1900 Kane Street Houston, Texas 77007 (713) 802-9370

Purpose and History

Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), is a community-based non-profit organization whose primary mission is to insure the healthy social and intellectual development of the inner-city youth of Houston through education in the Arts. By providing arts education as well as educational and behavioral counseling, MECA is able to emphasize the positive aspects of participants' cultures and offer them ample opportunity for mastering self-discipline and the skills required of any arts student.

MECA grew out of a city-wide celebration of the various cultural groups who live in the First and Sixth Wards of Houston. The festival was developed and sponsored by St. Joseph's Church in collaboration with other local non-denominational organizations. The first festival was held in September 1977 on the grounds of St. Joseph Church in the Old Sixth Ward Historical District. MECA's founder and executive director, Alice E. Valdez, was asked by the parish priest to build upon the spirit of community created by the festival and develop a program that would provide activities and alternatives for the children and youth in the community.

Because of her background and experience as an arts educator, Ms. Valdez knew the value of arts education in teaching discipline, providing a sense of direction and accomplishment, and raising a child's self-esteem. She knew that if a student was sucessful in an art form, he or she was likely to be successful in academics as well.

The St. Joseph Multi-Ethnic Committee on the Arts began with a focus on various types of arts education. When CETA funds became available in the late 1970's, MECA received a grant. It also received 501 (c)(3) status and was incorporated in 1979. In 1993, MECA moved from its home of over fifteen years at St. Joseph's Church and changed its name to Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts.

In its new home at the former Dow Elementary School, MECA is an evolving community center, offering a safe and drug-free environment. MECA has established itself as an organization devoted to expanding the opportunities available to Houston's inner-city youth. It provides instruction in dance (Classical, Jazz, Modern, Folklorico, Popular), vocal and instrumental music, composition, visual and theatre arts. Students from MECA have gone on to study at such schools as Juilliard, New York University, Interlochen, Rice University-Shepherd School of Music, Southern Methodist University-Meadows School of the Arts and the University of Texas.

MECA provides Arts education through three programs. Most students are reached through the In-School Program, which collaborates with the Houston Independent School District (H.I.S.D.). Students who desire additional training are referred to the After-School Program. This program includes training with Artists-in-Residence and performance training for the Sunday Performance Series, which brings master artists, professionals and students together in collaboration. This After-School Program also includes MECA's latest expansion, a Theatre Arts Department and Academy. Classes in this program are also open to adults. MECA's third program is the Summer Arts Program which combines arts education with field trips and recreational activities. Each Summer, students prepare a musical production which tours throughout Houston.

Many students return to MECA as teachers or volunteers to contribute back to their community. In this way, MECA is able to offer substantial benefits to the community for generations to come, as it makes every effort to offer at-risk youth alternatives and challenges in a setting that encourages individuality, cultural-awareness and self-improvement.