Fresh Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Houston artists with opportunities to build knowledge, amplify resources, and connect communities.

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SUBMIT to Midtown Artist in Residency #1

midtown logo 

Midtown Artist in Residency #1

Open to: Houston-based Individual Artists 

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026, by 11:59 PM

Residency Period: April–July 2026

Award: $20,000 to one emerging or mid-career Houston artist

View the Residency Handbook for more info

 

Summary

The Midtown Artist in Residency Program supports one emerging or mid-career Houston artist through a four-month, in-person residency from April through July 2026.

As a Texas-designated Cultural Arts District with 14 arts organizations, Midtown is committed to strengthening Houston’s creative ecosystem and investing in local artists. This residency provides dedicated workspace, financial support, professional visibility, and opportunities for meaningful community engagement within Midtown.

The selected artist will receive:

  • 24/7 access to a private office-suite workspace
  • A $20,000 stipend
  • Professional documentation support
  • Marketing and promotional support from Midtown’s in-house team
  • Access to Midtown’s cultural partners
  • A featured presentation at the April Cultural Arts Mixer
  • A culminating public presentation at the conclusion of the residency

Artists are expected to complete three community engagement activities, participate in one Cultural Arts & Entertainment Committee meeting, attend monthly check-ins, and submit final documentation and a written reflection by July 31, 2026.

This application is for Residency Cycle One, April through July 2026.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Reside in Houston or Harris County
  • Identify as an emerging or mid-career artist
  • Work in any artistic discipline, including visual, literary, performance, digital, multimedia, or interdisciplinary practices
  • Commit to an in-person residency from April through July 2026
  • Attend the April Cultural Arts Mixer
  • Complete three community engagement activities within Midtown
  • Attend one Cultural Arts & Entertainment Committee meeting
  • Not be currently enrolled in a full-time art-related degree program

Midtown welcomes artists from all backgrounds and experiences. The residency space is accessible, and accommodations can be arranged as needed.

 

What Midtown provides:

  • Dedicated private workspace within the Midtown Management District building
  • $20,000 stipend
  • Marketing and visibility support from Midtown’s in‑house team
  • Professional documentation support
  • Access to Midtown cultural partners and networks
  • Event space for talks, workshops, or presentations

Midtown does not provide housing, travel, food, specialty equipment, or materials.

View the Residency Handbook for more info

 

 

 

Residency Expectations

This application is for Residency Cycle #1 (April–July 2026)

  The selected artist will:

  • Attend an onboarding session
  • Participate in monthly check-in meetings
  • Lead (3) three community engagement activities
  • Present at the April Cultural Arts Mixer
  • Attend one Cultural Arts & Entertainment Committee meeting
  • Complete a final public presentation
  • Submit final documentation and a written reflection
  • Return the workspace in original condition

At least one community engagement activity must connect meaningfully to Midtown’s people, businesses, parks, history, or cultural identity.

 

Alumni Engagement

Midtown is committed to long-term relationships with residency alumni. Post-residency engagement may include:

  • Continued promotion through Midtown channels
  • Invitations to future events
  • Eligibility for panels or mentorship roles
  • Consideration for future programs 

 

 

Applicant Information

1. Full Name:  

2. Artist Name (if different):  

3. Email Address:  

4. Phone Number:  

5. Website/Portfolio Link:  

6. Social Media Handles:  

   – Instagram:  

   – Other:  

7. Primary Artistic Discipline:

 

Artist Background

8. Artist Statement (300–500 words):  

9. Artist Biography (150–300 words):  

10. Resume or CV (optional; upload PDF):  

11. Upload 5–7 Work Samples (JPG, PNG, PDF, or MP4):  

12. Image List (1 page describing each work sample):  

13. Recommendations: Provide contact information for 1–2 past project partners, commissioners, or collaborators:

14. Previous Residency Experience:

 

Residency Proposal

15. Project Title (Working Title Accepted):  

16. Project Description (300–500 words): Describe your concept, themes, and how your work relates to Midtown.  

17. Proposed Community Engagement Activities: Describe three (3) activities you plan to lead. Examples include:

   • Workshop  

   • Artist talk  

   • Demonstration  

   • Neighborhood activation  

18. Proposed Final Residency Presentation:

   • Describe how you would like to present your completed work at the end of the residency.  

