A first-of-its-kind exhibition created by HISD Fine Arts students is now on display at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH). The artwork combines dance with photography to showcase the artistic relationship between the two disciplines.

The Power of Collaboration: Through the Artists’ Lens project first came to life in the summer of 2022 during districtwide arts intensives in looking for ways to enhance the student and teacher experience. HISD’s dance and visual art curriculum specialist guided dance and photography students to use the strength of composition, proper technique, and environment to capture the moment.

In total, 13 visual art photography students and 26 dance students from 24 HISD campuses visited MFAH and The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) over the summer and took inspiration from the spaces. Performing Arts Houston also assisted the project with a teaching artist who provided stretching, posturing, and movement instructions to the students. An astounding 24,000 photographs were taken by student photographers. The result was the selected 97 photographs featured in the exhibition.

“The artwork created by the students, both dancers and photographers, was a truly creative collaboration unlike any other HISD and community arts partners have experienced,” said Chandel Hancock, Visual Arts Curriculum Specialist. “It is thrilling to have our young creatives’ talent displayed at MFAH. They are a pillar of our arts community in Houston.”

The Power of Collaboration: Through the Artists’ Lens is on display through April 2, 2023, at MFAH’s Susan and Fayez S. Sarofim Campus in the Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street.