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

Ends on
SUBMIT to Call for Designs: Midtown Sign to Honor Hispanic Heritage Month


 


 

REQUEST FOR DESIGNS

  • Deadline to apply: THU August 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM
  • Artist/Designer Honorarium: $1,500
  • Applicant Notification: WED August 27, 2025, 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 reflects Houston's place in the history of Hispanic culture for the iconic Midtown sign in honor of 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month.

The design should align with the theme "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," capturing the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience. 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 in Bagby Park.

One artist will be selected to receive a $1,500 honorarium for their winning design and for participating in a professionally recorded interview about their work and inspiration. The interview, tentatively scheduled in August (exact date TBD), will be shared across Midtown Houston’s social media platforms.

Applicants must submit:

  • Artist Bio 
  • Description of design significance/inspiration
  • Up to four sketches of their proposed design
  • Relevant work samples

Submission period: 

  • Tuesday, July 21 – Thursday, August 21, 2025
    All applicants will be notified of their status via email through the Submittable portal by August 27th. The selected artist must submit a final print-ready design by 10:00 PM on Friday, August 29th.

PROJECT BACKGROUND: 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 original artwork and designs that are thoughtful and creative and celebrate the theme.  Jury panels are looking for exceptional quality, uniqueness, and standout design elements. 

This project is coordinated by the Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District and funded by the Houston Endowment. 

Past Midtown Sign Projects:

ARTIST PARTICIPATION:

The selected artist must be available to participate in an artist’s talk on a date to be determined. On installation day, we encourage you to bring your family, friends, and work associates. There will be professional photography and video of the installation. Please dress in office casual attire.
 

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: Provide your name, email address, and cell phone number. (Your contact information will be hidden from reviewers.)
  2. Artist Bio: Submit a short biography (up to 250 words) about yourself.
  3. Design Description: Explain how your design connects to the project theme. Share your inspiration and the significance behind your design. If your design features people, please identify them and describe their role in the community’s history.
  4. Proposed Design: Upload a sketch or draft of your proposed design (up to four attachments). The design does not need to be print-ready at this stage. If selected, you will have three (3) days from notification to submit a final print-ready design.
     

Relevant Work Samples: Submit up to four (4) images of previous work that represent your artistic style and skill level. Because the selection process is blind, do not include any identifying information (such as your name or social media handle) on your samples.
 

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:

  • Alignment with Theme –  The design should effectively celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Houston, Texas — a time to honor cultural legacy, celebrate resilience, and reflect on the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Designs should highlight the enduring leadership, creativity, and spirit of these communities.
  • Creativity & Originality – Presents a unique and imaginative interpretation of the theme, offering a fresh perspective.
  • Visual Impact – Bold, engaging, and eye-catching design that ensures high visibility and appeal on the Midtown sign structure.
  • Overall Artistic Excellence – Well-executed design demonstrating strong artistic skill, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.


PROJECT TIMELINE:

  • July 21 - August 21: RFP Application Period (Deadline: August 21 at 11:59 PM)
  • August 27: Artist notified via Submittable.
  • August 29: Print-ready design due to printer by 10:00 AM
  • September 2 (TIME TBD): Sign Wrap Installation Day at Bagby Park. The artist will participate in a professionally recorded on-site interview about their work and inspiration behind it. This interview will be made available on Midtown Houston social media channels.
  • October 17:  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.
  • 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. 

Midtown will pay the artist fee, and the cost of the sign wrap production, installation, and removal.
 

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 Management District. 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 a bustling inner-city community with prominent cultural landmarks, with vibrant walkable neighborhoods.  Midtown received a Cultural Arts and Entertainment District designation from the State of Texas Commission on the Arts in 2012. Since that time, we have experienced exponential growth in our business, residential and cultural arts community with more than 90 arts organizations and four parks, we truly are the center of it all. As part of our midtownHOU Arts Micro Grants Program, we have distributed over $100,000 to local artists and arts organizations to bring public art projects to Midtown.


