Houston Artist Resource Guide 2023

Fresh Arts Blog / By

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS:

  • Artist INC Live | https://www.maaa.org/professional-development/artist-inc/
  • DanceSource | http://dancesourcehouston.org
    • The mission of Dance Source Houston is to nurture and support contemporary dance artists, the organizations that present them, and to identify and build audiences for contemporary dance in the greater Houston area.
  • The Dance Card | http://dancesourcehouston.org/the-dance-card/
    • Your one-stop source for dance events in and around Houston.
  • Fresh Arts | https://fresharts.org/
    • provides the Houston arts community with a wide variety of services, including a free artist registry, events calendar, arts opportunity board, career-building workshops, fiscal sponsorship program, and more.
  • Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA) | http://talarts.org
    • TALA supports the cultural community in Texas by providing volunteer legal and accounting services, educational programs and publications to artists, nonprofit arts organizations and other art constituents.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration- Houston Office | https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/tx/houston
  • University of Houston Small Business Development Center|https://www.sbdc.uh.edu/sbdc/Houston_Center_SBDC.asp
  • United Way of Greater Houston Community Resource Center | https://www.unitedwayhouston.org/nonprofit-connection/computer-classes/
  • Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) | http://visualartsalliance.org
    • VAA produces professionally juried art exhibitions and organizes educational programs including studio, gallery and museum tours in addition to presentations of art-related resources.
  • Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA) | www.maaa.org
    •  MAAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization—representing Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas—that focuses on strengthening communities and improving lives through extraordinary cultural experiences.
  • Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO) | https://tano.org/research-facts/
    • TANO is the statewide membership association reflecting and promoting Texas’ growing nonprofit community in all its diversity.
  • University of Houston- Downtown Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management Online Degree Program | https://www.uhd.edu/academics/humanities/graduate-programs/master-arts-non-profit-management/Pages/ma-index.aspx
    •  The MA in Nonprofit Management Online Degree Program is a multidisciplinary program that prepares recent college graduates as well as mid- and senior-level administrators to manage and lead nonprofit organizations of all types.
  • Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies’ Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership | https://glasscock.rice.edu/continuing-studies
    • The Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership seeks to increase the effectiveness and impact of the nonprofit sector by providing education and nurturing leadership among professionals and those who support the work of nonprofit organizations. 

SPACES: ART SPECIFIC SPACES, CO-OPS, RENTALS, STUDIOS OPEN TO OTHER ARTISTS: 

LOCAL EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES:

Art League Houston | https://artleaguehouston.submittable.com/submit

  • 1 annual exhibitions + public art installations per a year.
     Open to Local, national, international emerging, mid-career, and established artists and curators.
  •  Proposals are accepted twice a year: once in the spring, once in the fall.

Aurora Picture Show | https://filmfreeway.com/festival/ExtremelyShorts

  • Extremely Shorts Film Festival.
  • Open to Filmmakers, Video Artists, Experimental Media Makers – emerging to established.
  • Proposals are accepted on an annual basis between January and March.

BOX 13 Artspace | http://box13artspace.com/proposals/

  • Artists and curators are invited to submit recent (or proposed) experimental works not previously shown in Houston.
  • 1 formal call once a year, usually in the fall

FotoFest | http://home.fotofest.org

  • Biennial event (every other year), Festival spans multiple weeks at various participating spaces.
  • Open to emerging, mid-career lens-based artists (photographers)
  • Exhibits usually last between the end of September to the beginning of November.

Galveston Art Center | http://www.galvestonartscenter.org/current_exhibit.php

  • 8 exhibitions per year in conjunction with Galveston ArtWalk.
  • Artists can apply for exhibitions. Fine Art Craft artists can apply for consignment in the ArtWorks Store.
  • Open to emerging and Mid-career artists and arts groups.
  • Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) | https://crafthouston.org/
    Exhibition proposals are accepted year round and reviewed quarterly.
  • Open to artists, institutions or guest curators in materials traditionally associated with craft and craft processes.

Houston Center for Photography (HCP) | https://www.edu.hcponline.org/hcp-calls-for-entry

  • The Center Annual Exhibition formerly known as the Juried Membership Exhibition, is Houston Center for Photography’s yearly group exhibition that seeks to highlight and provide insight into current themes, technologies, and practices in photography
  • The Learning Curve an exhibition of selected work made by HCP’s students from the past year

Lawndale Art Center | https://lawndaleartcenter.submittable.com/submit

  • Opportunities include The Big Show, studio program, and year-round exhibition, they have open calls once a year
  • Open to emerging and Mid-career artists and arts groups

Project Row Houses | https://projectrowhouses.org/our-work/art/artist-opportunities/

  • Artist Rounds are a biannual event, with openings in March and October. Each session lasts approximately four months. During this time period, seven row houses are opened to visiting artists to display their works.
  • Proposals are accepted year round.
  • Either individual artists or art collectives are welcome to apply.

Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) | http://visualartsalliance.org/

  • Annual Juried Open Exhibition
  • Open to all artists aged 18 and over.

ARTIST REGISTRIES:

 

RESIDENCY PROGRAMS:

  • Dance Source Houston | Artist-in-Residence Program (AIR) | https://dancesourcehouston.org/air/
    • Residency artists receive weekly rehearsal space at a Houston area studio, access to professional development workshops and Fieldwork, production and marketing plan assistance and more. The residency culminates with performances created as part of the Barnstorm Dance Fest.
    • Dance Source Houston’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program is open to Houston dance artists of all experience levels.
  • Houston Center for Contemporary Craft | Artist Residency Program | https://www.crafthouston.org/artists/residents/
    • Artists selected for the program receive a 200-square-foot studio, a monthly stipend and a small, quarterly housing/materials allowance.
    • A juried selection is held annually to award five artists a three-to-twelve month residency.
    • The program supports emerging, mid-career, and established artists working in all craft media, including but not limited to clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood and mixed media
  • Lawndale Art Center | Artist Studio Program (ASP) | http://www.lawndaleartcenter.org/studio-program/
    • ASP provides artists with a monthly stipend and access to a private studio.
    • Participants seek to engage Lawndale as their hub—not only as a place for experimenting, making, and showing work but also as a site for critical engagement.
    • Open to Texas/Gulf Coast-based artists of diverse backgrounds and experiences, working in any media.
  • TX/RX Labs | Artist Residency (via the Artist Support Grant) | https://txrxlabs.org/artistsupportgrant
    • Artists are provided a 6-month grant period to develop their practice in an environment that promotes collaboration between the arts, sciences, craft, and engineering.
    • Grantees are provided wide access to TX/RX Lab’s facilities, educational opportunities, mentors, and collaborators through this program.
    • The grant term is six months, from November to May, participants may apply for a second six month term.
  • CORE Residency Program at The Glassell School of Art | https://www.mfah.org/fellowships/core-program/
    • Core Program Residents engage with a wide range of leading artists, critics, curators, and art historians who are invited to meet individually with the residents, lead seminars, and deliver public lectures.
    • The Core Program awards residencies to exceptional, highly motivated visual artists and critical writers who have completed their undergraduate or graduate training and are working to develop a sustainable practice.
    • Applications for admission are accepted once per year.
  • Project Row Houses | Summer Studios | http://projectrowhouses.org/public-art/summer-studios
    • Summer Studios was developed to provide an opportunity for emerging artists to create and exhibit work that responds to, engages with, and/or is reflective of community.
    • This program is open to seven art students and emerging artists, nominated by professors and selected by a panel of professional artists.
    • Summer Studios is open to artists who are interested in making art in an urban community setting, engaging with the PRH/Third Ward Community and interacting with established Houston-based artists.
    • Studio period usually mid-June to late July

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP IN HOUSTON:

  • Fiscal Sponsorship | http://www.fiscalsponsors.org/
    • A fiscal sponsership is designed to support projects spearheaded by artists and collectives existing outside of traditional nonprofit models. It allows a nonprofit organization to provide fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services to help build the capacity of charitable projects. 
  • Fresh Arts. | https://www.fresharts.org/content/fiscal-sponsorship
    • Fresh Arts provides Fiscal Sponsorship for Visual Artists. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed monthly. 

 

PRINTED MEDIA DISTRIBUTION:

  • DSH’s distribution service: Dance Source Houston distributes arts marketing materials to a list of approximately 100 locations inside the loop. Distribution weeks are the first full and third weeks of each month. Contact mollie@dancesourcehouston.org for more information.

 

RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ARTISTS:

ADVOCACY AND ARTS RESEARCH

  • Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) | http://houstonartsalliance.com 
    • Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is the local nonprofit arts and culture agency that enhances the city’s quality of life through advancing and investing in the arts and diverse cultural programming. 
  • Texas Commission on the Arts | http://www.arts.texas.gov 
    • Official state agency for the support and development of the arts. 
  • Texans for the Arts | https://www.texansforthearts.com/
    • Advocacy organization promoting arts education & funding. 
  • Texas Film Commission | http://gov.texas.gov/film
    • The Texas Film Commission is your first stop for resources that serve the film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects and video game industries of Texas. 

