Artists Sought for FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Murals in Houston’s Cultural Districts

• Submission Deadline: May 23, 2026 
• Artist Notifications: May 26, 2026 
• Initial Design Concepts Due: May 29, 2026 
• Seven artists selected, each receiving a $10,000 reimbursement 
• Murals Installed By: June 9, 2026

Call Summary

The FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Committee is assembling a pool of artists interested in creating painted murals in Houston’s seven state-designated cultural districts in anticipation of the World Cup in Houston. Seven murals are anticipated to be completed by June 9, 2026.

Artist Reimbursement

Seven artists will be selected. Each selected artist will receive a reimbursement of $10,000.

The reimbursement amount is inclusive of all project-related expenses, including but not limited to: materials, installation labor, equipment rentals, travel and transportation, shipping, per diem expenses, project documentation, required commercial liability insurance, contingency costs.

Project Guidelines

Artists are encouraged to develop mural concepts that go beyond visual representation by incorporating a clear sense of narrative or storytelling. Proposed designs should reflect the identity, history, aspirations, culture, or lived experiences of the surrounding community while connecting to the spirit of the 2026 World Cup and the unifying power of football.

Successful proposals will demonstrate how the mural tells a story—whether literal or symbolic—through composition, imagery, symbolism, or layered meaning. Artists are encouraged to consider how their work can create a meaningful connection between place, people, and the global moment of Houston welcoming the world in 2026.

Concepts should strive to feel site-specific, culturally relevant, and emotionally engaging, inviting viewers to discover meaning and connection through the artwork.

Selected artists must adhere to the following requirements:

• Each mural must contain the following elements incorporated into the overall design
• The FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host City logo in its literal form
• Text with the official name of the tournament (FIFA World Cup 2026™)
• Text with the dates of the tournament (June 11-July 19)
• No likenesses or images of specific soccer players may be included.

Eligibility

• Professional mural artists age 18 or older
• Artists must be legally authorized to work onsite in the United States
• Artist teams are permitted to apply

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• Artistic Quality: innovation, visual impact, creativity and originality
• Technical Expertise: experience working at scale, proven use of durable materials and techniques suitable for a mural lifespan of approximately five years with minimal maintenance
• Community Engagement Experience: demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders and translate input into a final design
• Ease of Process: professionalism and collaborative approach, ability to complete the project on time and within budget

Timeline

• Release of RFQ: May 18, 2026
• Submission Deadline: May 23, 2026 by 11:59 pm 
• Artist Notifications: May 26, 2026
• Initial Design Submission: May 29, 2026
• Murals Installed By: June 9, 2026

About FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee

The FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee, operating under the Sports Authority Foundation, collaborates with FIFA and local governments to organize seven matches at NRG Stadium and the open-to-public FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown.

About Houston’s Cultural Districts

Houston’s seven state-designated cultural districts collectively represent a cross-section of the diverse neighborhoods and arts experiences that make Houston unique. The districts include 5th Ward Cultural Arts District, Arts District Houston, East End Houston Cultural District, Houston Museum District, Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District, Theater District Houston, and Third Ward Cultural District.  https://houstonculturaldistricts.com/

Questions

This RFQ is being facilitated by Fresh Arts on behalf of the project team and managed by artist and project manager Betirri Bengston, who is overseeing the mural selection and implementation process.

Questions regarding this opportunity should be directed to: betirri@gmail.com

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

midtownHOU Arts Micro Grant Application

Open to:  Houston-based Individual Artists, Arts Organizations, Fiscally Sponsored Projects

Grant Funding:

• Eight (8) grants of $2,500 for individual artists
• Two (2) grants of $5,000 for arts organizations

Application Deadline: Sunday, June 7, 2026, by 11:59 PM

2026 Cycle 2 Theme: Art that Connects 

The Art that Connects microgrant program supports temporary public art, performances, and community-centered activations that bring people together in Midtown Houston. Projects should use storytelling, cultural reflection, education, or shared experiences to spark dialogue and deepen connection. Proposals are encouraged to invite participation, foster a sense of belonging, and engage people across backgrounds, generations, and perspectives.

Proposals are welcome from all Houston-based artists, collectives, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that thoughtfully engage the public through visual and performance-based approaches. Whether through installations, murals, pop-ups, live performances, or participatory events, strong proposals will prioritize audience experience and create meaningful opportunities for interaction, dialogue, and shared connection.

All projects must align with the Art that Connects theme and be designed as publicly accessible, community-facing experiences within Midtown Houston that encourage dialogue, cultural exchange, or shared connection. 

