Organizer Information
Houston Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of Greater Houston, marking its 90th anniversary with the 2027 edition of this program. As long-time supporters of the region's arts community, the Endowment views the Jones Artist Awards Program as an extension of its mission and a complement to its permanent art collection. The program, now in its fifth year, was created by Houston Endowment in 2023 to recognize local artists and reflect the many stories and perspectives of Greater Houston's residents. The open call and exhibitions are curated and managed by Weingarten Art Group (WAG) on Houston Endowment's behalf.
Title & Description
Houston Endowment — Jones Artist Awards Program 2027
Weingarten Art Group invites artists who live in or are originally from the Greater Houston area to submit artwork for Houston Endowment's 2027 Jones Artist Awards Program. Houston Endowment hosts three curated exhibitions annually in a prime lobby space at its headquarters — one solo exhibition and two group exhibitions — seen by visitors to the building and through online platforms. Nine artists total will be selected across the three exhibitions, each receiving an individual grant alongside the opportunity to exhibit.
Theme
On Turning Ten — as Houston Endowment marks its 90th anniversary, the 2027 theme invites artists to reflect on the meaning of milestones, inspired by Billy Collins' poem of the same name. Suggested directions include coming of age, rites of passage, cycles of renewal, changes seen in nature, and the evolving identities and landscapes of Greater Houston and its people.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Site-specific
- Mural
- Digital
- Video/Film
- New Media
- Exhibition
Eligibility
- Open to artists 18 years of age or older who live in, or are originally from, the Greater Houston area
- Emphasis on (but not exclusive to) early career, underrecognized, or underrepresented artists
- Artists already in Houston Endowment's permanent collection, and previous Jones Artist Awards recipients, are not eligible
- Open to submissions of existing artworks or proposals for new commissions
Program Benefits & Awards
- Solo exhibition artist: $12,500 honorarium
- Group exhibition artists (four per group exhibition): $4,500 honorarium each
- Exhibition-related expenses covered at no cost to the artist, including framing, art transport to and from the artist, installation, professional photo and video documentation, and artist headshots, all managed by Weingarten Art Group
- All artworks are returned to the artist at the end of the exhibition
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 September 2026
- Artist(s) Selected & Notified: 13 November 2026
- Exhibition 1: artwork delivered week of December 14, 2026; installed January 29, 2027; opens February 1, 2027; closes May 21, 2027
- Exhibition 2: artwork delivered week of April 12, 2027; installed May 27, 2027; opens June 1, 2027; closes September 17, 2027
- Exhibition 3: artwork delivered week of August 9, 2027; installed September 24, 2027; opens September 27, 2027; closes January 14, 2028
Location
Houston, Texas, United States
Additional Details
- Eligible media: paintings, photography, works on paper, sculpture, site-specific or multi-media installations, lightworks, painted murals, digital designs printable as vinyl wall covering, and video and new media
- Installation considerations: artworks should be installed on or near the wall; sculptural works should not occupy the center of the space (pedestals or shelves provided); works may be suspended from the ceiling using non-invasive methods (e.g. Command Strips), subject to approval; a 50" video screen is available in horizontal or vertical configuration; audio may only play via provided headphones, not speakers
- Selection criteria: relevance of proposed artworks to the 2027 theme; scale and suitability of the artworks for the exhibition space; and the applicant's connection to the Greater Houston area, whether through current residency or regional ties
- The program states a commitment to providing opportunities regardless of economic or social status, and to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical ability
- Accepted artists will receive a Loan Agreement outlining each party's responsibilities
- Further information: Ady Avivi, ady@weingartenartgroup.com, 832-228-5452