Fresh Arts has announced an open call for its Space Taking Artist Residency (STAR) program, now in its sixth year. The program offers selected Houston-based artists, curators, and collectives nine weeks of mentor-guided professional development followed by eight weeks of access to a 2,500-square-foot gallery space at Winter Street Studios in the city’s Sixth Ward. Residents receive a $3,600 honorarium and additional stipends, and are expected to activate the space through exhibitions, performances, or community programs. The deadline to apply is December 5, 2025, with two residency periods available in 2026.
This matters because the STAR program specifically supports traditionally underrepresented multidisciplinary artists, providing critical resources and professional development that can help launch or advance careers. By offering a dedicated space and financial support, Fresh Arts addresses gaps in access and equity within the Houston art scene, fostering diverse voices and innovative community engagement.