Examples of projects or activations may include, but are not limited to:

•  Interactive art installations that invite public participation 
•  Temporary murals or visual works that incorporate community input 
•  Live performances in public spaces such as music, dance, or theater 
•  Participatory workshops, demonstrations, or skill-sharing events 
•  Pop-up events that blend art, storytelling, and community gathering 
•  Artist-led conversations, tours, or facilitated dialogue experiences 
•  Multidisciplinary activations that combine visual art and performance 

We welcome creative and unexpected approaches that align with the theme and bring people together in meaningful ways. Proposed projects should be appropriately scoped to align with the available budget and timeline, demonstrate a clear implementation plan, and take place within the boundaries of Midtown Houston. All selected projects must be completed by October 31, 2026. 

Project Funds Available

A total of $30,000 in grants will be distributed across two categories:

• Eight (8) grants of $2,500 for individual artists
• Two (2) grants of $5,000 for arts organizations or fiscally sponsored projects 

Eligibility

Applicants and their proposed projects must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be Houston-based (live and work in the Greater Houston area)
• Be legally eligible to work in the United States
• Open to artists and organizations from all cultural backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, military status, or physical ability.
• Apply as an individual artist or an arts organization (i.e. formal entity—nonprofit, LLC, collective)
• Propose a project that is public, free, and accessible
• Demonstrate a clear intent to connect, engage, or foster community within Midtown Houston
• Complete the project by October 31, 2026 (no extensions)

Not Eligible:

• Board or family members of Midtown Houston Staff
• Projects inconsistent with Texas Tourism/HOT fund regulations
• Fundraisers or galas
• Activities outside the boundaries of Midtown Houston
• Religious programming or working with primary religious intent
• Capital improvements or unrelated equipment purchases
• Catering, meals, or hospitality costs
• Projects containing obscene or inappropriate content (Texas Penal Code §43.21)
• Projects that do not meaningfully engage or connect with the Midtown community

Timeline

• Grant Application Opens: May 4, 2026
• Info Session: June 3, 2026 @ 5:30 PM 
• Application Deadline: June 7, 2026, by 11:59 PM
• Selections Announced:  2nd half of June 2026

All projects must be completed by October 31, 2026. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 Project Location, Permissions & Permitting Requirements

Applicants are responsible for securing all necessary permissions, approvals, permits, and related documentation required to complete their project, as applicable. This may include:

• Property owner approval 
•  Written permission for installation or use of space 
•  Required City of Houston permits 
•  Any applicable site-use fees or special requirements

These requirements apply to all project locations, including:

•  Public spaces 
•  Privately owned or managed property 
•  Midtown-owned or Midtown-managed spaces 

Applicants should ensure all permissions and permits are in place prior to project implementation.

Important: Midtown-owned property is NOT automatically approved. All locations must be reviewed, evaluated, and formally approved in writing by Midtown. If a proposed site cannot be approved, Midtown may require the artist to propose an alternate site or modify the project to meet safety or feasibility standards.

Production & Implementation Responsibility

Applicants are fully responsible for all aspects of project production and implementation, whether proposing an installation, public activity, or performance. This includes:

•  Fabrication, production, or program development 
•  Installation, event setup, and breakdown (as applicable) 
•  Coordination with collaborators, partners, performers, fabricators, or contractors 
•  All materials, equipment, and rentals 
•  Technical, structural, and safety considerations 
•  Management of labor agreements or contracts 
•  All associated costs 

Midtown will not provide installation or production support unless expressly approved in writing.

Durability, Safety & Maintenance Requirements

For projects involving temporary public art or outdoor components, materials and construction should be appropriate for extended exposure in Houston’s climate. Artists are responsible for ensuring, as applicable:

•  Structural stability and secure installation 
•  Use of durable, weather-resistant materials 
•  Public safety and accessibility at all times 
•  A clear, short-term maintenance plan 
•  Timely repair of any damage within the first 30 days 

Projects should be designed to withstand environmental conditions while maintaining a safe and positive experience for the public.

Payment Structure

• 50% of grant funds released upon execution of contract + submission of W-9
• 50% released after final documentation and installation completion

Expenditures outside the approved scope will not be reimbursed.

Final Report Requirement

Grantees must submit a final written report within 14 days of completion, including:

• Project summary
• Community engagement or impact — including how the project fostered connection within Midtown
• Photographs or videos
• Budget reconciliation
• Lessons learned

Failure to submit the report may delay or forfeit final payment.

Application Guidelines

The application includes several sections to help Midtown understand you, your project, and your ability to bring it to life:

•  General Information   Basic contact details, applicant type (individual or organization), and artistic disciplines. 
•  Project Details   A description of your project and how it aligns with Art that Connects, including its concept, community focus, impact, and long-term vision. 
•  Budget   A simple budget breakdown, your grant request ($2,500 for individuals, $5,000 for organizations), and any additional funding sources. 
•  Timeline & Execution   Key dates and milestones for planning, production, and public engagement. 
•  Experience & Support Materials   Portfolio samples, optional past experience, a brief bio, and plans for public accessibility, safety, and (optionally) community engagement. 
•  References   1–2 professional references who can speak to your past work, collaboration, and ability to complete a public-facing project. References are only contacted if you are selected as a finalist. 

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Midtown stakeholders. 

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