Allied Arts Association, Houston, Texas.

The Allied Arts Association was formed in 1951 by the Art League of Houston, the Contemporary Arts Association, the Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. On January 8, 1952 the charter of incorporation was filed and approved. It was not the intention of the Association to organize exhibitions, or act as a fund-raising organization, but rather to foster and promote the arts in Houston.

On November 16, 1952 the Association coordinated the first Annual Arts Festival entitled "Art For All." The festival included art exhibitions at the Contemporary Arts Association, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and a special exhibition of works in store windows on Main Street in downtown Houston. The ten day festival culminated with the first Allied Arts Association Costume Ball. The ball featured an auction and was held thereafter as an annual event. It became the organization's only fund-raising activity.

The Association published a monthly Calendar of Events from October through April. The Calendar included a daily listing of exhibitions, lectures, and concerts in the Houston area. The Association also published a brochure listing the events held at the Annual Arts Festival.

In 1956 the Association became the Arts Council of Harris County, Texas. The aims of the Council remained the same, but the organization hoped to attract interest from beyond Houston city proper. In March 1958 the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston submitted its resignation from the organization at the expiration of its term (July 1, 1958). The Museum rejoined the Arts Council of Harris County, Texas in May 1960.