The arts have always been a staple of Houston culture, but keeping art, and artists, thriving in the changing economy can sometimes take a little more than elbow grease. The First Annual Houston Arts Resource Fair seeks to alleviate the modern issues facing working artists—among them funding, marketing, and health insurance—by connecting them to professional support and service organizations revolved around art in every form.

This Saturday, July 28, from 9am to 6pm at the University of St. Thomas, the Houston Arts Resource fair will host a day-long consortium dedicated to these issues, bringing in industry professionals to discuss the changing face of Houston and opportunities for artists. Key note speaker Dr. Stephen L. Kleinenberg, Co-Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, will present “The Changing Face of Houston: Challenges and Opportunities for the Arts”. There will also be presentations from Thomas Cott, Director of Marketing for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, on marketing strategies and Emily Gray, Program Director of Insurance for Fractured Atlas, on health insurance issues.

Along with lectures and breakout information blocks, there will also be five smART Bar sessions. smART Bar provides attendees with the opportunity to speak one-on-one with industry professionals. The fifteen-minutes sessions allow individuals to ask questions and get advice. Other exhibitors, like the Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts (TALA), will have booths set up to speak with attendees about services and support offered.

For those registered, visit the AIGA Houston booth to meet new chapter President Andy Rich and new Director of Emerging Membership Carissa Hempton. Other new members will be present through the day to speak with current and prospective members, as well as discuss the benefits of AIGA Membership.

Registration for this event is now closed. For a full schedule and more regarding exhibitors, speakers, and event information, visit houstonartsresourcefair.com