Applications Now Open Through June 1, 2025
Houston, TX – The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts swings the doors wide open for artists and arts organizations across Houston to apply for participation in the Houston is Inspired initiative. Applications for the 2025–26 season are officially open now through June 1, 2025.
Launched in 2023-24, Houston is Inspired is a signature Hobby Center program that celebrates and amplifies the work of local artists and organizations through week-long residencies, offering access to the Hobby Center’s premier spaces, professional production support, and marketing resources.
The first two seasons featured curated partnerships, but with the introduction of an open application process, the Hobby Center takes another meaningful step toward creating equitable access to Hobby Center partnerships and representing the full scope of Houston’s arts community.
“With Houston Is Inspired, the Hobby Center opens a powerful new chapter—one where we champion local artists and arts organizations holistically, leveraging our strengths as a performing arts center dedicated to convening, connecting and incubating both artists and audiences,” said Deborah Lugo, Vice President of Programming and Education at the Hobby Center. “As we launch our first open call for the 2025–26 Season, we look forward to discovering even more of the extraordinary artists that define Houston’s arts ecosystem. This journey will continue to shape a series that celebrates the limitless talent and imagination of our city’s artists—and reminds us all of the beauty and inspiration that lives right here in Houston.”
The initiative is designed to spotlight Houston’s vibrant creative landscape, supporting authentic work that reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity. Selected artists and organizations for the 2025-26 Season will receive comprehensive production, administrative and promotional support including a $20,000 stipend to help fund the creation and development of their performance, five days of full access to Zilkha Hall comprised of stage, dressing rooms, technical equipment, and production staff for rehearsals, tech and final performance as well as a marketing investment from the Hobby Center and project-specific promotional plan created and executed in partnership with the artist/organization.
Each week-long residency is valued at over $60,000 in support of the project.
“The inaugural artists have illuminated the extraordinary depth and diversity of our city’s creative pulse,” Lugo said. “Through their week-long residencies, supported by our dedicated Hobby Center team, they’ve crafted powerful performances that celebrate both their artistry and the rich fabric of our community.”
Participating artists from this season have praised the program’s impact.
“From leadership to crew, every person involved during our recent inclusion in the Houston is Inspired initiative was consistently supportive, efficient, and kind in carrying out their responsibilities,” said Dr. Jason Oby, Artistic Director of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild. “The Hobby Center’s professionalism and care made the entire residency a smooth and stress-free experience.”
Applicants must be a Houston-based performing artist or organization and demonstrate readiness to present a 90–120-minute performance in Zilkha Hall.
The Hobby Center invites all eligible arts organizations and artists based in Greater Houston to apply. To learn more about program eligibility and the application process, visit TheHobbyCenter.org.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts serves as a connector, convenor and incubator for all Houston audiences, artmakers and arts organizations. Opened in 2002, the campus houses two theaters including the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall and the 500-seat Zilkha Hall. Delivering a best-in-class patron experience, the Hobby Center welcomes over 500,000 audience members annually to engage with high-quality arts programming including the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center series. The Hobby Center is also home to a full season of musical theatre produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, as well as a variety of diverse performances from both Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education and accessibility initiatives are central to the Hobby Center’s impact in Houston through programs like the ExxonMobil Discovery Series that welcomes thousands of students to free performances every season. Please visit TheHobbyCenter.org. Follow the Hobby Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.