Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District Art Grants

Midtown Houston, designated as a Cultural Arts and Entertainment District by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2012, is seeking professional artists and designers age 18 or older to develop and implement public art programming and projects for the community. The district has three park spaces available: Elizabeth Baldwin Park, Elizabeth Glover Park, and Midtown Park. Artists may also propose projects at separate locations within Midtown Houston boundaries. Artists may work individually or in capacity-building partnerships with other artists or artist teams.

The total budget for this project is $3,400, distributed as three $1,000 grants and one $400 grant. Work samples should include 5-10 images representing previously completed projects, with each sample accompanied by a summary of title, location, cost, materials/media, and timeline. Audio and video submissions are also accepted (up to 4 each). Applicants must submit a statement of interest with complete contact information, résumés for each artist/team member, and two professional references or recommendation letters. Organizations must also provide a one-page history and list of current Board Members.

The Selection Committee will evaluate applications based on aesthetic excellence, track record of significant past projects, and demonstrated project management ability. Finalists will be invited to interview in October 2018, with selected artists notified in October 2018 and project completion required by December 2018. The district does not fund social functions, operating expenses, political activities, retroactive funding, debt reduction, or projects containing obscene material as defined in Section 43.21, Penal Code of Texas. Selected artists or organizations must provide a W-9 and Form 1295 Certificate of Interested Parties.