19. Engagement Budget Plan:

   • Provide a simple estimated budget (max 1 page) outlining how you plan to allocate stipend funds toward materials, supplies, and community engagement activities.  

20. How will your work benefit or reflect the Midtown community? (150–300 words):  

21. How does this residency align with your professional goals? (150–300 words):

 

Residency Requirements Confirmation

22. Are you available for the full residency period (April–July 2026)? (Yes/No)  

23. Can you attend the April Cultural Arts Mixer? (Yes/No)  

24. Can you attend one C+A Committee Meeting (Third Tuesday)? (Yes/No)  

25. Can you complete three community engagement activities? (Yes/No)  

26. Can you deliver final artwork, final presentation, written reflection, and documentation by July 31, 2026? (Yes/No)

 

Logistics & Support Needs

27. Do you require any accommodation or supports?  

28. Will your project require outdoor space or community partnerships? If yes, describe:

 

Reference Requirements

Each reference must be someone who has worked with the applicant in one of the following capacities:

  • A project partner, collaborator, or creative team lead
  • A commissioning organization or client for a past artwork, design, or installation
  • A supervisor, curator, program manager, or arts administrator familiar with your work
  • For emerging artists: a mentor, educator, or community arts program lead may be used

Personal references will not be accepted.

 

Information to Provide for Each Reference

For each reference, applicants must include:

  1. Name
  2. Organization / Role
  3. Relationship to Applicant (e.g., commissioning client, curator, project partner)
  4. Phone Number
  5. Email Address
  6. Brief Description of Work Completed Together  (1–2 sentences, e.g., mural commission, design project, public program, exhibition collaboration)

References will be contacted only if the applicant advances to the finalist round.  Midtown Houston and its project partners may reach out to confirm:

  • Quality and professionalism of past work
  • Ability to meet deadlines and project expectations
  • Communication and collaboration style

Capacity to execute public-facing work in community environments

 

Optional Demographic Information

29. Race/Ethnicity (optional):  

30. Gender Identity (optional):  

31. Age Range (optional):  

32. Zip Code of Residence:

 

Certification

33. Applicant Agreement:  

By submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is true and complete. I understand and agree to the expectations of the Midtown Artist in Residency Program, including:

  • Completing three community engagement activities  
  • Participating in the April Cultural Arts Mixer  
  • Participating in one C+A Committee meeting  
  • Completing monthly check‑ins  
  • Providing required documentation and deliverables  
  • Returning the workspace to its original condition  

 

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a juror panel composed of arts professionals, community members, and cultural partners. Final selection is made through a juried process with staff oversight.

Selection criteria include:

  • Artistic quality and professionalism
  • Feasibility of the proposal
  • Relevance to Midtown
  • Strength of community engagement plan
  • Overall fit with residency structure

We highly recommend drafting your responses in a Word document to prevent saving errors when working in Submittable. The deadline is 11:59 PM on March 15, and late submissions will not be accepted. Please allow plenty of time to enter your answers and avoid technical difficulties. For any Submittable technical issues, applicants should contact Submittable directly.

__________________________________________ 

Please note that Fresh Arts is facilitating this call on behalf of Midtown. For all application questions, contact: csnipe@midtownhouston.com

 

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SUBMIT to Fiscal Sponsorship Annual Project Report FY2025

This report should reflect the 2025 fiscal year (January - December 2025). The report is an annual requirement for all fiscally sponsored projects at Fresh Arts and is due no later than January 31, 2026. Failure to submit this form will put a hold on your fiscal sponsorship account and funds will be withheld until submitted. If you have any questions, please contact Fresh Arts' Fiscal Sponsorship Manager at fiscalsponsorship@fresharts.org.

 

SUBMIT to Fresh Arts Fiscal Sponsorship Application

Fiscal Sponsorship Applications – Currently Closed

Applications are temporarily being accepted on a case-by-case basis; however, only pre-approved projects that have met with our team may submit an application.


Before You Apply
Please review the Fiscal Sponsorship FAQs and schedule a meeting with the Fiscal Sponsorship Coordinator (by emailing fiscalsponsorship@fresharts.org) before the 15th of the month. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis with deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

A $25 non-refundable application fee is required for your application to be reviewed. You can pay the fee through our payment page.


Application Review Process
Fiscal sponsorship applications are reviewed quarterly by a committee, with final recommendations subject to approval by the Fresh Arts Board of Directors. Please allow sufficient time for this approval process before you begin fundraising for your project.