Additional information about Midtown Houston

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


 

Ends on
SUBMIT to RFQ: Arts District Houston Merchandise Design Call


 

REQUEST FOR DESIGNS

  • Deadline to apply: Monday August 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM
  • Artist/Designer Honorarium: $1,000
  • Applicant Notification: Tuesday September 2, 2025, via email
  • Questions: jannah@fresharts.org
     

____________________
 

PROJECT SUMMARY: 

Arts District Houston is launching a city-wide call for artists to design original artwork for a new line of branded merchandise. We’re looking for fresh, bold designs that celebrate the spirit, creativity, and diversity of the ADHou community.

Three winning artists and their designs will be selected to be featured across a variety of merchandise items. Each design will be showcased through promotional campaigns, a public pop-up event, and community engagement opportunities.

This project supports ADHou’s ongoing mission to uplift local artists, encourage creative visibility, and activate neighborhood pride.
 

Submission period: 

  • Monday, August 4 – Monday, August 25, 2025
               All applicants will be notified of their status via email through the Submittable portal by September 2. The selected artists will be asked to meet with the project coordinator to discuss next steps and design specs. Artist must submit a print-ready designs by 10:00 PM on September 19.


 

PROJECT COORDINATION: This project is coordinated by Arts District Houston who is powered by the nonprofit Fresh Arts which has served as the state-appointed managing partner for the district since 2017. Through Arts District Houston programming, Fresh Arts amplifies the district’s ability to serve artists and the greater community through artist-centered public art projects and initiatives. These initiatives help build capacity, audiences, and shared resources for the artists and creative businesses that compose the district and create new opportunities to showcase the diversity of Houston-area artists. Entertainment District and funded by the Houston Endowment. 


 

ARTIST PARTICIPATION:

  • The selected artists must be available to participate in a professional video interview. 
  • An optional artist talk or workshop may be scheduled at a later date. 
  • Final artwork must be submitted in a high-resolution, scalable format suitable for merchandise production. 
  • Artists will also be featured digitally in the ADHou newsletter and website. 
  • Participation in the Arts District Pop-Up Event during Arts District Month in October, date TBD
     

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFO:

  • The Arts District will cover the cost of professional photography, video production, marketing, and promotion of the project and the artist.
  • The Arts District will also cover the full cost of producing all merchandise items 
  • There are no costs or financial responsibilities for the selected artist.
  • All photography and video funded by the Arts District will be the property of the Arts District.


 

MERCH ITEMS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Tote bags
  • Hats
  • Water bottles
  • Fanny packs
  • Key chains
  • T-shirts
  • Notebooks
  • Stickers
  • Magnets
  • Buttons
     

Applicants must submit:

  • Artist Bio 
  • Letter of Intent on why you're interested in this project and how your work aligns with the mission of Arts District Houston 
  • 4 relevant work samples that demonstrate your ability to create clean, line-based illustrations or similar content.
     

REVIEW PROCESS + SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel, which will include members of the Fresh Arts Artist Advisory Committee. 


PROJECT TIMELINE:

  • August 1 - August 25: RFQ Application Period (Deadline: August 25 at 11:59 PM)
  • September 2: Artists notified via Submittable.
  • September 3 (time TBD): Artist meets with Project Coordinator to discuss specs and next steps
  • September 19: Print-ready designs due by 10:00 AM
  • Late September 2025 (TIME TBD): Three artists are announced via social media channel and participate in a professional video interview. Participation in artists talk or workshop. Production of items begin. 
  • October 2025:  Pop-up Event during Arts District Month
     


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.
  • Employees or family members related to Arts District Houston (Fresh Arts) or their Board of Directors are not eligible to apply  



WHAT MAY NOT BE FUNDED - WHAT MAY NOT BE FUNDED - The funding for this project is made possible by Arts District Houston. 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 ARTS DISTRICT HOUSTON

Arts District Houston is dedicated to shaping and building our community’s creative economy in a responsible way. The District strives to retain top artistic talent and provide access to new artists, cultural industries, and organizations while enhancing the livability of the surrounding neighborhood.

Arts District Houston is home to arts nonprofits MECA, 4th Wall Theater, FotoFest, and the Sawyer Yards creative campus which houses 400+ studio spaces for local artists, designers, and makers. From Art Alley at Sawyer Yards to installations at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, come experience the artistic energy that flows throughout the businesses, restaurants, studios, and re-imagined industrial spaces within the District.


