Zócalo Artist-in-Residence Program

Emerging-to-established artists over the age of 18 working in a wide variety of visual arts disciplines are welcome to apply.

Installation Artists, Public Artists, Mixed Media Artists, Painters, Muralists, Sculptors, and artists working with innovative techniques are among those who will be best suited for this program. Zócalo is seeking artists with strong creative, artistic voices who have an interest in expanding their artistic practice in a community-focused context. 

Zócalo apartments will award the selected artist residents with no-cost housing with paid utilities, and exhibition space on campus. Each resident will reside in a furnished apartment with basic necessities for the duration of the residency.

• The one-year artist-resident will reside in a prime two-bedroom / one-bathroom apartment.

• The 6-month artist-resident will reside in a prime one-bedroom / one-bathroom apartment.

Additionally, artists will be granted a modest $250 monthly materials stipend to support the development of their work.

Please note it is required for artist-residents to live in the housing provided during the duration of the residency. For more info about Zócalo apartments, click here.

• Artist must submit a completed application
• Artist must explain ways in which they intend to use their work to engage with Zócalo residents and Spring Branch community.
•  Finalists will be required to pass a criminal background check in compliance with Zocalo Apartments Regulations
• International Applicants – Proof of Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
  International Applicants must provide proof of ability to work in the U.S.— green card or appropriate visa—with application.

Artists can apply through our website once the application period opens. No applications will be accepted before that time.

Applications will open August 15th, 2019. Deadline: September 15th, 2019 @ 11:59:59pm

Once the application period closes, our expert panel of judges will have 14 thrilling days to identify five semi-finalists. Then, it will be up to Houston to vote and select the top three to win the residency via social media and this website. Winners will be announced and celebrated at a launch party on the campus of Zócalo Apartments in November 2019.

Basic selection criteria include:

• Quality & Artistic Merit of Application
• Innovation/Originality of Artist's Use of Medium/ Materials
• Scope of Potential Impact of Artist's Work within the Community
• Demonstrated Ability to Engage with the Community

Artist-Residents are allowed to live with pets and dependents following Zocalo Apartment Guidelines.

PETS: We love pets however, only dogs, cats, fish and birds are permitted. No more than 2 pets of any kind are permitted per apartment. *Dog Breed Restrictions Apply* Please note ESA and service animals are not pets and do not apply to these restrictions. Email us for specifics.

DEPENDENTS:

Yes. We are seeking artists who will enjoy and benefit from living on our campus rent-free. Artist-residents who are selected and agree to accept the residency will be required to reside on campus throughout the duration of the residency. The apartments are non-transferrable and cannot be sublet or rented out.

You can contact us at zairinfo@zocaloliving.com with any specific questions.