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

2027 Space Taking Artist Residency - Call for Proposals
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SUBMIT to 2027 Space Taking Artist Residency - Call for Proposals

The Space Taking Artist Residency 

powered by Fresh Arts

The application for the 2027 residency cycle opens September 14 and ends on November 23, 2026.

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  Monday, November 23, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (CST)

PROJECT STIPEND:  $3,600.00 (inclusive of project costs and artist fees)

This program is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts Cultural District Project Grant, the Houston Endowment, the Brown Foundation, and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. 

 

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

The Space Taking Artist Residency (STAR), powered by Fresh Arts, empowers traditionally underrepresented multidisciplinary artists to "take over" a space in innovative ways.

Fresh Arts, formerly known as "Spacetaker," has evolved from a platform for Houston artists to promote their work into a multifaceted organization that champions local artists and cultivates a vibrant arts ecosystem. Launched in 2021, The Space Taking Artist Residency calls back to these roots, serving as a launchpad for project ideation and career development for local artists. Through mentor-guided public activations, the residency offers opportunities for creative experimentation and meaningful engagement with new audiences and serves as an important career-building opportunity.

The program welcomes emerging and mid-career artists from various disciplines, including visual, performing, media, literary arts, and curatorial practices. In alignment with Fresh Arts' mission to support artists' professional development, the residency offers tailored mentorship and project support that addresses each artist's unique vision. This includes assistance with key areas such as marketing, project budgeting, artist collaborations, and public presentation techniques.

To further enhance career advancement, Fresh Arts provides additional opportunities for STAR artists during and beyond the residency, such as a partnership with Art Houston magazine for media exposure and invitations to participate in Fresh Arts artist talks, programs, and events.

In its first six years, the program has supported 12 artist-led projects, hosted 150+ public events, and showcased over 125 artist collaborators. The program has received recognition in local and regional media for its diverse range of creative work and has become an essential career-affirming platform for past residents, including YE Torres, Koomah, Stacey Allen, Saida Carter, AC Evans, Amanda Pascali, Lindsay Gary, Ruby Rivera, Keeley Dunnam, Keda Sharber, Outspoken Bean, Jakari Sherman, and Violeta Alvarez.

Through this initiative, Fresh Arts addresses the critical lack of experimental art spaces and project resources, empowering Houston-area artists to bring their innovative ideas to life while fostering a collaborative artistic community.

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Fresh Arts is accepting proposals from Houston-area multidisciplinary artists, creatives, collectives, and curators for public programs and exhibitions as part of the next iteration of the Space Taking Artist Residency. This residency offers a stipend and resources for artists to "take over" a space, where they can develop and execute a creative project and public programming.

In 2027, two artists or artist teams will be selected for a month-and-a-half, mentor-guided program to develop their creative projects, followed by six weeks of access to a 1,800 sq. ft. gallery space at Winter Street Studios to bring their projects to life through residency activations. Each project will receive a $3,600 honorarium to help offset production costs, along with dedicated marketing and project support.

Through this program, Fresh Arts aims to provide a supportive space to develop and execute a diverse range of creative programming from underrepresented local artists. The residency offers flexible gallery and event space for artists to host public programs or creative showcases, providing both in-person and virtual opportunities. Activations may include free or ticketed experiences, events, exhibitions, and showcases. Artists in residence will also be asked to maintain public "open house" hours and participate in public activities during Second Saturdays at Sawyer Yards.

Selected artist-in-residence projects will be scheduled during the periods of March–April and July–August 2027. Applicants can select their preferred residency period in the application form.

Residency applicants should be prepared to explain why they believe they are a good fit for the program and how it aligns with their career goals. Additionally, applicants should prepare a project summary that outlines the concepts, themes, and ideas they intend to explore during the residency, along with the project’s goals and plans for engaging the public. In line with its mission to provide professional development opportunities for artists, Fresh Arts will offer mentorship throughout the residency to support artists in refining and presenting their projects.   

