midtownHOU Arts Micro Grant Application

Open to: Individual Artists, Arts Organizations, and Fiscally Sponsored Projects

Application Deadline: January 12, 2025, by 11:59 PM

2024 Grant Theme: Cultural Kaleidoscope

The “Cultural Kaleidoscope” grant seeks to celebrate the cultural diversity of Midtown Houston through art pieces or performances that highlight the rich heritage of local artists from various backgrounds. The goal is to envision a future Midtown that embraces global cultures while fostering a sense of community connectivity. 

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that:

• Showcase diverse artistic perspectives inspired by cultural heritage.
• Utilize a variety of artistic mediums (including but not limited to music, dance, theatre, visual arts, or creative writing).
• Create a lasting cultural impact in the community beyond one-time events, with the potential to grow into ongoing, impactful community initiatives.

Project Funds Available

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

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

Projects can be centered around one or more of the following multi-cultural mediums:

1. Music
2. Dance
3. Theatre
4. Visual Arts
5. Creative Writing

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• 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.
• Ensure selected projects are public-facing and accessible to the community.

Note: Board members or family members of the Midtown Management District, the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, TIRZ #2, or the Midtown Parks Conservancy are not eligible to apply.

Timeline

• Grant Application Opens: November 20, 2024
• Deadline to Submit Questions: January 2, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 12, 2025, by 11:59 PM
• Selections Announced: February 5, 2025

All projects must be completed by December 31, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Contractual Obligations

All executed documents and information must be received prior to release of any funds. Everyone who receives a midtownHOU Arts Micro Grant will be required to:

• Sign a Contract
• Provide a W9
• A state 1295 document – we will provide you the link to complete the documents online
• Keep all your receipts for your project
• Provide high resolution images of you or your prior work.
• Provide a project timeline and stick to it.
• An Artist Agreement and Release so that we have permission to present images or a likeness for promotional use.
• Provide a minimum 4-6 weeks’ notice of your project or performance so that we can promote you and help you build your audience so that we have a return on our investment in you!
• Participate in midtownHOU social media – you have a fantastic opportunity to tap into our extensive social media. WORK IT!

Funding Restrictions

Legal Agreement - Required

WHAT MAY NOT BE FUNDED - The MidtownHOU Arts Micro Grant 2021 is made possible through the Board of Directors of the Midtown Management District.

Grants funded may not be used for activities, programs or events or their administrative costs that are not consistent with the intent of the Hotel Occupancy Tax as defined in Sections 351.101(a)(4-5), 351.101(b) and other applicable sections of the Texas Tax Code.

Additionally, midtownHOU Arts Micro Grant funds may not be used for:

1. Existing deficits, loans, interest on loans, fines, penalties, or costs of litigation.

2. Projects or events that are extensions of training (i.e., academic programs, conferences, classes, and workshops)

4. Scholarships or cash prizes.

5. Any activities taking place outside of the City of Houston limits, including any activities taking place in extrajudicial territories.

6. Benefits, galas and projects planned primarily for fundraising.

7. Faith-based organizations using funds for: Projects or activities which have a primary purpose that is religious. Arts programming that exists as part of religious sermons or services.

8. Purchase of equipment (except rental costs directly affiliated with the funded project or program).

9. Capital building expenses.

10. Meals, refreshments and/or catering expenses.

11. Projects, productions, workshops and/or programs that include obscene material as defined in Section 43.21, Penal Code of Texas.

Application Guidelines

General Information

• Applicant Name (For individuals: full name. For organizations: organization name and main contact person)
• Contact Information (Email, phone number, and mailing address)
• Website and Social Media Links (If applicable)
• Are you applying as an individual artist or an organization?
• Artistic Medium (Select from music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing, or other).

Project Details

• Project Title.
• Project Description (Brief overview of the project, proposed location, goals, and alignment with the theme; max 500 words).
• Cultural Relevance (How does the project celebrate cultural heritage or Midtown’s diverse community? Max 300 words).
• Community Impact (How will the project foster connectivity and engagement? Who is the target audience? Max 300 words).
• Long-Term Vision (Describe the potential for lasting impact beyond a single event; max 300 words).

Budget

• Total Project Budget (Include a detailed breakdown).
• Grant Request Amount ($2,500 for individuals or $5,000 for organizations).
• Other Funding Sources (Specify additional funding, if applicable).

Timeline and Execution

• Proposed Start and End Dates.
• Project Timeline (List key milestones and activities).

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

Before you apply, please read the Fiscal Sponsorship FAQs and schedule a meeting with the Fiscal Sponsorship Coordinator before the 15th of the month by emailing fiscalsponsorship@fresharts.org. Applications have a quarterly deadline on the 1st of February, May, August, and November. Also, note that in order for your application to be reviewed by our committee, you must pay the $25.00 non-refundable application fee. To pay your fee, please visit our payment page.
 

Fiscal sponsorship applications are reviewed quarterly by a committee whose recommendations are subject to approval by the Fresh Arts board of directors. Please allow adequate time for the approval process before beginning to raise funds for your project.

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

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