Houston’s Arts Destination
Welcome to the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts — Home to fearless artists, world-class faculty, and boundary-breaking ideas that define the creative future.
IN THE HEART OF HOUSTON, AT THE EDGE OF WHAT’S NEXT.
We are redefining what’s possible in the arts through bold ideas, collaboration, and a deep connection to our city.
At the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts (fondly known as KGMCA),
we are proud to be a premier institution for education, scholarship, and innovation in the arts. We are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of creative professionals and unlocking the transformative power of the arts to shape society and inspire change.
Located in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward, KGMCA serves as a catalyst for exploration and transformation through its academic programs, performing arts centers, museum, and interdisciplinary spaces. Our students and faculty advance the future of the arts through bold experimentation, focused study, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As one of the nation’s leading cities for the arts, Houston provides a dynamic environment rich with opportunities for creative collaboration and professional growth.
This vibrant cultural landscape, along with its extensive network of professionals and institutions, offers KGMCA students and faculty unparalleled resources to innovate and contribute meaningfully both locally and beyond.
Rooted in both tradition and progress, KGMCA values the mastery of craft alongside the continual reimagining of creative practice. We view the arts as a vital means of exploring ideas, fostering connection, and deepening our engagement with the complexities of the world.
MAKE THE ART THAT
MOVES THE WORLD
At the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, we’re looking for thinkers, makers, performers & visionaries ready to shape the future of the arts. Whether you're pursuing visual art, performance, design or scholarship, you’ll find a community that challenges, supports & inspires you to grow.
This is a place where creativity, discipline, and innovation drive everything we do—start your journey here.
BFA Stage Management, Class of ’17 & MA Arts Leadership, Class of ’27
"My time at KGMCA has led to a dynamic career in the arts, influencing institutional strategy, process, & impact. Returning for a master’s will allow me to give back to an industry that has shaped me."
–Shelby Connolly, Project Manager, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
FEATURED EVENTS
From concerts & exhibitions to theatre productions & guest lectures, KGMCA hosts
dynamic events year-round. Explore our full calendar to see what’s coming up.
Houston Shakespeare Festival presents: Henry V
July 31, August 2, 4, 6, & 8, 2025 HENRY V by William Shakespeare Directed...
Houston Shakespeare Festival presents: HENRY V
July 31, August 2, 4, 6, & 8, 2025 HENRY V by William Shakespeare Directed...
Houston Shakespeare Festival presents: As You Like It
August 1,5, 7, & 9, 2025 AS YOU LIKE ITBy William Shakespeare Directed...
HSF Alumni Night
Alumni Association meet up at Miller Outdoor Theatre for HSF Operning Night.
Houston Shakespeare Festival presents: Henry V
July 31, August 2, 4, 6, & 8, 2025 HENRY V by William Shakespeare Directed...
KGMCA NEWSROOM
School of Art
2025
An Artistic Retreat
An inside look at UH’s Elgin Street Studios, a purpose-built artistic haven where MFA and sculpture students are taking their work to new heights.
School of Theatre & Dance
2025
From UH to the Big Screen
Alum Sarah Cortez makes her feature film debut as Long Shadows premieres in Texas—marking a bold new chapter in her rising career on screen.
Mitchell Center
2025
Call and Response Provides Authentic Collaboration Among the Arts
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts Visiting Artists Work with Students to Visualize the Structure of Sound.
Moores School of Music
2025
Between Music & a Doctoral Degree
Tugce Ozcivan shares the art of balancing passion and perseverance.
Join the Alumni Association
The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts Alumni Association is a vibrant community where the creative spirits of the Moores School of Music, the School of Art, and the School of Theatre & Dance beautifully intertwine.
Our alumni association goes beyond celebrating the arts; it embraces the entire spectrum of the University of Houston’s rich traditions, proudly welcoming and including all members from the Spirit of Houston. Together, we foster pride and connection among all who make the UH Cougar experience unforgettable.
Whether you’ve performed on our stages, exhibited your work in our galleries, led crowds in cheers, or marched with the band, you have a place here. Welcome to a community that celebrates every facet of our shared UH heritage.
Research Excellence
in the Arts
In 2024, faculty in the McGovern College of the Arts premiered work around the world, earned national and international recognition, and published with leading academic and artistic platforms. Their contributions—spanning performance, research, curation, and community engagement—demonstrate the depth and reach of our creative scholarship.
2024 Impact at a Glance:
- 439 performances, exhibitions & productions
- 47 publications across the visual arts, music, theatre & interdisciplinary research
- $488,000+ awarded in grants and fellowships
- Faculty presented work in 20+ countries
- Featured in media, galleries & lecture halls worldwide
LET’S GET YOU THE RIGHT INFO
Curious about programs, events, venues, or other ways to engage with KGMCA? Fill out the form and we’ll connect you with the right details.