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 new 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
In partnership with the Hobby Center, selected projects will receive:
- 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 performance.
- Marketing investment from the Hobby Center and project-specific promotional plan created and executed in partnership with artist/organization.
- Professional photography of performance.
- Box office support and 30 complimentary tickets for the performance.
- Community engagement and/or educational opportunities that best align with presentation.
- Approximately a 90 to120-minute ticketed performance at Zilkha Hall to culminate the week-long residency.
Each week-long residency is valued at over $60,000 in support of the project.
Timeline
- April 4, 2025 – Application window opens
- June 1, 2025 – Application window closes
- July 2025 – Three selected projects notified
- August – 2025-2026 Houston Is Inspired season public announcement
- November 7, 2025; January 30, 2026; May 1, 2026 – Houston Is Inspired performances in Zilkha Hall
Selection Criteria
To apply, applicants must:
- Be a Houston-based performing artist(s) or organization(s).
- Define how the Houston Is Inspired residency will deepen their artistry, further their creative work, and celebrate any specific milestone for the artists or the city of Houston.
- Demonstrate readiness to present a 90–120-minute performance in Zilkha Hall.
- Commit to spreading the word via all their communication channels and audiences.
- Be available to fully participate in one of the selected residency weeks slated for 1) November 3 – 7, 2025; 2) January 26 – 30, 2026; or 3) April 27 – May 1, 2026.
Submission Guidelines
- Proposals must include a description of the performance, a biography of the artists and/or organization, and a link to previous performances. Multi-disciplinary projects and collaborations are welcome.
- Proposals must define how the Houston Is Inspired residency will deepen their artistry, further their creative work and celebrate any specific milestone. The Hobby Center is committed to selecting artists who will benefit from this week-long residency by demonstrating an opportunity for growth, highlighting an underrepresented organization, showcasing a unique art form, collaboration or innovative project, or celebrating an artistic milestone.
Selection Process
Applications ranging from all performing arts disciplines will be evaluated by a panel of local arts community members and Hobby Center staff. Using the selection criteria, the panel will assess the applicant’s artistry and how the residency will further their creative work.
To apply, submit the application form by June 1, 2025.
Virtual Information Session
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Join us for a virtual information session to learn about the 2025-2026 Houston is Inspired residency program at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The information session will review criteria for the application. Please register here to attend.
Houston Is Inspired History
As part of its new mission, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts piloted the Houston Is Inspired initiative in the 2023-24 Season with ISHIDA Dance Company and Urban Souls Dance Company. After a successful pilot, the Hobby Center committed to implementing its new artist residency annually with the 2024-25 Season featuring FLY Dance Company, Houston Ebony Opera Guild, and Ana María Martínez with Andy Einhorn. The 2025-26 Season marks the Hobby Center’s first open call as it furthers its mission to deepen understanding of our shared humanity.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts serves as a connector, convenor and incubator for all Houston audiences, artmakers and arts organizations. Opened in 2002, the campus houses two theaters including the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall and the 500-seat Zilkha Hall. Delivering a best-in-class patron experience, the Hobby Center welcomes over 500,000 audience members annually to engage with high-quality arts programming including the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center series. The Hobby Center is also home to a full season of musical theatre produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, as well as a variety of diverse performances from both Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education and accessibility initiatives are central to the Hobby Center’s impact in Houston through programs like the ExxonMobil Discovery Series that welcomes thousands of students to free performances every season. Please visit TheHobbyCenter.org for more information. Follow the Hobby Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.