2026 Space Taking Artist Residency - Call for Proposals

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The Space Taking Artist Residency

powered by Fresh Arts

The application for the 2026 residency cycle opens October 10 and ends on December 5, 2025.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, December 5, 2025, 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, with additional support from Deal Co.

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 2026 residency will offer 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 five years, the program has supported 12 artist-led projects, hosted 100+ public events, and showcased over 120 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, Rian Crane, Keda Sharber, Outspoken Bean, and Krystle Holnes.

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.

https://fresharts.org/space-taking-artist-residency/

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Fresh Arts is seeking proposals from Houston-based artists, creatives, collectives, and curators for the 6th iteration of the Space Taking Artist Residency (STAR). This residency provides artists with funding, mentorship, resources, and a dedicated gallery space to “take over” and bring to life with a creative project and public programming.

In 2026, two artists or artist teams will be selected. Each residency includes a 9-week mentor-guided development phase, followed by eight weeks of access to a 2,500 sq. ft. gallery at Winter Street Studios. Residents will use this time to activate the space through exhibitions, performances, community-based programs, or other engaging activations. Each project will receive a $3,600 honorarium to offset production costs, along with additional stipends available to help with the creation of promotional assets.

Mentorship is a core element of STAR. Residents will receive professional guidance to refine and present their projects with the STAR alumni-turned Artist Mentor who will provide feedback and support. This structured yet flexible model is designed to enhance artistic growth, strengthen creative processes, and improve project execution. Participation in mentorship meetings is a required component of the program.

The residency supports diverse, community-driven programming from underrepresented local artists. Residents will have flexible access to the gallery and event space for public programs, which may include free or ticketed events, exhibitions, or creative showcases. Residents are also required to participate in Second Saturday at Sawyer Yards activities.

The two residency periods are scheduled for April–May 2026 and July–August 2026, respectively. Applicants may indicate their preferred residency period in the application.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be prepared to:

Describe why they are a strong fit for the program and how it aligns with their career goals
Provide a project summary outlining the concepts, themes, and ideas they intend to explore
Explain the project’s goals and proposed methods of engaging the public

Residency Support and Benefits Include:

24/7 Gallery Access: Access to a 2,500 sq. ft. gallery to host public programming. Gallery is equipped with gallery lighting, keyed exterior doors, and Wi-Fi to
Artist Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from an experienced Artist Mentor who has completed the STAR program.
Guided Strategy + Planning Consultations: Receive guidance through strategy and planning process on topics like programming, event production, and marketing.
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.
Equipment + Infrastructure Access: Utilize Fresh Arts’ inventory, which includes tables, chairs, pedestals, projectors, a 40” 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

Residency Activation:
Commit to eight weeks of residency activation by organizing a schedule of events and activities (in-person and/or virtual). We recommend programming between five (5) and ten (10) events, in addition to the opening and closing night receptions, and two (2) Second Saturdays in partnership with Sawyer Yards.
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.
Public Events:
Attend and fully manage all proposed events during the residency.
Artist Mentorship Meetings:
Schedule and attend required weekly or bi-weekly meetings (30 minutes to 1 hour) with the Artist Mentor to plan, evaluate, and execute all relevant project-related tasks.
Artist Compensation:
Ensure that all artists participating or collaborating in the residency are adequately compensated for their time and work using the allotted stipend or barter arrangements.
Project Costs:
Cover all project-related costs, including installation, framing, display supplies, moving in/out, additional audio/video rentals and artist compensation, as applicable.
Deadline Compliance:
Provide Fresh Arts with necessary images, bios, CVs, completed surveys, and other project-related materials by specified deadlines.
Promotion:
Complete the required marketing strategy consultation + planning session during the onboarding process and independently execute the marketing plan created during the session. Participate in creating promotional assets for the program including but not limited to one (1) professionally filmed Reflection Interview at the end of the residency (paid for by Fresh Arts).
Gallery Restoration:
Return the gallery to its original condition at the end of the project period, including removing any infrastructure (furniture, structural elements, etc), reinstalling any removed gallery lighting and disposing of trash appropriately.
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:

Gallery Access: Provide a key for 24-hour access to the 2,500-square-foot gallery space and maintain ongoing communication with the property manager throughout the residency activation period.
Honorarium: Provide a $3,600 honorarium for each selected project (75% paid nine weeks before the gallery activation period begins, and the final payment upon completion of the residency).
Mentorship Facilitation: Connect the Artist with an assigned Artist Mentor. Scheduling recurring meetings will be left up to the artist and their mentor - not Fresh Arts.
Guided High-Level Strategy Planning: Provide guidance through initial strategy and planning processes, including programming, production, and marketing.
Marketing Support: Provide one dedicated marketing strategy + planning session with the artist during their onboarding process. This session will help the artist define the marketing tactics best suited for their project and create an action plan to execute independently. This may include assistance with sourcing professional graphic design and/or videography work to create branded assets. Fresh Arts may also assist in promoting the residency through email campaigns, collaborative social media posts, media pitches and more.
Photography + Video Documentation: Provide professional photography for one residency event 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.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY SPACE:

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

The space is a 2,500 sq ft. multi-use gallery and event space with track lighting, and accessible restrooms. Selected residents will be given a key for 24/7 access to the gallery during their programming period (eight weeks total, including installation and breakdown).

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

Winter Street Studios is part of theSawyer Yards creative campus that houses 400+ artists studios and hosts monthly Second Saturday Open Studio events, and located in the heart ofArts 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, music, 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,
music performances,
immersive art experiences,
film/media screenings,
exhibitions/group showcases,
readings, artist talks or lectures,
workshops, etc.

SELECTIONS PROCESS:

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.
Initial Review:
Fresh Arts staff will review all applications to ensure they are complete and meet eligibility criteria and submission requirements.
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.
Interviews:
Up to five (5) candidates will be invited to interview or present their project ideas and career goals in further detail, answering questions from the selection panel.
Final Selection: The selection panel will make final decisions based on evaluations and interviews. Two (2) selected artists or teams will be selected.

SELECTIONS CRITERIA:

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

Openness to Mentorship Collaboration: 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

April 1 – May 31, 2026
July 1 – August 31, 2026

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 (3) 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, performances, 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 (2) references who may be contacted in the final stages of the interview process.

TIMELINE:

Application Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025, 11:59 PM
Artist Notification: Wednesday, December 16
Stage 2 Interviews: Week of January 5-9, 2026 via Zoom
Artist Finalist Notification: on or before Thursday, January 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
Onboarding Meeting: Week of February 10
First Project activation period: April 1 - May 31, 2026
Second Project activation period: July 1 - August 31, 2026
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 activation period: April 1 - May 31, 2026

Mentor Meetings: March - May
Installation: March 24-31
Duration: April 1 - May 31
- Opening Reception: Thursday, April 2, 6-9 PM
- Second Saturday: April 11, 12-5 PM + May 9, 12-5 PM
De-install: June 1-4

Second Project activation period: July 1 - August 31, 2026

Mentor Meetings: May - August
Installation: June 23-30
Duration: July 1 - August 31
- Opening Reception: Thursday, July 2, 6-9 PM
- Second Saturday: July 11, 12-5 PM + August 8, 12-5 PM
De-install: September 1-4

QUESTIONS:

programs@fresharts.org

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