 

Residency Support and Benefits Include:

  • 1,800 sq. ft. Gallery Space: Host public in-person and virtual programming, as well as private events (free or ticketed, at the artist's discretion).
  • Artist Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from experienced mentors throughout the residency.
  • Ongoing Project Consultation: Enjoy tailored access to Fresh Arts staff for project consultation throughout the residency period.
  • Dedicated Marketing Support: Fresh Arts will promote all residency activities through e-blasts, social media features, video interviews, and more.
  • Built-In Audience: Access a local and regional audience visiting the Sawyer Yards creative campus and Arts District Houston.
  • Revenue Retention: Artists retain 100% of the revenue generated from ticketed events, artwork sales, merchandise sales, and more.
  • 24/7 Gallery Access: Benefit from round-the-clock access to a gallery equipped with gallery lighting, keyed exterior doors, and Wi-Fi.
  • Resource Inventory Access: Utilize Fresh Arts’ inventory, which includes tables, chairs, pedestals, projectors, a 75” flat-screen TV, a digital photo booth, tools, and various event supplies.
  • One-Year Fresh Arts Membership: Gain access to the Reuse Warehouse Houston, the Tool Lending program at Houston ToolBank, and other community discounts and partnerships.

 

ARTIST EXPECTATIONS + COMMITMENTS

  1. Residency Activation:    Commit to six weeks of residency activation by organizing a schedule of events and activities (in-person and/or virtual). We recommend proposing no more than five events, in addition to opening and closing night receptions, and one (1) Second Saturdays in partnership with Sawyer Yards.
  2. Mentorship Meetings:    Attend weekly or bi-weekly mentorship meetings (30 minutes to 1 hour) over the course of three (3) months to plan and execute the project and refine relevant materials.
  3. Public Events:    Attend and fully manage all proposed events during the residency.
  4. Activity Schedule:    Submit a finalized schedule of activities to Fresh Arts in writing at least five weeks before the activation period begins. This schedule should include the time, date, type of activity, and event descriptions.
  5. Artist Compensation:    Ensure that all participating artists are adequately compensated for their time and work using the allotted stipend or barter arrangements.
  6. Project Costs:    Cover all project-related costs, including installation, framing, display supplies, and artist compensation, as applicable.
  7. Deadline Compliance:    Provide Fresh Arts with necessary images, bios, CVs, completed surveys, and other project-related materials by specified deadlines.
  8. Promotion:    The artist is expected to actively promote their own residency project. The artist will receive support from Fresh Arts to create a customized marketing plan which the artist will execute independently.
  9. Gallery Restoration:    Return the gallery to its original condition at the end of the project period, including reinstalling any removed gallery lighting and disposing of trash appropriately.
  10. Impact Reporting + Testimonial:    Complete a series of surveys to track project impact (reporting templates will be provided). Submit a written testimonial reflecting on your experience during the residency.

 Responsibilities of Fresh Arts:

  1. Mentorship Facilitation:    Facilitate a connection with a program mentor (scheduling will be the responsibility of the artist and mentor and will be done independently of Fresh Arts management).
  2. Gallery Access:    Provide a key for 24-hour access to the 1,800-square-foot gallery space and maintain ongoing communication with the landlord throughout the residency activation period.
  3. Honorarium:    Provide a $3,600 honorarium for each selected project (75% paid eight weeks before the gallery activation period begins, and the final payment upon completion of the residency).
  4. Creative Services Stipend: Access to an additional $2,400 stipend to contract services such as graphic design, videography, social media management, or similar support as needed. Service providers are required to submit an itemized invoice to Fresh Arts, who will then pay approved artists or vendors directly.
  5. Marketing Support:    While artists are expected to actively promote their own residency project, Fresh Arts will help the artist create a customized marketing plan best suited to their unique project and empower the artist to execute this plan independently. If needed, Fresh Arts can also provide recommendations for vendors to hire using the Creative Services stipend for support with asset creation, content management, etc.  Fresh Arts will also help promote the residency through its website, email newsletters, social media channels, local IKE kiosks, and press coverage as available. 
  6. Photography + Video Documentation:    Provide professional photography and video documentation of one residency event or activity. This documentation will be used for promotional materials and will serve as valuable work samples for the artist's future portfolio.
  7. Consultation and Support:    Provide tailored project consultation and ongoing project and marketing support from Fresh Arts staff as needed.

 

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY SPACE:

Winter Street Studios Gallery, 2101 Winter Street, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77007 (MAP)

The space is a 1,800 sq ft. multi-use gallery and event space with track lighting, access to restrooms, and an exterior door entrance. Selected proposals will be given a key for 24/7 access to the gallery during their programming period (six weeks total including installation and breakdown).

Please note this residency is NOT a live/work residency.

Winter Street Studios is part of the Sawyer Yards creative campus that houses 400+ artists' studios and hosts monthly Second Saturday Open Studio events, and is located in the heart of Arts District Houston (a state-designated cultural district managed by Fresh Arts).

 

IMPORTANT: Applicants should take into consideration that the residency space is housed within a larger community of artist studios and be respectful of shared spaces, which include the building entrance, hallways, kitchenette, and restrooms.