If you already have a budget, mission statement, and project description prepared, the application should take approximately 30–45 minutes to complete. Click here to download a budget template for your application


Important Note
Fresh Arts is a small organization with limited capacity to support fiscally sponsored projects. If our program reaches capacity, we reserve the right to decline otherwise eligible applications or temporarily close the application process.


Questions:  fiscalsponsorship@fresharts.org

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SUBMIT to Fiscal Sponsorship Renewal Form

This form is an annual requirement for all fiscally sponsored projects at Fresh Arts to process their renewal. Failure to submit this form will put a hold on your fiscal sponsorship and funds will be withheld until submitted. If you have any questions, please contact Fresh Arts' Fiscal Sponsorship Manager, Mary Forbes at: mary@fresharts.org.

After submitting this form, don't forget to pay the $100 renewal fee here. Submission of the renewal form and fee are required to process a new fiscal sponsorship contract.

Once we receive your completed renewal form and payment, we will send the new contract via DocuSign for your signature. With the contract, you will also be required to submit an updated W9 for the new year. 

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SUBMIT to Call for Designs: 2026 Jazz Music Icons (Midtown)

 

 

 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

  • Deadline to apply: TUE, March 10, 2026  at 11:59PM
  •  Artist/Designer Honorarium: $1,500
  •  Applicant Notification: Friday, March 13, 2026 via email
  •  Questions: opportunity@fresharts.org 

____________________   

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District is seeking local artists and graphic designers to create an original and uniquely inspired design. The design is honoring the 100th birth anniversary of three American Music Icons: trumpeter Miles Davis; saxophonist John Coltrane and composer Morton Feldman. 

Midtown Houston and the world will hold events to honor these musical geniuses and celebrate International Jazz Day on April 30th.

The selected design will be used to create a large-scale temporary public art display using 3M vinyl face wrap on the iconic Midtown sign located in Bagby Park (415 Gray Street) .      

One selected artist will receive a $1,500 honorarium for their winning design and participation in a professionally recorded interview about their work and inspiration. 

Applicants should include with an original design and a short 250-word artist bio. Also include a written document that shares your inspiration and significance of the design. If there are people on the sign, please identify them and their part in the history of the community. 

Submissions will be accepted from Monday, February 9 through Tuesday, March 10, 2026. All artists will be notified of their application status on or before Friday, March 13, 2026, by email through the Submittable portal. 

Please note: the selected artist will have a tight turnaround time to submit a final print-ready design no later than 3 pm on Monday, March 16. 

 

PROJECT DETAILS:

  • What: Large-scale temporary public art display using 3M vinyl face wrap on the iconic Midtown sign in Bagby Park.
  • When: The sign wrap will be printed and installed by a third party on March 25, 2026. The public art installation will be on view through May 1, 2026.
  • Where: The iconic Midtown Sign, located at Bagby Park, 415 Gray Street, Houston, TX 77006.
  • Who: This project is coordinated by the Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District and funded by the Houston Endowment.
  • Why: We believe in public art and providing opportunities for artists to work and be seen

 

Call to Creatives: Since 2022 the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District has invited artists/graphic designers to participate in the creation of a large-scale public art project based on specific themes. We are seeking artwork and designs that are thoughtful, creative  and celebrate the who we are as Houstonians. Jury panels are looking for exceptional quality, uniqueness and standout design elements.

The artwork/design must be original and of the artist/designer’s hand. NO appropriated artwork or designs will knowingly be selected. Artist/designers will be asked to sign a document acknowledging the authenticity of the work. 

 

ARTIST PARTICIPATION:

The selected artist must be available to participate in an artist’s talk on installation day (March 25th). We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and work associates. There will be professional photography and video of the artist’s talk.

March TBD  -  Meet the Artist – We want the selected artist to participate in a professionally recorded interview about their work and the inspiration that fueled their design. This interview will be made available on Midtown Houston social media and gifted to the other participating organizations.

 

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFO:

  • The Midtown Cultural Arts District will cover the entire cost of supplies and labor to install the project.
  • The selected artist will not incur any fees or responsibilities regarding the costs of this major public art installation.
  • Midtown Houston will cover the cost of professional photography, video, marketing, and promotion of the project and the artist.
  • All photography and video funded by Midtown will be the property of the Midtown Management District.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Contact Information: Required information includes name, email address, and cell phone (hidden from reviewers).
  2. Letter of Interest: Describe your interest in this project and how your design honors this artist call. 
  3. Proposed Design: Upload your proposed sketch or design (up to four attachments). The design does not need to be "print ready".
  4. Relevant Work Samples: Up to four (4) images of prior works that demonstrate your artistic style and the caliber of your work. Due to the blind voting process, please avoid including any identifying information such as name or handle.

