Each of the chosen recipients was awarded $2,500, a sum designed to provide critical resources for specific projects and operational needs.

The grants, announced today, mark a significant investment in both school-based arts education and community-driven cultural organizations across The Woodlands area. The program underscores the partners’ shared vision for a community where arts and culture are accessible and thriving.

On the educational front, several Conroe Independent School District (CISD) campuses within The Woodlands will see enhanced visual and performing arts programs. Birnham Woods Elementary, Irons Junior High, Knox Junior High, and Coulson Tough Elementary are set to receive funds specifically earmarked for new murals, aiming to beautify their campuses while fostering an appreciation for visual arts among students. The Woodlands High School will embark on creating a new glass mosaic art installation, offering students a unique hands-on experience in a specialized art form. Grand Oaks High School secured a grant for a much-needed stage curtain, a vital upgrade for its theatrical productions and performances. Wilkerson Intermediate School plans to undertake a multicultural art project, promoting diversity and global understanding through creative expression. Additionally, photography departments at Conroe High School, College Park High School, and Hauke Academic Alternative High School will benefit from funds dedicated to acquiring new equipment, allowing students to explore modern photographic techniques and develop essential skills.

Beyond the classroom, local arts organizations are also poised to enrich the community with robust programming, thanks to this crucial support. The Woodlands Concert Band and the Montgomery County Choral Society each secured grants to fund new music for their upcoming performance seasons, ensuring fresh and engaging repertoires for audiences. Inspire Productions received assistance for its junior summer musical, a program vital for nurturing young talent in musical theater. The Woodlands Show Chorus will be investing in new sheet music, expanding its vocal arrangements. Christian Youth Theater plans to upgrade its sound equipment, enhancing the quality of its theatrical productions, while The Woodlands Photography League will utilize its funds to host specialized workshops, offering skill-building opportunities for aspiring and experienced photographers alike. Stage Right of Texas is set to acquire a new sound system, a significant improvement for its live theater productions, and The Woodlands Children’s Museum received support for its annual “Shadows on the Lake” event, a popular cultural attraction for families.

Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region for The Howard Hughes Corporation, reiterated the company’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering a rich cultural environment within The Woodlands. “The arts are not merely an amenity; they are an essential part of a vibrant, thriving community that stimulates creativity, fosters connection, and enhances the quality of life for all residents,” Carman stated. “Our partnership with The Woodlands Arts Council allows us to directly invest in programs that bring these benefits to life.”

Jenny Wright, Executive Director of The Woodlands Arts Council, echoed Carman’s sentiments, emphasizing the transformative impact of the microgrant program. “These microgrants provide critical funding that allows these deserving organizations and schools to continue enriching the cultural fabric of our community,” Wright explained. “From providing essential equipment for student artists to funding performances that bring joy and inspiration to thousands, this program empowers our local arts scene to flourish and reach new heights.”

The microgrant program exemplifies the ongoing dedication of The Howard Hughes Corporation, the master developer of The Woodlands, to supporting the community’s diverse needs, a commitment that dates back to the community’s founding. The Woodlands Arts Council, renowned for its annual The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, plays a pivotal role in promoting artistic endeavors and making art accessible to everyone in the region. This partnership ensures that both established institutions and emerging talents receive the backing needed to continue inspiring and engaging residents of all ages.

For more information about The Woodlands Arts Council and The Howard Hughes Corporation’s community initiatives, visit their respective websites.