Additional information about Arts District Houston

  • https://fresharts.org/arts-district-houston/

     

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


 

Ends on
SUBMIT to RFQ: Arts District Houston Coloring Book Design Call 2025

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: Arts District Houston Coloring Book 

By invitation only through the Request for Qualifications process

  • Deadline to apply: Monday, August 25, 11:59 PM CST Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Artist/Designer Honorarium: $1,600 
  • Applicant Notification: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, via email
  • Questions: jannah@fresharts.org  

______________________________


 

Project Summary:

As part of our youth engagement efforts, Arts District Houston (ADHou) has commissioned a series of artist-illustrated coloring books that tell the unique stories of the district. We are now developing the third book in this series—a community-centered edition that celebrates the culture, creativity, and diversity of the Arts District.

Through this Request for Qualifications (RFQ), we are seeking Houston-based visual artists to submit their interest and work samples for consideration. One selected artist will be commissioned to create eight original illustrations inspired by themes such as performing arts, local food, and everyday life in the Arts District.

The final coloring book will be distributed for free at community events, through local businesses, and made available digitally. This project aims to showcase local artistic talent while providing an engaging, educational, and accessible product for audiences of all ages.


ELIGIBILITY:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Local Houston 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.
  • Employees or family members related to Arts District Houston (Fresh Arts) or their Board of Directors are not eligible to apply  


 

Applicants must submit:

  • Artist Bio 
  • Letter of Intent on why you're interested in this project and how your work aligns with the mission of Arts District Houston 
  • 4 relevant work samples that demonstrate your ability to create clean, line-based illustrations or similar content.


 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

  • RFQ: Submissions will be accepted until Monday, August 25, 11:59PM. All artists will be notified of their application status by email through the Submittable portal on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 
  • RFP: The finalist accepts project by Friday, September 5, 2025. Finalist will work with AdHou project coordinator to work on and finalize page concepts by Monday, September 22, 2025. Finalized version of pages of coloring book will be submitted to AdHou project coordinator by Friday, September 26, 2025.
     

ARTIST PARTICIPATION:

  • The selected artist must be available to participate in a professional video interview. 
  • An optional artist talk or workshop may be scheduled at a later date. 
  • Artists will also be featured digitally in the ADHou newsletter and website. 
  • Participation in the Arts District Pop-Up Event during Arts District Month in October, date TBD
     

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFO:

  • The Arts District will cover the cost of professional photography, video production, marketing, and promotion of the project and the artist.
  • The Arts District will also cover the full cost of producing all copies of the coloring book. 
  • There are no costs or financial responsibilities for the selected artist.
  • All photography and video funded by the Arts District will be the property of the Arts District.
     

PROJECT TIMELINE:

  • August 1 - August 25: RFQ Application Period (Deadline: August 25 at 11:59 PM)
  • September 2: Artists notified via Submittable.
  • September 5: Finalist accepts project 
  • September 22: Page concepts are finalized 
  • September 26: Final pages are submitted by Artist to project coordinator
     

WHAT MAY NOT BE FUNDED - WHAT MAY NOT BE FUNDED - The funding for this project is made possible by Arts District Houston. 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 Arts District Houston:

Arts District Houston (ADHou) is one of seven state-designated Arts and Cultural Districts in Houston. Centrally located just west of downtown Houston, the Arts District boasts the highest concentration of working artists in Texas. This urban area of historic homes and transformed warehouses holds a rich history and encompasses portions of both the First and Sixth Wards, two of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods. The Arts District is home to arts nonprofits MECA, 4th Wall Theater, FotoFest, and the Sawyer Yards creative campus, which houses over 400 studio spaces for local artists, designers, and makers.

Powered by the nonprofit Fresh Arts, the Arts District is dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement. Through marketing initiatives and artist-centered programming, Fresh Arts amplifies the Arts District's capacity, expands audiences, and provides resources for artists and creative businesses, creating new opportunities to showcase Houston's artistic diversity.


 

Additional information about Arts District Houston

  • https://fresharts.org/arts-district-houston/ 

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


 

Fresh Arts