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY:

  • Must live within the Greater Houston metro area (within 50 miles)
  • May not be currently enrolled in an art-related degree program.
  • ALL artists participating in proposed activities must meet above eligibility requirements.

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY:

Emerging or mid-career curators, creatives, artist teams or collectives of all disciplines (visual art of any kind, dance, performance, literary, or multi-disciplinary).

Artists or arts collectives in need of space to present a series of public events (in person or virtual; free or ticketed) which may include but are not limited to:

  • dance or theater presentations or performances,
  • immersive art experiences,
  • film/media screenings,
  • exhibitions/group showcases,
  • readings, artist talks or lectures,
  • workshops, etc.

 

SELECTIONS PROCESS:

  1. Application Submission:    Applicants must submit a complete application by the specified deadline. This includes an artist bio, resume or CV, work samples, project summary, proposed schedule of events, and any required supporting materials.
  2. Initial Review:    Fresh Arts staff will review all applications to ensure they are complete and meet eligibility criteria and submission requirements.
  3. Evaluation of Proposals:    A juried panel of artists and community members will evaluate eligible applications. Selections will be based on the quality of creative work samples, the clarity of the project vision, the ability to execute proposed activities and activations, interest in community engagement, and overall program diversity. 
  4. Interviews:    Up to five candidates will be invited to interview or present their project ideas and career goals in further detail, answering questions from the selection panel.
  5. Final Selection:    The selection panel will make final decisions based on evaluations and interviews. Two selected artists or teams will selected.

 

SELECTIONS CRITERIA:

Fresh Arts is seeking residency proposals that demonstrate the following criteria:

  • Openness to Collaboration and Mentorship: Willingness to embrace mentorship and collaboration, actively seeking guidance and feedback throughout the residency.
  • Career Stage: Evidence that the artist is at a point in their career where this opportunity would be particularly beneficial.
  • Project Concept: A clear and original project concept that aligns with the residency's mission to promote creative exploration and public engagement.
  • Gallery Activation: A plan for activating the gallery space through a multidisciplinary showcase that integrates both visual art and public programming.
  • Community Involvement: Creative public programming that demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement and participation.
  • Audience Engagement: An understanding of the residency's public-facing nature, utilizing the Second Saturday Open Studios at Sawyer Yards to design activities that engage new audiences during these monthly events, held on the second Saturday from 12–5 PM.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: The integration of underrepresented voices and perspectives to enrich the artistic expression within the residency.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Contact Information    Provide your full name, phone number, email address, website or portfolio link, and home zip code.

2. Artist Statement (up to 500 words)    An artist statement provides insight into your artistic practice, explaining your vision, influences, and creative approach. Its purpose is to inform the audience and offer context for your work by outlining key processes and conceptual ideas. This may include themes, materials, and sources of inspiration that are central to your current creative endeavors.

3. Artist Bio (up to 500 words)    Submit a brief, engaging summary of your background, work, and achievements. Include relevant education, significant exhibitions, awards, residencies, and collaborations. You may also mention any professional experience in the arts, such as teaching roles, curatorial work, or community projects.

4. Resume/CV (optional)    Please submit a CV or resume that highlights your artistic practice and notable accomplishments, serving as a complement to your artist bio. Your CV should provide an overview of your creative experience, education, exhibitions, and awards. If you are applying as part of an artist team, please consolidate all information into a single file.

5. Title of proposed residency project: This can be a working title. The answer to this question will be used as a unique identifier for your submission.

6. Preferred Residency Period 

Indicate your preferred residency period: (Spring) March 15 - April 25, 2027 or (Summer) July 19 - August 30, 2027

Exact dates to be confirmed.

7. Project Proposal    Outline the project concept you wish to explore during the residency, detailing how your project will engage the public and foster community participation (up to 2,500 words). Selected residents will benefit from three months of mentorship aimed at refining their projects. Your application proposal should address the following components:

  • Project Theme and Goals: Clearly articulate the central idea or themes you aim to explore during the residency.
  • Artworks, Materials, and Design Concept: Describe what visitors can expect to see and hear in the space. Include the types of artworks and materials you plan to feature, such as paintings, sculptures, projections, multimedia installations, and furnishings.
  • Proposed Events and Activities: Outline the activities or events you intend to host during your residency. This may include performances, workshops, art market pop-ups, artist talks, readings, or community engagement initiatives.

8. Additional participants/collaborators (optional): List the names of all collaborators or project partners involved in the project (if applicable). Please specify whether each collaborator is proposed or confirmed, along with their respective roles.

