Houston Endowment Jones Artist Awards Program 2027
Submit artwork or proposals for new commissions reflecting the theme 'On Turning Ten' for consideration in one of three curated exhibitions with accompanying honoraria.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- 5 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $12,500
- Location
- Houston, Texas, United States
- Exhibition window
- Feb 1, 2027 → Jan 14, 2028
- Applicants notified
- Nov 13, 2026
About
Program Overview
Houston Endowment, marking its 90th anniversary, invites artists who live in or are originally from the Greater Houston area to submit artwork for the 2027 Jones Artist Awards Program. Three curated exhibitions will be held in Houston Endowment's headquarters lobby—one solo exhibition and two group exhibitions—seen by building visitors and through online platforms. Nine artists total will be selected across the three exhibitions, each receiving an honorarium and the opportunity to exhibit.
2027 Theme: On Turning Ten
Inspired by Billy Collins' poem, the theme invites artists to reflect on the meaning of milestones. 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.
Eligible Media
- Paintings
- Photography
- Works on paper
- Sculpture
- Site-specific or multi-media installations
- Lightworks
- Painted murals
- Digital designs printable as vinyl wall covering
- Video and new media
Eligibility
- 18 years of age or older
- Live in or are originally from the Greater Houston area
- Emphasis on early career, underrecognized, or underrepresented artists (but not exclusive)
- Artists already in Houston Endowment's permanent collection are not eligible
- Previous Jones Artist Awards recipients are not eligible
Awards & Benefits
- 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 artworks are returned to the artist at the end of the exhibition
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 September 2026
- Artists Selected & Notified: 13 November 2026
- Exhibition 1: opens February 1, 2027; closes May 21, 2027
- Exhibition 2: opens June 1, 2027; closes September 17, 2027
- Exhibition 3: opens September 27, 2027; closes January 14, 2028
Installation & Technical Details
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
- Applicant's connection to the Greater Houston area, whether through current residency or regional ties
How to Apply
Submit an online application. No application fee. All accepted artists will receive a Loan Agreement outlining each party's responsibilities.
- Award
- Solo exhibition artist: $12,500 honorarium; Group exhibition artists (four per group exhibition): $4,500 honorarium each. Exhibition-related expenses covered including framing, art transport, installation, and documentation.
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Theme
- On Turning Ten—inspired by Billy Collins' poem, the 2027 theme invites artists to reflect on the meaning of milestones, including coming of age, rites of passage, cycles of renewal, changes in nature, and the evolving identities and landscapes of Greater Houston.
- Eligibility
- Open to artists 18 years of age or older who live in or are originally from the Greater Houston area; emphasis on early career, underrecognized, or underrepresented artists; artists in the permanent collection or previous recipients not eligible.
- Audience
- Artists 18 years of age or older who live in or are originally from the Greater Houston area
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.