2026-2027 Artist Studio Program
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Thank you for your interest in Lawndale's Artist Studio Program (ASP).
Applications for the 2026-2027 Artist Studio Program are due Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST.
Since 2007, the Artist Studio Program has supported artists at critical moments in their careers. For nearly two decades, it has provided local and regional contemporary artists with studio space and support—including material, financial, and curatorial—for their creative practice.
The Artist Studio Program reaches its 20th anniversary year in the 2026/2027 season, and we are excited to continue to grow and evolve how we support local and regional artists’ practices. Included, we will extend the Artist Studio Program to ten months (previously, nine) and increase the monthly honorarium to $900/month (previously, $750).
Additionally, moving forward, the Artist Studio Program’s focus will shift to the process of creating artwork rather than a Lawndale exhibition at the end of the residency. This allows the Artist Studio Program to do what it does best: give artists the time and space to freely dive into their ideas—to research, experiment, and create—without the pressure or expectation of result, product, or specific outcome.
Enhanced focus on the process of creating includes…
- Photo documentation of the artistic process
- New arts writing about the artistic practice
- A publication featuring the artist’s biography, statement, along with photo documentation and new arts writing about their process
- Increased monthly honorarium
- An additional month in the studio
- 24/7 private studio access at Lawndale
- Coordinated visits with outside curators, scholars, other artists and writers
- Access to area arts libraries through institutional partnerships
With this in mind, Lawndale understands the importance for artists to share their creations beyond the studio. Thus, during the ten month residency, we will discuss with residents how we can support this within our shifted model and budget. For instance, artists could propose public programs, events, publications, or temporary installations. Additionally, residents are welcome to apply for our ongoing exhibition open call, though a potential Lawndale exhibition would be separate from the Artist Studio Program participation itself.
Major support for The Artist Studio Program is provided by Kathrine G. McGovern/The John P. McGovern Foundation.
Program Description
Lawndale’s Artist Studio Program awards individuals with dynamic support to evolve their creative practice. This coming year, we are extending the tenure from nine to ten months, running September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. During this period, participants receive a monthly honorarium of $900 and 24/7 access to a private studio. There are three distinct studio spaces approximately 250 square feet, each with their own key, real wood flooring and ample natural light. Artists are responsible for having/obtaining and maintaining any specialized tools related to their craft.
Eligibility
Lawndale seeks Houston- and Gulf Coast-based artists of diverse backgrounds and media, whose creative practice would benefit from ASP’s unique support. Ideal candidates are at transitional moments in their careers, such as exploring a new body of work or different discipline. Lawndale is a multidisciplinary platform embracing creative practices of various media, such as any visual arts media, performance, music, sound art, and literary arts. Applicants must be 18 years or older and not enrolled in any degree program. Former ASP participants are not eligible.
Application Deadline & Fees
Applications are due Friday, March 27, 2026 (11:59 PM CST) and must be submitted online through Submittable. There is no fee to apply.
Notification
Applicants will be notified of a decision via email by early May 2026.
This year’s applications will be reviewed by Dawolu Jabari Anderson (Round 1 Artist Studio Program Participant), Dr. Margo Handwerker (Dean of the Glassell School of Art Core Residency Program at MFAH and reviewer for Round 1 Lawndale ASP), Lovie Olivia (Lawndale Advisory Board member and past exhibiting artist), and Jeremy Johnson (Exhibitions Director at Lawndale).
Application Materials
Narrative Bio OR Artist Statement
Website / Social Media Page (Not required)
5-10 representative examples of your work (Accepted formats: .jpg, .mov, and .pdf)
How will you use the Artist Studio Program to explore the next phase of your creative practice? (Please focus on your studio practices’ ideas, processes, and materials, not exhibition ideas) (200 words maximum)
Anything else you would like us to know about your application? (Not required)
2 professional references (to be contacted if you are a finalist)