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:

Idea Fund (Deadline usually in October) | http://theideafund.org/

 

Houston Arts Alliance | https://www.houstonartsalliance.com/grant-opportunities

All disciplines:

  • Houston Arts Alliance Grants of 2023
  • Houston Arts Alliance Individual Artist Grant (Deadline usually in January)
  •  Houston Arts Alliance Let Creativity Happen Express Grant (Multiple deadlines throughout the year)
  • Houston Arts Alliance Arts Project Grant-Outreach (Deadline usually in April).

For visual artists:

For writers:

For dancers:

For musicians:

ART GROUPS FOR GREATER HOUSTON ARTISTS:

LOCAL HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

The Center for Performing Arts Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital (CPAMHMH) | http://www.houstonmethodist.org/performing-arts/locations/center-for-performing-arts-medicine-texas-medical-center/

  • CPAMHMH in the Texas Medical Center is a complete health home for performing and visual artists. The only center of its kind in the country, the Center for Performing Arts Medicine encompasses a specialized group of more than 100 physicians working collaboratively to provide specialized health care and wellness education for performing artists. Phone: (713) 394-6088

 

Legacy Community Health Services |  http://www.legacycommunityhealth.org

  • As a full-service, Federally Qualified Health Center, Legacy identifies unmet needs and gaps in health-related services and develops client-centered programs to address those needs. A United Way-affiliated agency since 1990, we currently provide adult primary care, pediatrics, dental care, vision services, behavioral health services, OB/GYN and maternity, vaccinations and immunizations, health promotion and community outreach, wellness and nutrition, and comprehensive HIV/AIDS care.
    Phone: (832) 548 5000

NATIONAL ARTS RESOURCES:

Online Artist Resource Listings:

Chicago Artists Resource | https://chicagoartistscoalition.org/resources

  • Chicago Artists Resource (CAR) is an excellent source of information for artists’ professional development. It includes legal, financial and education information as well as artist opportunities. 

Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council | https://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/

  • GPAC’s website lists national and local resources for all disciplines. 

New York Foundation for the Arts |  https://www.nyfa.org/

  • NYFA’s Curatorial Service exhibitions are open to NYFA artists. This includes NYFA Fellows & Finalists, participants in our NYFA Learning & Professional Development workshops, Fiscally Sponsored artists and, on occasion, other related NYFA programs. 
  • NYFA Source is an international searchable database of grant, residency and professional opportunities for artists. NYFA Source contains over 11,000 listings for opportunities and resources worldwide, and is searchable by location, discipline, and deadline, and is free to use. https://www.nyfa.org/online-resources/
  • NYFA Classifieds contain extensive listings of exhibitions and galleries accepting artists’ submissions https://www.nyfa.org/opportunities/

Regional Arts & Culture Council |  www.racc.org/resources

  • RACC’s website includes extensive listing of announcements, funding, jobs, venues and workshops. 

Springboard for the Arts |  www.springboardforthearts.org 

  • The organization’s mission is to cultivate a vibrant arts community by connecting artists with the skills, contacts, information and services they need to make a living and a life. 

United States Artists |  www.unitedstatesartists.org

  •  Their mission is to nurture, support and strengthen the work of America’s finest living artists. Provides significant direct financial support to artists of all disciplines. 

 

Professional Development/Workshops/Business Support:

Art Biz Coach |  www.ArtBizCoach.com

  •  Alyson B. Stanfield is an arts business consultant and author of I’d Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. She helps artist gain more recognition, organize their businesses, and sell more at 

Artsmarketing.org |  https://www.artsmarketing.com/

  • A project of the Arts & Business Council, this site has a variety of resources regarding arts marketing, research and strategy. 

Center for Cultural Innovation |  www.cciarts.org

  •  The Center for Cultural Innovation was founded in 2001 with a mission to promote knowledge sharing, networking and financial independence for individual artists and creative entrepreneurs by providing business training, grants and loans, and incubating innovative projects that create new program knowledge, tools and practices for artists in the field. 

Creative Capital | www.creative-capital.org

  •  Creative Capital acts as a catalyst for the development of adventurous and imaginative ideas by supporting artists who pursue innovation in forma and/or content in the performing and visual arts, film and video, and in emerging fields. Provides advisory services and professional development assistance along with multi-faceted financial aid and promotional support.

College Art Association |  www.collegeart.org/guidelines

The Foundation Center |  http://foundationcenter.org

  • A national organization offering classes and other tools to assist individuals and nonprofits in finding funding. 

Getting Your Sh*t Together |  www.naia-artists.org 

  • Professional software designed to help artists get organized. www.gyst-ink.com
    National Association of Independent Artists. Resources for artists who exhibit in art festivals and fairs. 

