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.
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.
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.
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.
