At the French-American Cultural Foundation, we are inspired by the creativity and collaboration that emerge when art and culture intersect with environmental stewardship.
We are delighted to spotlight Runway R&R, a groundbreaking exhibition at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, that celebrates these ideals.
Presented by Southwest Airlines in partnership with the Houston-based nonprofit design house Magpies & Peacocks, this exhibit transforms retired aircraft seat leather into high-fashion garments.
The Runway R&R Exhibit underscores the importance of sustainability and creative reuse.
A Global Commitment to Art and Sustainability
Houston, known for its dynamic cultural scene and innovation, is home to our sister organization, F-ACF Texas. This partnership advances the cultural dialogue between France and the United States. It is fitting that the city is also the site of this extraordinary exhibition.
The Runway R&R Exhibit reflects Southwest Airlines’ Repurpose with Purpose program, which has reimagined over 1.4 million pounds of retired leather into meaningful, impactful designs since its founding in 2014.
What makes this exhibit even more exceptional is the collaboration with Magpies & Peacocks, the nation’s only nonprofit design house dedicated to sustainable reuse in fashion.
By creating new life for discarded materials, their work aligns with a broader global mission of embracing circularity and mitigating waste—a cause central to many cultural and environmental movements in France and the United States.
Houston’s Role as a Cultural and Creative Hub
Houston has long been a city that thrives on creativity and collaboration. At William P. Hobby Airport, North America’s only 5-star Skytrax-rated airport, the Runway R&R Exhibit elevates the travel experience with its innovative fusion of art, fashion, and sustainability.
Alton DuLaney, Curator of Public and Cultural Arts for Houston Airports, beautifully captures the significance of this exhibit:
“By showcasing sustainable fashion, we encourage our airport guests to pause, reflect, and engage with the deeper message of creativity, reuse, and environmental stewardship. Houston Airports continues to set itself apart by creating meaningful spaces that inspire and connect travelers to important conversations through art.”
Fun fact: Houston Airports has one of the largest public art collections in the aviation industry. At more than 350 pieces, the appraised value of the permanent collection as of January 2023 is $28 million. The value of the collection is set to increase to $34 million by late 2024 with the addition of 12 works of art commissioned for the new international terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH. About 54 million passengers visited Houston’s airports in 2022.
The exhibit encourages us to view art and design through a fresh lens that values creativity as a tool for positive change.
Sustainability and Creativity: A Shared Vision
At the French-American Cultural Foundation, we believe that creative partnerships can profoundly impact how we approach sustainability.
Magpies & Peacocks’ commitment to reducing waste in the fashion industry exemplifies this belief. Their designs have graced runways and cultural events, including New York Fashion Week, SXSW, and collaborations with the James Beard Foundation. Through initiatives like their MAKR Collective, they also empower trauma survivors with skills training and job opportunities, proving that art can be a force for social good.
This collaboration between Houston Airports, Southwest Airlines, and Magpies & Peacocks is an inspiring model of how business, art, and community can work together to create a brighter future.
Experience Runway R&R
We encourage our friends and supporters to visit the exhibit, open now through October 2025, at William P. Hobby Airport. It is a chance to reflect on the transformative power of art.
Houston is a city of innovation. It provides a bridge that continues to strengthen ties between the United States and France. Exhibits like Runway R&R remind us of the importance of these connections and the role art plays in shaping our collective future.
As we look ahead, the French-American Cultural Foundation remains committed to fostering transatlantic collaborations that celebrate art, culture, and shared values. Runway R&R is a shining example of the meaningful impact these collaborations can achieve.