9. Why do you believe you are a good fit for the residency? How does participation in this program align with your career goals? (required)

10. Supporting Images or Work Samples    Provide up to 10 images or relevant work samples that showcase your artistic style and the caliber of your art, and/or further support your proposed residency project. This may include:

  • Past Work Samples: Include examples of your work or that of proposed collaborators relevant to this application. This may include photographs of past artworks, installation shots, audio and video recordings, manuscript excerpts, or other pertinent materials.
  • Supporting Materials: Submit images, videos, or documents that enhance your residency proposal. This may include a gallery layout, an inspiration board illustrating the visual activation of the space, illustrations, or other images or videos that effectively convey your ideas.

11. Image List    Upload a one-page image list that indicates the significance or description of supporting attachments.

12. References    Provide contact info for up to two references who may be contacted in the final stages of the interview process.

 

TIMELINE:

  • Application Deadline: Monday, November 23, 2026, 11:59 PM
  • Artist Notification: Friday, December 18
  • Stage 2 Interviews: Week of January 4-7 via Zoom
  • Artist Finalist Notification: on or before January 22, 2027, 5:00 PM
  • Onboarding Meeting:  Week of February 8
  • First Project Spring Activation Period: March 15 - April 25, 2027
  • Second Project Summer Activation Period: July 19 - August 30, 2027
  • First stipend payment is provided 60 days before residency period begins.
  • Artists may use the full activation period for hosting private and public activities in addition to the dates listed below.

REMINDER: Only one artist or artist team will be in residence at a time.

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

First Project Spring Activation Period: March 15 - April 25, 2027

  • Mentor Meetings:  February - March
  • Installation: March 8-15
  • Duration: March 15 - April 25               
  • Opening Reception: Thursday, March 18, 6-9 PM
  • Second Saturday: April 10, 12-5 PM
  • De-install: April 26-30

 

Second Project Summer Activation Period: July 19 - August 30, 2027

  • Mentor Meetings:  June - July
  • Installation: July 12-19
  • Duration:  July 19 - August 30               
  • Opening Reception: Thursday, July 22, 6-9 PM
  • Second Saturday: August 14, 12-5 PM

 

  • De-install:  August 30 - September 3   

QUESTIONS:

programs@fresharts.org

SUBMIT to Fresh Arts Fiscal Sponsorship Application

Fiscal Sponsorship Applications 

Applications are accepted on a quarterly 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 portal https://fresharts.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/fiscal-sponsorship-application-fee

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 Call for Creatives: National Arts and Humanities Month

 

 

 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

  • Deadline to apply: Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 11:59PM
  •  Artist/Designer Honorarium: $1,500
  •  Applicant Notification: Monday, September 21, 2026 via email
  •  Questions: opportunity@fresharts.org 

____________________   

PROJECT SUMMARY

Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District is seeking artists and or graphic designers to create a unique design or artwork honoring National Arts and Humanities month. Through the Request for Proposals process, ONE proposed design will be selected and the finalist will receive $1,500 for their design, and their presence for installation and artist talk. 

October is National Arts and Humanities Month. This celebration was started in 1985 by the National Endowment for the Arts and since has evolved into an all-encompassing month-long celebration.

Houston has 7 state designated cultural arts districts. Each with its own identity and cultural heritage. If you tour each one of the 7 Cultural Districts you will learn about our deep commitment to art and heritage. You will see who we are as a city and know us from our heart.

Artists/ designers and, enthusiasts are invited to create a large-scale public art design project that highlights something emblematic from each of our 7 esteemed Cultural Districts. One letter per cultural arts district represented in the order of their establishment.

  1. (M)  Theater District Houston – Spanning 17 blocks in Downtown, this area has been the focal point of performing arts since the 1966 and features resident companies like the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and other major performing arts groups.
  2. (I)  Houston Museum District – Formally recognized through Texas legislative efforts and local zoning, this long-established district includes 19 institutions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Art Museum, Asia Society, Czech Museum, and the Children’s Museum across a 9-square-mile radius. 
  3. (D) Midtown Cultural Arts & Entertainment District – Designated in September 2012, making it the very first management district in Texas to earn the title. It is Houston’s urban core. Home to 17 major arts organizations and over 200 presenting groups, this walkable community truly is in the middle of it all.
  4. (T) Arts District Houston – Established in 2017 and located along the Washington Corridor, this district spans the 1st and 6th wards and houses the highest concentration of working artist studios in Texas. Dedicated to building a vibrant creative economy their  creative campus boasts over 300 studios. 
  5. (O) Fifth Ward Cultural Arts District – Designated in September 2020, this urban frontier is a beautiful historic masterpiece that focuses on African American heritage, and historic preservation. The community is a living center of art, culture, dance, community murals and more! 
  6. (W) Third Ward Cultural District – Also designated in September 2020, affectionately known as "The Tre." This community is the epicenter of Black history, legacy, and creative expression. Beginning with the land purchased for Texas’ first public park, Emancipation Park right through to the annual Juneteenth Celebrations held there, this community is our heart.
  7. (N) East End Cultural District – Designated in September 2020, East End is regarded for its rich Hispanic heritage and largest collection of outdoor murals in the city. With more than 30 arts and cultural institutions representing every medium this is where great work is made daily. 