 

REVIEW PROCESS + SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel, which will include Midtown Houston representatives, and selected through a blind voting process. Selections will be based on the following criteria:

  • Project Alignment: The letter of intent and proposed design clearly communicate the artist’s interest in the project and align with the overall goals of the project.
  • Artistic Excellence: Submitted images demonstrate the caliber of the artist(s) previous work and artistic style.

 

PROJECT TIMELINE:

  • February 9 - March 10: RFP Application Period (Deadline: March 10 at 11:59 PM)
  • March 13: Artist notified via Submittable. NOTE: Tight turnaround time (3 days) to deliver final files. 
  • March 16: Print-ready design due to printer.
  • March 25 (TIME TBD): Sign Wrap installation (by 3rd party) and artist talk. The selected artist may participate in a professionally recorded on-site interview about their work and the inspiration behind it.
  • May 1: Sign Wrap removed by a 3rd party.

 

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

The sign wrap will be installed by Got Signs by Xtickers Designs, Inc. The Midtown letters face wrap is 3M Vinyl Wrap. It is a full color digital print produced with OEM Mimaki Inks with True Solvent UV non fading inks 3M IJ180-V3 with 3M Matching Lamination ControlTac Technology. This will be professionally installed by certified technicians.

Acceptable design files for the application process include PDF and JPEG; however, the final design must be provided in high-resolution format (PDF, AI, PSD, EPS, TIFF). The selected artist will be given approximately one week from the date of notification to provide the final print-ready design. Additional technical requirements will be provided to the artist upon selection.

 

SIGN DIMENSIONS: The attached template is for artists to use to create designs on the midtown sign. Do not change the size of the template, it is already to scale.

The sign consists of the word “midtown” in metal/ steel lowercase letters that are approximately 8 feet tall and span approximately 81 ft across a raised concrete stage. There are multi-color LED lights below each letter, that are turned on nightly. 

We encourage you to do a site visit and view past installations for an understanding of the size and scale of the project.

 

DESIGN TIP: The best design fits on the letters. Keep that in mind when designing the artwork.

 

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:

  • Please note the Midtown logo above the letter “i’” will not be covered with any artwork and it should not be included as part of the artwork or wrap process.
  • On the letter “n” at the bottom right leg of the letter the #midtownhouston must appear.
  • The artist must include their signature on their work.
  • The artist should include a border edge around each designed letter that compliments the artwork.
  • Midtown will pay the artist fee ($1,500). Midtown will pay the cost of the sign wrap production, installation, and removal. 
  • We will include a QR Code on the bottom right leg of the letter “n”, the QR Code will link to the artist’s website which will include an artist’s bio, the artistic statement about the meaning of the sign, what the images on the sign represent and a short paragraph of information about the Midtown Cultural Arts District.      

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Local Houston-area artists and or graphic designers are eligible to apply.
  • Candidates are eligible regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.
  • The artistic work or design must be your original work. You may not submit other people’s work or design.
  • One design per artist or designer please. If we receive more than one application all applications will be removed.
  • Neither Board Members or family members of the Midtown Management District, the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District, the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, TIRZ #2 or the Midtown Parks Conservancy are eligible to apply. Additionally, employees or family members related to Arts District (Fresh Arts) or their Board of Directors; Got Signs -by Xtickers Designs Inc.– employees or family members are also NOT eligible to apply.

 

WHAT MAY NOT BE FUNDED: The funding for this project is made possible by the Midtown Cultural Arts District with funding provided by The Houston Endowment. This project is to take place in the Midtown Houston community at Bagby Park. It may not be virtual in nature. This project may not include obscene or profane material as defined in Section 43.21, Penal Code of Texas. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.43.htm 

 

ABOUT MIDTOWN HOUSTON: 

Midtown Houston is where creativity, culture, and community converge in the heart of the city. Designated as a Cultural Arts and Entertainment District by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2012, Midtown has blossomed into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood known for its iconic cultural landmarks, six lush parks, and more than 90 arts organizations. From local galleries to sidewalk festivals, the arts aren’t just a feature of Midtown—they’re part of the fabric. Through the midtownHOU Arts Micro Grants Program, we’ve proudly invested over $100,000 into local artists and arts organizations, bringing bold public art and creative placemaking projects to life across the district. Whether you're here to explore, create, or connect, Midtown Houston is a place that celebrates expression, champions diversity, and always makes space for every voice in our evolving story.

