(Artist Lauren Luna at Midtown’s Art in Park 2017)
Midtown Houston is pleased to announce a call for artists for February with even more ways for artists to leave a mark on the district—through projects that are highly visible, community-facing, and rooted in the belief that public art belongs in everyday places.
As we begin, Midtown is opening two opportunities for Houston-based creatives. Each one invites artists to help shape how people experience Midtown—whether it’s transforming a landmark sign into a celebration of music history or supporting one artist through a paid residency that blends studio time with community connection.
100 Years of Music Icons: A Large-Scale Sign Wrap Honoring Jazz Legends
In 2026, music lovers around the world will honor the 100th birth anniversaries of three American music icons: trumpeter Miles Davis, saxophonist John Coltrane, and composer Morton Feldman. Midtown will join that global celebration by commissioning a large-scale temporary public art installation that turns one of the district’s most recognizable landmarks into a tribute to musical legacy.
This opportunity invites artists to create a bold, original design that will be produced on Midtown’s iconic sign in Bagby Park, located at 415 Gray Street. The installation will serve as a high-visibility public artwork and a cultural moment leading into International Jazz Day on April 30—a time when Houston and cities worldwide celebrate the universal language of music and its power to connect communities.
The project is coordinated by the Midtown Houston Cultural Arts & Entertainment District and funded by the Houston Endowment, reinforcing a shared belief in public art and paid opportunities that allow artists to broaden their audience with a large-scale public art piece that will be seen at scale in the heart of the city.
The application opens February 5, 2026, and closes March 1, 2026. The selected artist will be announced March 2026.
(Echoes of the Renaissance by Kanika Blair)
Midtown Artist in Residency #1: A Four-Month Paid Residency for Local Artists
Midtown’s Artist in Residency Program is built to support one local artist with the time and resources to create—and the platform to share that work with the community. This four-month, in-person residency will support one emerging or mid-career Houston artist from April through July 2026, with a dedicated workspace, financial support, and structured opportunities to engage the community.
The selected resident artist will receive 24/7 access to a dedicated workspace in Midtown, a $20,000 stipend. The residency also includes professional documentation support, access to Midtown’s cultural partners, and a featured presentation at the May Cultural Arts Mixer—a key opportunity to share work and connect with the broader arts community. Throughout the residency, the artist will complete three (3) community engagement activities, helping ensure the experience is not only studio-focused, but also connected to the people and places that make Midtown vibrant.
More details will be released as the residency opportunity formally rolls out, with March 30, 2026 identified as the key date to watch for updates.
(Wild Wonderland by Dixie Friend Gay)
Stay Connected + Get Ready to Apply
With two opportunities launching in February—and more calls to come throughout the year—2026 is shaping up to be an active year for artists in Midtown. Whether your work leans graphic, illustrative, experimental, community-based, or design-driven, these projects are built to bring creative talent into public view and into the day-to-day experience of the district.
Artists are encouraged to keep an eye on Midtown’s Artist Opportunities page for full application details as each opportunity goes live—along with future calls, deadlines, and announcements.
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