If you’re still relatively young and are looking to meet people, there are few better ways to get involved than joining a young professionals group. Amid the frenzied activity of the city, it's a way to get connected and mingle with those who have similar interests and goals.
These young professionals groups are sure to spark a passion in those who want to get more involved in Houston's visual arts and design scene.
When you hear the term "young professional" what comes to mind? Happy hours? Networking? Young professionals groups create opportunities to come together and get involved in the community. And whatever your interests are, there's a group out there that matches up with them.
These young professionals groups are sure to spark a passion in those who want to get more involved in Houston's visual arts and design scene. (And, yes, most of these groups have happy hours.)
Holocaust Museum Houston Next Generation Young Professionals
What do they do? This young professionals group inspires and engages young leaders to teach the lessons of the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred. They collaborate on ideas, and most importantly, promote inclusiveness. They also work to teach young children about their responsibility to society and train law enforcement officers in dealing with hate crimes.
Perks: Invitations to all events, outreach projects and educational programs, discounted rates for ticketed events, 10-percent discount in the museum store and special offers from other partner organizations.
Cost: $50 per person or $100 per couple.
HYPA- Houston Young People for the Arts
What do they do? HYPA aims to promote education of the visual and performing arts. This young professionals group spreads awareness of current cultural events within the Houston art scene. It also gives Houston art lovers a unique opportunity to view and participate in different areas of the arts without having to spend a lot of cash.
Perks: Private parties with the artists, discounted tickets and HYPA-tailored events.
Cost: $20 a year to join, which includes access to all Houston Downtown Alliance and Emerging Leaders events.
What do they do? This young professionals group takes part in events that give a deeper understanding of the museum and what it has to offer while connecting with other art lovers. Menil Contemporaries members enjoy a full season of exceptional exhibitions, special events and behind-the-scenes programs.
Perks: Visits to collectors' homes and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, gallery talks with curators, advance notice of special events and bookstore sales, invitations to exhibition previews, and, last but not least, cocktail parties and social gatherings.
Cost: Starts at $100.
Asia Society Young Professionals
What do they do? The activities of this young professionals group include exploring cultural markets that highlight different food vendors and clothing companies, film festivals with other organizations, family days (activities with children), exhibitions and guest speakers. The signature Leo Bar series combines cultural foods, cocktails, music and networking opportunities, usually with a featured guest, several times a year.
Perks: Discounts on tickets for programs, invitations to member-only events and exclusive access to other Asia Society organizations worldwide.
Cost: $50, including event ticket discounts.
Noteworthy Event: On Oct. 16, Chloe Dao of Project Runway fame presents a mini-fashion show and talk.
Rice Design Alliance (rdAGENTS)
What do they do? This young professionals group brainstorms and discusses events and issues around the Houston design scene. Members of this YP group also get the opportunity to lunch with the experts in the field, including visiting architects in town for lectures.
A unique event organized by the rdAGENTS is Anything that Floats, an annual outing where teams of two or five people construct a boat out of discarded and donated building materials and test its seaworthiness in a race down Buffalo Bayou.
Cost: $45 plus an $15 extra to become an rdAGENT.
Noteworthy Event: The group's annual design charrette is Saturday. It's an intensive brainstorming opportunity where young professionals come together in a shared space and work on same problem all at the same time. This year's theme centers around reimagining Rice Village.
Holocaust Museum Houston's Next Generation young professionals at their kickoff party.
A rendering offers a bird's-eye preview of the new greenspace.Image by by Cong Nie/Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Houston