Midtown Art Location

The iconic Midtown Sign located on the stage at 415 Gray Street in Bagby Park.

Midtown Sign Wrap at Bagby Park 

Please note the Midtown Logo should be situated as the dot of the letter “I”. The logo will not be covered with any artwork, and it should not be included as part of the artwork or wrap process.

  • Create artistic elements inspired by Midtown and Houston.
  • On letter N at the bottom right leg of the letter the #midtownhouston must appear.
  • The artist should include their signature as part of the artwork.
  • Include a border edge around each designed letter that compliments the artwork.

Midtown will pay the artist fee total $1,500 for their winning designs. We will cover the cost of professional photography, and a professionally recorded artist interview about their work and inspiration. Marketing package value: $2,500

Special Note

Artists / designers follow the guidelines provided. We strongly recommend a site visit to the area to determine the scale and exact location of the project.

Detailed Parameters

The Midtown letters sign wrap is 3M Vinyl Wrap. It is a full color digital printed produced with OEM Mimaki Inks with True Solvent UV nonfading inks 3M IJ180-V3 with 3M Matching Lamination ControlTac Technology. This will be professionally installed by certified technicians.

Midtown Sign Dimensions, Scale and Resolution

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.

If you are selected you will be asked to provide a low-resolution PDF or JPG proof alongside the final high-resolution print files.

Eligibility

  • Age 18 or older
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Local Houston artists / 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.
  • Neither Board Members nor 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 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 

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 

Attached: Additional information 

Written: Please include a written document that shares your inspiration and significance of the design

Submissions will be accepted through Sunday, September 13, 2026. All artists will be notified of their application status on or before Monday, September 21, 2026, by email through the Submittable portal. From September 21 - 22 the concept will become a final design.

Please note: the selected artist will turnaround and submit a final print-ready design no later than 3 pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. 

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 September 28, 2026. The public art installation will be on view through November 19, 2026.
  • Where The iconic Midtown sign in Bagby Park
  • Who: This project is coordinated by the Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District.
  • Why: We believe in public art and providing opportunities for artists to work and be seen

Call to Creatives for Concepts: 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 concepts for artwork and designs that are thoughtful, creative  and celebrate the who we are as Houstonians. 

Concepts should include:

  • A concept statement.
  • A clear focused direction in the way you want the final artwork to appear.
  • A color palate.
  • Visual references are helpful.
  • Mood board / sketches that illustrate the intended atmosphere.

The final artwork/design must be original and of the artist/designer’s hand. NO appropriated artwork or designs will knowingly be selected. 

ARTIST PARTICIPATION:

We hope the selected artist is available to participate in an artist’s talk on installation day (September 28). We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and work associates. There will be professional photography and video of the artist’s talk. If not we do want to film a Meet the Artist video at a later date–This interview will be made available on Midtown Houston social media and shared with the artis.

 ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFO:

  • Midtown Houston will cover the cost of professional photography, video, marketing, and promotion of the project and the artist.

 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: You may upload your proposed sketch or design (up to four attachments). The design does not need to be "print ready". We understand this is an idea / concept.
  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:

  • August 7 - November 20: RFP Application Period (Deadline: September 13 at 11:59 PM)
  • September 21: Artist notified via Submittable. NOTE: Tight turnaround time (1 business days) to deliver final files. 
  • September 22: Print-ready design due to printer.
  • September 28: Sign Wrap install by a 3rd party.
  • September (TIME TBD):The selected artist will participate in a professionally recorded Meet the Artist video and photo shoot at Bagby Park to discuss their work and the inspiration behind it.
  • November 20: Sign Wrap removed by a 3rd party.

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

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.

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. Over the past 3 years the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District has invested over $1.1M into public art projects, 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

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.

Fresh Arts