May 5, 2025
At a time when national funding for the arts is increasingly uncertain, Fresh Arts is proud to continue investing in the people who power Houston’s creative landscape—its artists. We’re excited to announce that Artist INC Houston is back for its 8th year, helping local creatives gain the tools, training, and community they need to build sustainable careers in the arts.
Whether you’re a muralist, musician, poet, dancer, or multidisciplinary artist, Artist INC is designed to meet you where you are and help you take your creative practice to the next level.
👉 Apply by June 23 for the fall 2025 session
*UPDATE: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 9*
Program Details
Session Dates: Wednesdays, 4-7pm, September 17 – November 12, 2025
Location: Sesh Coworking, 2808 Caroline St. #100, Houston, TX 77004
Eligibility: Artists of all disciplines within a 60-minute commute
Cost: $150 program fee; need-based stipends available
Apply: artistinc.art/apply
What Is Artist INC?
Developed by Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) and hosted locally by Fresh Arts, Artist INC Houston is an intensive eight-week professional development program designed specifically for artists. Participants meet once a week in person to learn strategic planning, goal setting, financial management, and how to thrive as working creatives.
Since launching in Houston in 2017, the program has supported over 160 local artists through a hands-on, community-driven learning model. Each cohort includes 25 selected artists who work alongside experienced facilitators and one another in a supportive, collaborative environment that fosters accountability and long-term professional growth..
“Artist INC has become a cornerstone of Fresh Arts’ artist-centered programming,” says Angela Carranza, Executive Director of Fresh Arts. “It offers artists practical, actionable tools for career growth while building a stronger, more connected creative community here in Houston.”
The program has supported creatives across a broad spectrum of disciplines—from fire dancing and classical music to mural art, photography, DJing, and more. Notable alumni include Mathieu Jean Baptiste, Karen Navarro, David Maldonado, and Janice Bond. Checkout the past cohorts here.
“Artist INC was one of, if not THE most valuable, informative, useful, and helpful programs I have ever participated in.”
— Tamer Ghoneim, Artist INC Houston alum
Why This Program Matters More Than Ever
The recent termination of NEA grants for many organizations—including Fresh Arts—has underscored how fragile funding for artist services has become. Programs like Artist INC remain a vital source of support for working artists who often lack access to training, mentorship, and professional networks.
Despite these funding cuts, Fresh Arts and M-AAA are committed to sustaining programs that directly serve artists. By applying for Artist INC—or supporting the program as a donor or sponsor—you’re helping us keep that promise.
Support the Future of Artist Development in Houston
Fresh Arts relies on the generosity of our community to keep programs like Artist INC accessible and thriving.
Donations to the Artist INC program go directly toward making this program possible. Your support helps cover essential expenses such as facilitator stipends, session materials and refreshments, venue costs for the public presentation night, professional photography, and need-based scholarships that ensure access for all artists—regardless of financial barriers.
Together, we can ensure that Houston area artists have the resources they need to create, grow, and inspire.
About Fresh Arts
Fresh Arts is a 501c3 Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering local artists and fostering a thriving arts community in the Greater Houston area. Our initiatives include career development opportunities, fiscal sponsorship support, access to hyperlocal resources, and community-building opportunities for artists and creatives of all disciplines and stages. To learn more about Fresh Arts, visit fresharts.org.
About Mid-America Arts Alliance
Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) partners with and supports artists, organizations, and communities to grow access to the arts, culture, and creativity throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. To learn more about M-AAA grants, programs, exhibitions, and fellowships, visit www.maaa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn.