The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts invites performing artists and organizations from the Greater Houston area to submit proposals for Houston Is Inspired – a series of short-term residencies to amplify work by local artists.
Building on the Hobby Center’s mission to serve as a connector, convenor, and incubator, this program leverages the Hobby Center’s technical, administrative, and marketing resources and staff to help extend celebrated Houston artists and organizations’ existing capacities, amplify their work and build a stronger artist community. The resulting performances bring audiences and artists together through experiences that center connection and community.
With extended advanced infrastructure support from the Hobby Center team, three select artists or organizations will each participate in a week-long residency in the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall with access to resources including expert production and technical support, marketing investment and a residency stipend. Each artist residency will culminate in a public performance at Zilkha Hall, presented by the Hobby Center as part of its annual season.
Through the Houston Is Inspired concept, the Hobby Center is committed to supporting local artists, providing Houston audiences with new artistic experiences, and strengthening Houston’s arts ecosystem.
Program Components
Presented by the Hobby Center, each selected project receives:
- Five days of full access to Zilkha Hall, including stage, dressing rooms, technical equipment, and production staff for rehearsals, tech and final performance.
- Stipend of $20,000 to support the creation and development of the artistic concept.
- Marketing investment from the Hobby Center and project-specific promotional plan created and executed in partnership with artist or organization.
- Professional photography and videography of the culminating performance.
- Box office support and 30 complimentary tickets for the performance.
- Community engagement and educational opportunities relevant to the artist concept.
- Approximately a 90 to 120-minute ticketed performance at Zilkha Hall to culminate the week-long residency.
Each residency is valued at over $60,000 in support of the project.
Timeline
Projects will be selected in early 2027. Selected projects will participate in a week-long residency at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Fall 2027 and Spring 2028.
Selection Criteria
To apply, applicants must:
- Be a Houston-based performing artist or performing arts organization.
- Demonstrate a clear artistic identity and relevant experience creating work in Houston.
- Propose a specific performance project that is ready for, or would meaningfully benefit from, a week-long residency in Zilkha Hall.
- Demonstrate readiness to present a 90–120-minute performance.
- Explain how the residency, technical resources, and support from the Hobby Center would help elevate the work.
- Identify key audiences or communities connected to the project and commit to support promotion through their own communication channels.
- Be available to fully participate in one of the selected residency weeks in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028.
Submission Guidelines
Proposals should include applicant information, an artist statement or organization mission, a project description, relevant work samples, and a brief explanation of how the residency would support the project’s development and public performance.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of local arts community members and Hobby Center staff. Selections will be based on the strength of the proposal, alignment with the goals of the Houston Is Inspired residency, and the applicant’s readiness to make meaningful use of the residency opportunity.
To apply, submit the application form HERE by October 30, 2026
An informational session will take place on Zoom with the Hobby Center’s Programming & Education department on October 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM. We’ll discuss the Houston Is Inspired history, process, and successful applications and projects. There will also be time to answer questions. Please RSVP here for more information.
For further questions, please reach out to Joseph Blanchard, Programming & Events Coordinator at [email protected].