Midtown Artist in Residency 2

 

Open to: Houston-based Individual Artists 

Application Deadline:  August 16, 2026 by 11:59pm

Residency Period:  October 1, 2026 –January 31, 2027

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 October 2026 through January 2027.

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 a Cultural Arts Mixer (date TBD)
• 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 January 31, 2026.

This application is for Residency Cycle Two.

 

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 October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027
• Attend the Cultural Arts Mixer
• Complete three community engagement activities within Midtown
• Attend one Cultural Arts & Entertainment Committee (C+A) meeting (Third Thursdays)
• 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 #2 (October 2026–January 2027)

  The selected artist will:

• Attend an onboarding session
• Participate in monthly check-in meetings
• Lead (3) three community engagement activities
• Present at one 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 (October 1, 2026–January 31, 2027)? (Yes/No)  

23. Can you participate in the 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 January 31, 2027? (Yes/No)

 

Logistics & Support Needs

27. Do you require any accommodation or have support needs?  

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 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 August 16, 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

 

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

FRESH ARTS

ARTIST RESOURCE INTERN

Status: Part-Time; Non-Exempt (12-16 hours/week, $15/hr)

Location: Houston, TX with some remote work  

ABOUT FRESH ARTS

Fresh Arts is a 501c3 Houston-based nonprofit. For over 20 years, Fresh Arts has provided Houston artists of all disciplines and backgrounds with opportunities, resources, and tools to create art, advance their careers, serve the public, and support their own livelihoods. Our programs and initiatives highlight and empower traditionally underrepresented artists, connect communities, make the arts more accessible for all, and foster a thriving arts ecosystem in Houston.  

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

This position is ideal for an enthusiastic, creative, detail-oriented, community-minded emerging professional looking to start a career in nonprofit work or arts administration.

The Artist Resource Intern is primarily responsible for researching and sharing events, resources, and opportunities through Fresh Arts’ website and email newsletters. They will also assist in promoting Fresh Arts’ programs and initiatives through various distribution channels and outreach strategies. 

This hands-on role offers valuable experience in communication strategy, resource sharing, and community engagement within the nonprofit arts sector. The position requires strong initiative, organizational skills, effective communication, and adaptability. The ideal candidate will also have a keen interest in supporting local artists and a familiarity with the Houston art scene.

Interns can expect to work 12-16 hours per week with a semi-flexible hybrid schedule during Fresh Arts' operating hours. Some evening and weekend hours may be required. A six-month or one-year commitment is expected.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct ongoing research on local arts events, artist opportunities, and professional development resources.
• Maintain key resource web pages including Upcoming Events, the Artist Opportunity Board, and the Artist Resource Library.
• Create email newsletters including the weekly Art on Tap Newsletter and monthly Artist Opportunity Newsletter.
• Assist in promoting Fresh Arts programs and initiatives through social media, external online listings, printed material distribution, in-person events, and other outreach strategies.  

OTHER DUTIES

• Complete additional relevant research projects, administrative tasks, and errands as assigned
• Participate in regular staff meetings
• Provide onsite support for Fresh Arts’ events and programming as needed.
• Note: All listed duties and responsibilities may or may not be considered essential job functions and requirements. Marginal functions (those incidental to fundamental job duties) are not included. However, the omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or reasonably assigned.  

REQUIRED SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma. Some college preferred but not required.
• Must have access to a reliable computer or laptop.
• Proficiency in Google Suite applications.
• Basic understanding of website editing (WordPress or similar).
• Basic understanding of social media platforms and scheduling tools.
• Experience with online project management tools (Asana or similar) is a plus.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (or similar) is a plus.
• Dependable, proactive, self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable.
• Organized and detail-oriented is a must.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively.
• Professional and positive attitude.
• Personal connection to the mission, principles, and values of Fresh Arts.  

ACCOUNTABILITY + REPORTING

• The Artist Resource Intern reports directly to the Marketing & Communications Manager but may also work closely with other staff.
• Interns are subject to regular evaluations for performance feedback  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

At Fresh Arts, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to a thriving arts community. We welcome all applicants whose experience and interest have prepared them to consider this opportunity and support our organizational commitment to workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence. As such, Fresh Arts is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all programs and services. We do not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, and/or sex (including marital status and/or sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status. We actively strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Hours of Work: 12-16 hours per week

Fresh Arts' normal operating hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Fresh Arts' staff typically works remote Mondays and Fridays, and in-office Tuesday through Thursday. Interns may work with their supervisor to create a flexible schedule that fits within these hours. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for special events.  

Wages + Payment:

• Hourly wage: $15/hr.
• Interns are paid bi-weekly for hours worked during the pay period.
• Interns are required to track their hours using a summarized timesheet and must not exceed 16 hours in a given week without prior written approval from their direct supervisor.  

Work Environment:

• The Fresh Arts Office is located at Winter Street Studios (2101 Winter Street C100, Houston, TX 77007). We follow a hybrid combination of remote and onsite work (refer to Hours of Work, above). 
• Interns must have access to a computer or laptop with reliable internet connection.
• The noise level in the office environment is typically moderate. 
• Access to transportation may be required for light work errands. Mileage reimbursement is available upon submission of supporting documentation and approval.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit a resume/cv and complete the application questions  via Submittable

Please no emails or phone calls.

Position open until filled.  

TIMELINE:

• Application open: July 20 - August 9
• Interviews: August 10 - 20
• Notification: Week of August 24 or earlier
• First Day + Onboarding: August 31 (preferred but flexible)
• Shadow work (with current Intern): August 31 - September 4 (preferred but flexible)  

For all further inquiries:

gina@fresharts.org