One of the most surprising characteristics OF Houston’s art community is its generous funding and resources.  No matter your area of specialty, there’s always an organization or collective looking to help nurture the minds shaping the city’s creative future. It’s no secret that one of the biggest challenges facing artists and innovative nonprofits is funding. For many, supplies, materials, and other expenses make it difficult to forge a focused career in the arts. No matter the discipline, local arts organizations are working to provide more opportunities for creativity to thrive.  

Have a project idea in mind? Need funding to start a new body of work or a new initiative? Here’s our ongoing list of funding opportunities that may have flown under the radar. 

Box13 ArtSpace

Deadline: Sept. 15 

This local artist-run space is seeking proposals for its 2023 exhibition schedule (March-December 2023). Artists and curators are welcome to submit original ideas for the two downstairs galleries, upstairs galleries, and window displays. Submissions should not be previously exhibited, and candidates will be notified by October 15. For more information on Box13, visit here.

Artpace Open Call

Deadline: Sept. 30

San Antonio-based institution Artpace is seeking applicants for the 2024 international Artist-in-Residence program. The program hosts three artists, one from Texas, alongside national and international candidates. Each artist receives a $6,000 living stipend, an apartment, a $10,000 production budget, and studio space. For more information on the process and eligibility, visit here. 

Let Creativity Happen! - Grant

Deadline: Opens Sept. 30 through Oct. 31

This grant is perhaps MOCA’s most popular and competitive, with applications accepted at multiple points a year. Similar to the city’s Initiative grant, it provides funding for artists and collective projects and 501(c)(3) organizations of all disciplines to steward creativity and innovation in the city. For more information on Let Creativity Happen! and other grant deadlines, visit here. 

FotoFest Meeting Place Portfolio Review

Deadline: Ongoing through October 

Over the course of three sessions taking place from September 25 to October 8, September 30 to October 3, and October 5 to 8, artists can meet with 150 art world professionals for FotoFest’s annual portfolio review. Get feedback on your work and network with fellow artists this fall. Registration is $1,150 and includes a series of 20-minute, one-on-one reviews, access to the 2022 FotoFest Biennial, a slot in the Unfiltered: Portfolio Walk, and much more. For more information on registration, session, and reviewers, visit here. 

The Idea Fund 

Deadline: Nov. 7

Powered by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and administered by DiverseWorks, The Idea Fund is accepting applications for its 15th grant cycle. The local re-granting program supports the work of practicing artists in the Greater Houston Area and will award 12 grants of $5,000 to individual artists and collectives. The grant is reserved for applicants living in Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Waller, Chambers, Liberty, Austin, or Montgomery countries. For more information on Round 16 of The Idea Fund, visit here.

The Ida B. Wells Fund

Deadline: Oct. 28 (Short Film Fund), Nov. 3 (Visual Arts Fund)

The second annual Ida B. Wells Fund is open for filmmakers, artists, and innovators to apply. Five filmmakers will be selected for $15,000 grants to go toward producing a 9-19 minute short film. Six artists will be chosen for $2,000 awards. For more information on eligibility and deadlines, visit here.