 

Additional Information About Midtown Houston:

Questions regarding this application should be directed to Fresh Arts at opportunity@fresharts.org

 

Ends on
SUBMIT to Call for Designs: 2026 AAPI Month (Midtown)

 

 

 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

  • Deadline to apply: TUE, April 14, 2026  at 11:59PM
  •  Artist/Designer Honorarium: $1,500
  •  Applicant Notification: MON, April 20, 2026 via email
  •  Questions: opportunity@fresharts.org 

____________________   

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District is seeking local artists and graphic designers to create an original and uniquely inspired design that honors May for the month-long celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage, one of our most dynamic and inspiring cultures. 

Share with us your design that highlights the impact of the deep history and art that this community has on Houston. 

The selected design will be used to create a large-scale temporary public art display using 3M vinyl face wrap on the iconic Midtown sign located in Bagby Park (415 Gray Street) .      

One selected artist will receive a $1,500 honorarium for their winning design and participation in a professionally recorded interview about their work and inspiration. 

Applicants should include with an original design and a short 250-word artist bio. Also include a written document that shares your inspiration and significance of the design. If there are people on the sign, please identify them and their part in the history of the community. 

Submissions will be accepted from Monday, March 2 through Tuesday, April 14, 2026. All artists will be notified of their application status on or before Monday, April 20, 2026, by email through the Submittable portal. 

Please note: the selected artist will have a tight turnaround time to submit a final print-ready design no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, April 22. 

 

PROJECT DETAILS:

  • What: Large-scale temporary public art display using 3M vinyl face wrap on the iconic Midtown sign in Bagby Park.
  • When: The sign wrap will be printed and installed by a third party on May 1, 2026. The public art installation will be on view through June 2, 2026.
  • Where: The iconic Midtown Sign, located at Bagby Park, 415 Gray Street, Houston, TX 77006.
  • Who: This project is coordinated by the Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District and funded by the Houston Endowment.
  • Why: We believe in public art and providing opportunities for artists to work and be seen

 

Call to Creatives: Since 2022 the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District has invited artists/graphic designers to participate in the creation of a large-scale public art project based on specific themes. We are seeking artwork and designs that are thoughtful, creative  and celebrate the who we are as Houstonians. Jury panels are looking for exceptional quality, uniqueness and standout design elements.

The artwork/design must be original and of the artist/designer’s hand. NO appropriated artwork or designs will knowingly be selected. Artist/designers will be asked to sign a document acknowledging the authenticity of the work. 

 

ARTIST PARTICIPATION:

The selected artist must be available to participate in an artist’s talk on installation day (May 1st). We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and work associates. There will be professional photography and video of the artist’s talk.

April/May TBD  -  Meet the Artist – We want the selected artist to participate in a professionally recorded interview about their work and the inspiration that fueled their design. This interview will be made available on Midtown Houston social media and gifted to the other participating organizations.

 

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFO:

  • The Midtown Cultural Arts District will cover the entire cost of supplies and labor to install the project.
  • The selected artist will not incur any fees or responsibilities regarding the costs of this major public art installation.
  • Midtown Houston will cover the cost of professional photography, video, marketing, and promotion of the project and the artist.
  • All photography and video funded by Midtown will be the property of the Midtown Management District.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Contact Information: Required information includes name, email address, and cell phone (hidden from reviewers).
  2. Letter of Interest: Describe your interest in this project and how your design honors this artist call. 
  3. Proposed Design: Upload your proposed sketch or design (up to four attachments). The design does not need to be "print ready".
  4. Relevant Work Samples: Up to four (4) images of prior works that demonstrate your artistic style and the caliber of your work. Due to the blind voting process, please avoid including any identifying information such as name or handle.

 

REVIEW PROCESS + SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel, which will include Midtown Houston representatives, and selected through a blind voting process. Selections will be based on the following criteria:

  • Project Alignment: The letter of intent and proposed design clearly communicate the artist’s interest in the project and align with the overall goals of the project.
  • Artistic Excellence: Submitted images demonstrate the caliber of the artist(s) previous work and artistic style.

