(Good Medicine Festival MicroGrant Event 2025)

 

Midtown Houston is doubling down on its commitment to local artists in 2026—expanding funding and opening new calls for creatives across the district.

This January, Midtown is opening two artist opportunities for Houston-based creatives: the return of the MidtownHOU Arts Micro Grants Program and a call for artists for the 2026 Rodeo Sign Wrap at Bagby Park. Together, these opportunities invite artists to help shape Midtown’s public spaces through creativity, culture, and placemaking.

A Growing Investment in Houston’s Creative Community

Through the MidtownHOU Arts Micro Grants Program, Midtown has invested $118,000 in public art projects through the end of 2025, supporting local artists and arts organizations while bringing bold public art and creative placemaking initiatives to life across the district.

In 2026, Midtown will double its annual investment, making $120,000 available to qualified artists and arts organizations in Houston. By the end of 2026, the program will have invested a total of $238,000 in public art—a significant milestone in Midtown’s long-term commitment to arts-driven community building.

To make these opportunities more accessible, Midtown has launched a new Artist Opportunities page, serving as a centralized hub for all open calls, grant cycles, and public art opportunities throughout the year.

(Stretch & Release MicroGrant Event 2025)

2026 MidtownHOU Arts MicroGrants: Cycle 1 Now Open

The MidtownHOU Arts MicroGrants Program returns in 2026 now with two funding cycles, offering artists multiple chances to apply throughout the year.

Cycle 1: Art That Works

2026 MidtownHOU Micro Arts Grant – Cycle 1 focuses on art that works—public artworks that also serve a functional purpose. This cycle prioritizes projects that integrate creativity with everyday use, enhancing how people experience Midtown’s public spaces.

(Trash Can- You Can- by Artista Elisbet MicroGrant Recipient 2025)

 

Eligible project concepts may include:

• Seating
• Shade structures
• Lighting
• Wayfinding
• Other functional amenities incorporated into public art

 

Funding Overview

Midtown is awarding a total of $60,000 in grants during Cycle 1 of the 2026 MidtownHOU Arts MicroGrants Program. This round includes:

• Up to 8 individual artist grants of $5,000 each
• Up to 2 arts organization grants of $10,000 each

These awards support creative placemaking projects that are functional, community-centered, and contribute to the vibrancy of Midtown’s public spaces.

Key Dates

• January 5, 2026 – Grant applications open
• February 1, 2026 – Application deadline
• Week of February 16, 2026 – Artist announcements

A second MicroGrants cycle will open in May 2026. Artists interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to visit Midtown’s Artist Opportunities page for updates and application details.

Call for Artists: 2026 Rodeo Sign Wrap at Bagby Park

In addition to MicroGrants, Midtown is opening applications for a high-visibility public art opportunity tied to one of Houston’s most celebrated traditions.

The Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District is seeking local artists and graphic designers to create an original design inspired by the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for the iconic Midtown sign located in Bagby Park.

Houston’s Rodeo is fun and energetic, and submitted designs should reflect the spirit of western heritage and Texas traditions—celebrating the music, food, and festive culture that define Rodeo season in Houston.

Key Dates

• January 5, 2026 – Call for Artists/Designers opens
• February 1, 2026 – Application deadline

 

Project Overview

The selected design will be transformed into a large-scale, temporary public art installation using a 3M vinyl face wrap on the Midtown sign at Bagby Park (415 Gray Street, Houston, TX 77006). The selected artist will receive a $1,500 honorarium and participate in a professionally recorded interview exploring their work, creative process, and inspiration behind the design.

Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years or older, legally eligible to work in the United States, and interested in creating artwork that is accessible to the public. Midtown proudly supports artists from all backgrounds and disciplines and encourages creatives at all stages of their careers to apply. We believe strong public art is rooted in diverse perspectives and look forward to seeing the ideas artists bring forward.

This project is coordinated by the Midtown Houston Cultural Arts and Entertainment District and funded by Houston Endowment.

Stay Connected & Apply

With two artist opportunities launching in January—and more opportunities rolling out throughout the year—2026 is shaping up to be an active year for creatives in Midtown.

Artists and arts organizations are encouraged to:

• Visit the Artist Opportunities page to explore current and upcoming calls
• Apply through Fresh Arts by the listed deadlines
• Subscribe to Midtown’s newsletter for updates on new artist opportunities, funding cycles, and announcements

Whether you’re creating functional public art or designing for a major cultural moment, Midtown invites you to help shape the district through creativity in 2026.