HOUSTON — The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas opened applications for its 2026 artist-in-residence program.
The ACLU of Texas seeks Texas-based artists or art collectives, across performing and/or visual arts, to collaborate on a project to advance our civil rights and liberties.
In addition to defending the First Amendment right to artistic expression in Texas, the ACLU of Texas works with artists and cultural institutions to advance civil rights for every Texan. The arts have played a role throughout history in bringing about social change and the artist-in-residence program is the cornerstone of this arts-based advocacy. Applications are open now through January 31: aclutx.org/art.
Residency Details
- Duration: April 2026 – January 2027.
- Eligibility: Texas-based artists or artist groups working in any medium.
- Focus: The priority issues for the next artist-in-residence are free speech and pluralism, LGBTQIA+ equality, and reproductive freedom.
- Location: The project can take place anywhere in Texas. No studio space is provided.
- Lodging: Lodging accommodations are available for up to one week during the production or launch of the project.
- Stipend: $30,000 to cover labor and materials.
Through the artist-in-residence program and other collaborations with artists — the ACLU of Texas has worked to commission murals in Houston to encourage people to vote (‘We Choose Our Future’ located in Houston’s Third Ward and ‘Lucha Por Tu Voto’ in East End). The organization also brought in an artist who created giant 10-foot puppets that were used at rallies and protests for immigrants’ rights across the state. Learn more about the work of our current artists-in-residence, acclaimed author KB Brookins and renowned painter Vincent Valdez, on Texas Public Radio.
See work from our 2024 artist-in-residence here.
See work from our 2025 artists-in-residence here.
Artists can apply by completing this form by January 31, 2026.
To learn more about ACLU arts-based advocacy or to speak to a current or former artist-in-residence, reply to this email or contact [email protected].
