About LHUCA

LHUCA, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was founded in 1997. Each year we welcome over 45,000 visitors to our campus, reaching individuals of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Heralded as an important catalyst in the redevelopment of downtown Lubbock, LHUCA anchors the north end of the Lubbock Cultural District. Home to the visual and performing arts, we serve artists and arts organizations throughout the region. Each year over 300 artists and 20 cultural organizations utilize our nine buildings totaling 64,000 square feet that are dedicated to the inspiration and incubation of the arts. The buildings provide studio, meeting, exhibit, workshop, rehearsal, and performance space for emerging and established artists and arts organizations. Our galleries are open and are always free to the public. LHUCA is a great place to meet friends, take a break from the office or just sit and reflect, and enjoy our artistic refuge.

“Members of the board of Texans for the Arts left the meeting in Lubbock amazed by the extent of our City’s support for, involvement with, and state of development of the arts. More than once I heard the statement that “...we need to make Lubbock our poster child for what a community of this size can do. Incredible!”. ... My thanks again and my best wishes to each of you personally, and to LHUCA, for its continued growth and success.”
Idris Rhea Traylor, Jr., Board Member, Texans for the Arts

Making A Difference

The thousands of visitors to LHUCA each year reinforce our conviction that the arts are for ALL people. Our unique programming provides creative avenues for insight, learning and fun. We have become the cultural community crossroads.

Spearheaded by LHUCA, the First Friday Art Trail (FFAT) is now in its seventh consecutive year. What started as an art exhibit hosted at three locations and visited by 25 people, FFAT has grown into a monthly cultural event with 18 venues, showcasing over 50 artists presenting all genres of art to crowds reaching 4,000. The arts are bringing the people of Lubbock out and bringing them together. The best part is that artists are selling their works!

“ I was amazed at the huge number of people (thousands) that toured the art center to view the art exhibit. I am extremely impressed with the world class gallery space, the fantastic lighting and the wonderful architectural finishes. ... I currently have paintings in exhibit in other cities, including Dallas and none come close to the Underwood facility. We don’t have anything like this in the Dallas-Ft Worth area.”
Gaylord S. O’Con, Artist, Dallas, Texas

This experience measures not only the power of art, but the basic need for people to gather as a community. This dramatic shift brings a steady stream of diverse populations into town and may be the only event where consistently you will find teenagers on a date, young families, the elderly, and people of all races and creeds. LHUCA is one of the most diverse venues in the region. Not only are we a place that to connect to community, we act as a vital conduit for small business in this region.

“...we were dazzled by the facility itself - what a gem! The range of programs and spaces you have to work with is truly impressive, as is the obvious camaraderie and sense of unified purpose among your staff. ... Moreover, our sentiment seems to be echoed by both the local art community and the city in general. Everyone we talked to - including friends, fellow artists, hotel and grocery store staff - mentioned their excitement and admiration for LHUCA and its presence in the cultural life of Lubbock.”
Diana Roberts and Danville Chadbourne, Artists, San Antonio, Texas

LHUCA fulfills an important supportive role for the ever expanding Texas Tech University System. During semesters the Helen DeVitt Jones Clay Studio is home to the Texas Tech University Architecture Department design class. The 5th & J building is home to the Urban Tech Design Studio and the Fine Arts Department Landmark Arts Satellite Gallery. We continue to successfully collaborate with professionals for Texas Tech to bring the highest caliber of programming to the general public.

Our 159 seat, state-of-the-art Firehouse Theatre offers a versatile and intimate setting for live music, theatre and events. Throughout the year theatrical, music, and dance performances light up the stage. The Firehouse is home of the Flatland Film Series that brings the art of the moving image to this region. The annual Flatland Film Festival presented each fall has gained international recognition with filmmakers and industry professionals. The festival focuses on Shorts, films that are 20 minutes or less in length. During the festival, we present KidFirst! Film, an educational outreach program for elementary students.

LHUCA offers the only state-of-the-art clay studio in this region. Individuals have an opportunity to join the Llano Estacado Clay Guild, participate in lectures and demonstrations, sign up for classes and workshops, or just work in clay on their own schedule. There is always something fun happening and someone throwing clay.

LHUCA recognizes our unique ability to support community members who have been victims and suffered loss. We regularly partner with life needs organizations in our region, providing specialized art therapy classes for individuals of all ages. We also partner with these organizations to present theme based exhibits that raise awareness and provide avenues for people to get involved in helping build a healthy and productive community.

Growing our Vision

We envision Lubbock and the South Plains as a community where the arts are widely valued and visible, where aspiring and practicing artists are supported, and where all citizens have the opportunity to explore and develop their own artistic creativity.

• Serving as the anchor for the arts through promoting the redevelopment and renovation of the cultural district
• Affording the opportunities for the creation and appreciation of art by nurturing regional artists, audiences, and   organizations through accessible facilities and management.
• Positioning the campus as the magnet for the cultural growth and education of the South Plains.

Together we will achieve this vision by engaging the people of this region in the enjoyment, support, performance, exhibition, and production of art.