Texas Open Call

The Texas Open Call is Artpace’s primary resource for identifying artists who are interested in and eligible for participation in Artpace’s International Artist-in-Residence program and exhibitions, as well as studio visits by curators participating in Artpace’s Curatorial Residency program. Additionally, this list is a resource we share with prominent visiting directors, curators, and writers from organizations around the world who want to know more about Texas artists. All Texas artists who meet the eligibility requirements will be reviewed by guest curators as well as Artpace staff. Studio visits will take place in 2024. Those who apply must be available to spend two months in residence at Artpace. Artists are encouraged to apply early as deadlines are firm and will not be changed.

About Artpace

Since opening in 1995 in San Antonio, Texas, Artpace has served as an international laboratory for the creation and advancement of contemporary art. Our residencies, exhibitions, and public programs nurture the creative expression of emerging and established artists, while actively engaging all audiences in San Antonio and beyond. Artpace is housed in an 21,000-square-foot facility renovated by the eminent San Antonio firm Lake/Flato Architects. The 1920s building, once a Hudson automobile dealership, is located in the vibrant downtown cultural district, one block from the city’s famous River Walk.

About Artpace’s International Artist-in-Residence program

Artpace annually hosts three residencies (spring, summer, and fall). Each residency includes one Texas artist, one national artist, and one international artist, all selected by leading curators from around the world. An Artpace residency includes travel expenses to and from San Antonio, a living stipend of $6,000, a production budget up to $10,000, a furnished apartment, and studio/exhibition space. Resident artists have access to fully equipped wood and metal workshops and a digital media studio, in addition to technical advice and administrative support. The eight-week residency culminates in a two-month exhibition of new work at Artpace. The mission of this program is to provide artists from a diverse backgrounds and varied disciplines with unparalleled resources and support that allows them to pursue new ideas and take provocative risks to expand their artistic practice.

Who is eligible to apply

The Texas Open Call opportunity is available only to artists currently living and working in Texas. Artists must have been living in Texas for at least one year at the time of application. Applicants from other states or countries will not be considered for the Texas Open Call. Current students, Artpace staff, and members of Artpace’s Board of Directors—as well as their spouses or domestic partners and immediate family—are not eligible to apply. Past Artpace artist resident applications may be reviewed by guest curators; however, they are not eligible for future Artpace residencies.

Payment

To limit financial barriers and make the application process more inclusive and accessible for artists, Artpace is waiving application fees for the 2025 Texas Open Call. Donations to support Artpace, a nonprofit organization, are always welcome.

About the application process

Artpace assists guest curators and arts professionals by introducing them to new artists via the Texas Open Call, a list of contemporary artists living and working in Texas. Artists who are part of the Texas Open Call list will have their art viewed by at least five curators during the year for Artpace, and potentially other, opportunities. Each year, three guest curators review all applicants on the list and choose at least 20 Texas artists for studio visits in the spring, summer, and fall International Artist-in Residence program. Two Curatorial residents also host studio visits with Texas artists pulled from the Texas Open Call. All eligible submissions will be reviewed by each guest curator.

Selection criteria

The selection of artists for the residency program is based entirely on the particular interests of the guest curator and how the artists fit within the curator’s vision for the residency.

What happens after you submit your application:

• You will receive an automated email from AnyArtist.org noting successful completion.
• Artpace staff will review your application for eligibility.
• You will be notified by October 7, 2023, only if your application is ineligible. If ineligible, your application materials will be removed from the Texas Open Call List.
• If your application is eligible, it will be entered into the Texas Open Call list. You will not be contacted if your application is eligible.
• Approximately a year out from each residency period (in 2024), each guest curator will select at least 20 Texas artists for in-person studio visits with all current safety protocols followed. Artpace will contact artists via email or phone to schedule in-person studio visits. Studio visits for the Spring 2025 Residency will be made in spring 2024. Studio visits for the Summer 2025 Residency will be made in summer 2024. Studio visits for the Fall 2025 Residency will be made in fall 2024.
• Each guest curator for the International Artist-in-Residence program will select a Texas artist for the International Artist-in-Residence program.
• Guest Curators, Curatorial Residents and guest arts professionals may contact artists for opportunities outside of Artpace programs.

Please note: An artist can be selected for multiple studio visits within one given year, but once selected for a residency, an artist is not eligible for future studio visits with guest curators for the International Artist-in-Residence program. For example, if a guest curator visits an artist’s studio in spring 2023 and selects them for a residency, the artist will no longer be eligible for summer or fall guest curator visits. No artist can participate in more than one residency. However, all artists will remain eligible for studio visits with visiting curatorial residents, courtesy visits by guest curators within the residency program, and other arts leaders.

These dates apply specifically to the International Artist-in-Residence Program.

Application Period is July 1—September 29, 2023.

• Spring 2024 

The Spring 2025 Residency guest curator reviews Texas Open Call list conducts at least 20 studio visits, and makes their selection for the Spring 2025 Residency.

• Summer 2024

The Summer 2025 Residency guest curator reviews Texas Open Call list conducts at least 20 studio visits, and makes their selection for the Summer 2025 Residency.

• Fall 2024

The Fall 2025 Residency guest curator reviews Texas Open Call list conducts at least 20 studio visits, and makes the selection for the Fall 2025 Residency.

Dates for 2025 Residencies 

Spring: February 3–March 31, 2025
Summer: June 2–July 28, 2025
Fall: September 29–November 24, 2025

*All dates subject to change. 

THE 2025 TEXAS OPEN CALL WILL CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.