Applying to calls is ALWAYS FREE!
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You will submit this application online using PublicArtist.org.
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| Budget: $40,000 |
| Activated: 09/24/2025 Deadline: 10/20/2025 |
| Call Summary Downtown Houston+, in partnership with Piper Faust Public Art, invites Houston-based artists and galleries to submit designs for Houston Reframed, a temporary public art initiative that will activate 10 storefront windows across Downtown Houston. |
| Budget Description Each selected artist will receive a design stipend ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, based on the scale of the assigned site and the complexity of the adaptation. This fee covers the artist’s time, concept development, and delivery of a high resolution, print ready file. All vinyl production and installation costs will be covered by the project partners and do not come out of the artist’s fee. |
| Project Description Houston Reframed aims to highlight the strength and diversity of Houston’s creative community through a curated selection of large-scale artworks that reflect a wide range of voices, styles, and disciplines, contributing to the dynamic character of the downtown streetscape. Artists are invited to submit works that capture the spirit of Houston, drawing on its culture, neighborhoods, people, or landscapes, and folding the city’s many layers into the downtown experience. |
| Artwork Goals Artists should submit images of existing artworks you would like considered for adaptation (with title, medium, year) OR concept sketches or renderings that illustrate the type of work you would propose if selected. The final selected artworks should be designed to translate effectively to large scale vinyl, which will be installed in high visibility, street level windows throughout the downtown core. |
| Artwork Location Description This project will activate 10 ground level storefront windows throughout Downtown Houston with large scale vinyl artworks. Sites vary in size, ranging from approximately 100 square feet to more than 1,600 square feet, and are in high visibility pedestrian areas. Final artwork must be delivered as a high resolution, print ready file that matches provided vinyl specifications. Artists will not be asked to request or select specific sites. Site assignments will be made by the project team based on visual composition, scale, and curatorial balance across all locations. Final site specifications and dimensions will be provided to selected artists during the file preparation phase. |
| Eligibility Open to artists and galleries based in the Greater Houston area, defined as the nine county region of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, Chambers, and Austin counties. Priority will be given to those who live and work in this region or have a meaningful connection to Houston through representation or practice. Applicants must be 18 or older and eligible to work in the United States. Artists at all career stages and across all visual disciplines are welcome, including painting, photography, printmaking, digital art, mixed media, and sculpture adapted for print. Artists may apply directly or be submitted by their gallery. Collaborative teams may submit one joint application. Selected artists will work with the project team to deliver a final high resolution digital file for large scale vinyl printing. |
| Application Requirements |
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Resume: 2 page(s) maximum Work examples: 1 - 6 Artist Statement: 300 word maximum Letter of Interest: 500 word maximum Please include your name, contact information, and website or social media. Describe your artistic practice, how you see your work relating to this opportunity, and, if relevant, how your work may connect to Houston’s identity in thoughtful or unexpected ways. |
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Artists are allowed to apply in teams.
Each artist is to submit the full allotment of work examples. |
| Selection Information |
| Selection Process A selection panel composed of art professionals and downtown stakeholders will review all eligible submissions and select artists. |
| Selection Criteria Submissions will be reviewed based on the following: • Celebrate Houston’s Artistic Talent: Highlight the creativity and diversity of Houston based artists and galleries through large scale, high visibility artworks in the heart of downtown. • Activate Public Space: Bring visual energy and vibrancy to the streetscape by transforming storefront windows into dynamic, curated art displays. • Reimagine Underutilized Storefronts: Transform temporarily vacant or underused spaces through thoughtful, high quality art installations that engage the public and enhance the urban environment. • Encourage Discovery: Create an accessible, walkable art experience that sparks exploration and connection among both locals and visitors. • Reflect a Sense of Place: Support artworks that connect to Houston’s culture, people, and neighborhoods in ways that enhance the downtown experience. |
| Timeline All dates are subject to change. RFQ Release: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Submissions Due: Monday, October 20, 2025 Artist Notifications: Week of November 3, 2025 Final Artwork Files Due: December 2025 Vinyl Installation Begins: December 2025/January 2026 Public Launch: Early 2026 |
| Additional Resources |
| Window Example 1 (JPEG) |
| Window Example 2 (PNG) |
| Window Example 3 (PNG) |
| Window Example 4 (PNG) |
| Contact Information | Piper Faust piper@piperfaustpublicart.com |
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