» Multicultural Education and Counseling Through the Arts (MECA)

MECA's mission is to promote the social, cultural and academic development of at-risk, inner-city youth through education in the arts. MECA offers classical and ethnic arts education, sports and recreation and support services to approximately 3,000 students a year through the In-School, After-School, and Summer Arts Programs. MECA has served Houston’s First Ward, Sixth Ward, Near Northside, and Heights Districts since 1977, providing a variety of arts education opportunities, community performances, public art and cultural celebrations.

The Old Sixth Ward Fun n' Food Fest, a citywide celebration of the diverse cultures represented in the First and Sixth Wards, was the impetus for what is now known as MECA. This annual festival originated in September 1977 at St. Joseph Church. Community leader and music educator Alice Valdez was asked to develop a special program that would build upon the community spirit created by the festival and provide year round fine arts activities and alternatives for children and youth in the community. As a result, and at further recommendation of the Cultural Arts Council of Houston, the festival organization merged with the Alternative Arts Education Program to become St. Joseph Multi-Ethnic Cultural Arts.

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