Photo Forum, a patron group that supports the photography department, was founded in 1988 and since then has made possible the acquisition of more than 400 Modern and contemporary photographs. Photo Forum is designed to bring photography collectors and devotees into closer contact with the Museum's gifted curators and renowned collection through behind-the-scenes seminars led by the curatorial staff on a variety of topics related to the collection, special tours and opening receptions of the Museum's photography exhibitions, talks by visiting artists and scholars, and visits to prominent private collections. Photo Forum members at all levels are entitled to cast ballots on works proposed for acquisition at the annual “Vote Night,” the celebratory climax of each year's calendar. This ongoing program of activities has proven to be a stimulating and enriching experience for photograph collectors and enthusiasts, and the Photo Forum has become a vital source of support for photography at the MFAH, helping the Museum meet its mission of bringing the very best of the art of photography to a broad public.