 

PROJECT TIMELINE:

  • March 2 - April 14: RFP Application Period (Deadline: April 14th at 11:59 PM)
  • April 20: Artist notified via Submittable. NOTE: Tight turnaround time (3 business days) to deliver final files. 
  • April 22: Print-ready design due to printer.
  • May 1 (TIME TBD): Sign Wrap installation (by 3rd party) and artist talk. The selected artist may participate in a professionally recorded on-site interview about their work and the inspiration behind it.
  • June 2: Sign Wrap removed by a 3rd party.

 

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

The sign wrap will be installed by Got Signs by Xtickers Designs, Inc. The Midtown letters face wrap is 3M Vinyl Wrap. It is a full color digital print produced with OEM Mimaki Inks with True Solvent UV non fading inks 3M IJ180-V3 with 3M Matching Lamination ControlTac Technology. This will be professionally installed by certified technicians.

Acceptable design files for the application process include PDF and JPEG; however, the final design must be provided in high-resolution format (PDF, AI, PSD, EPS, TIFF). The selected artist will be given approximately one week from the date of notification to provide the final print-ready design. Additional technical requirements will be provided to the artist upon selection.

 

SIGN DIMENSIONS: The attached template is for artists to use to create designs on the midtown sign. Do not change the size of the template, it is already to scale.

The sign consists of the word “midtown” in metal/ steel lowercase letters that are approximately 8 feet tall and span approximately 81 ft across a raised concrete stage. There are multi-color LED lights below each letter, that are turned on nightly. 

We encourage you to do a site visit and view past installations for an understanding of the size and scale of the project.

 

DESIGN TIP: The best design fits on the letters. Keep that in mind when designing the artwork.

 

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:

  • Please note the Midtown logo above the letter “i’” will not be covered with any artwork and it should not be included as part of the artwork or wrap process.
  • On the letter “n” at the bottom right leg of the letter the #midtownhouston must appear.
  • The artist must include their signature on their work.
  • The artist should include a border edge around each designed letter that compliments the artwork.
  • Midtown will pay the artist fee ($1,500). Midtown will pay the cost of the sign wrap production, installation, and removal. 
  • We will include a QR Code on the bottom right leg of the letter “n”, the QR Code will link to the artist’s website which will include an artist’s bio, the artistic statement about the meaning of the sign, what the images on the sign represent and a short paragraph of information about the Midtown Cultural Arts District.      

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Local Houston-area artists and or graphic designers are eligible to apply.
  • Candidates are eligible regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.
  • The artistic work or design must be your original work. You may not submit other people’s work or design.
  • One design per artist or designer please. If we receive more than one application all applications will be removed.
  • Neither Board Members or family members of the Midtown Management District, the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District, the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, TIRZ #2 or the Midtown Parks Conservancy are eligible to apply. Additionally, employees or family members related to Arts District (Fresh Arts) or their Board of Directors; Got Signs -by Xtickers Designs Inc.– employees or family members are also NOT eligible to apply.

 

WHAT MAY NOT BE FUNDED: The funding for this project is made possible by the Midtown Cultural Arts District with funding provided by The Houston Endowment. This project is to take place in the Midtown Houston community at Bagby Park. It may not be virtual in nature. This project may not include obscene or profane material as defined in Section 43.21, Penal Code of Texas. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.43.htm 

 

ABOUT MIDTOWN HOUSTON: 

Midtown Houston is where creativity, culture, and community converge in the heart of the city. Designated as a Cultural Arts and Entertainment District by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2012, Midtown has blossomed into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood known for its iconic cultural landmarks, six lush parks, and more than 90 arts organizations. From local galleries to sidewalk festivals, the arts aren’t just a feature of Midtown—they’re part of the fabric. Through the midtownHOU Arts Micro Grants Program, we’ve proudly invested over $100,000 into local artists and arts organizations, bringing bold public art and creative placemaking projects to life across the district. Whether you're here to explore, create, or connect, Midtown Houston is a place that celebrates expression, champions diversity, and always makes space for every voice in our evolving story.

 

Additional Information About Midtown Houston:

Questions regarding this application should be directed to Fresh Arts at opportunity@fresharts.org

 

Fresh Arts