Professional Artist Magazine |  www.professionalartistmag.com

  •  Previously published under the name Art Calendar for more than 25 years, Professional Artist is dedicated to providing independent visual artists from all backgrounds with the insights, encouragement and business strategies they need to make a living with their artwork. 

 

National Exhibition Opportunities:

College Art Association |  www.collegeart.org/opportunities

  • Artistic and academic opportunities. 

Call For Entries |  www.callforentry.org 

  • National listings of public art commissions, exhibitions, and more. 

ZAPP |  www.zapplication.org  

  • Online applications for arts festivals and shows nationally. 

Re-title.com | https://re-title.typepad.com/

  • The information resource for emerging and professional contemporary art, providing directory and publicity services for internationally focused artists and galleries. 

Mondaynews |  www.mondaynews.net

  • An info base for artists, curators and cultural operators which provides a list of international open calls and art events via a weekly newsletter service based on a daily updated website.

 

RESIDENCIES:

Alliance of Artists’ Communities | www.artistcommunities.org 

  • The Alliance supports visual artists, writers, composers, dancemakers, filmmakers, and artists of any discipline by providing resources that connect artists with residency programs and by advocating for greater support for artists and the creation of new work. 

Res Artis |  www.resartis.org

Mesart |  www.mesart.com/art/Resources:Artist-in-Residency_Programs

 

ADVOCACY AND ARTS RESEARCH:

Americans for the Arts | www.artsusa.org

  •  National arts policy, economic impact of the arts, field networks.

Arts Action Fund | www.artsactionfund.org

  •  Lobbying organization advocates for funding & arts education. 

National Endowment for the Arts | https://www.arts.gov/

  •  Public agency for supporting arts through funding, research about arts and artists. 

 

GRANTS:

NYFA Source |  www.nyfa.org/source

  •  “The Internet is a mile wide and an inch deep, and there are a lot of incomplete sources of information out there. NYFA Source is not one of them. Its strength is in its housekeeping; and it has the NYFA seal of approval, giving it the instant credibility factor. I believe in its value and I know many artists who get their information from it.” — Chuck Close, Artist 

Mira’s List |  www.miraslist.com

  •  “GRANTS. FELLOWSHIPS. RESIDENCIES. RESOURCES AND MORE. Mira’s List is for artists, writers, composers, filmmakers and others in the arts. Money, time and a place to create. I lead you to the water, you do the rest.” – Mira Bartok. 

Foundation Center |  www.foundationcenter.org

  •  Information about foundations across the country, philanthropy, and grant writing. 

The Harpo Foundation |  www.harpofoundation.org

  •  Grants to individual artists. 

Sustainable Arts Foundation | www.sustainableartsfoundation.org

  •  A non-profit foundation supporting artists and writers with families. Our mission is to provide financial awards to parents pursuing creative work. 

 

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP:

Fractured Atlas |  www.fracturedatlas.org

  •  Fiscal sponsorships, liability insurance for public art projects, group health insurance, ticketing and donation software, discounts, etc. OVAC members have associate memberships! 

Artspire, NYFA’s fiscal sponsorship program |  www.artspire.org

  •  One of the oldest and most reputable arts fiscal sponsorship programs in the country. It gives individual artists and artist run organizations greater access to funding and increases their fundraising capabilities. Fiscal sponsorship enables individual artists and nonprofit organizations without a 501(c)(3) status to raise tax-deductible funds using Artspire’s charitable status. Additionally, Artspire provides the ability to accept and manage contributions online, book keeping, vendor payment services, and access to fundraising professionals for fundraising strategy consulting and grant proposal review. 

National Network of Fiscal Sponsors |  www.tides.org/?id=212

  •  The National Network of Fiscal Sponsors improves the practice of fiscal sponsorship and promotes its value to society. 

CROWDSOURCE FUNDING:

Artist Share |  www.artistshare.com

GoFundMe |  www.gofundme.com

Indiegogo |  www.indiegogo.com

Kickstarter |  www.kickstarter.com

Pledge Music |  www.pledgemusic.com (may be under maintenance)

RocketHub |  www.rockethub.com

USA Projects |  www.usaprojects.org

 

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES:

Craft Emergency Relief Fund | www.craftemergency.org

  •  Preparation information and immediate support to professional craftspeople suffering career-threatening emergencies. 

Creative Commons | www.creativecommons.org

  •  This site is dedicated to alternative licensing issues. 

Studio Protector | www.studioprotector.org

  •  The artist’s guide to safeguarding from emergencies. Includes great resources on disaster planning insurance coverage including (business and liability). 

U.S. Copyright Office |  www.copyright.gov

  • An information clearing house including forms, news and publications regarding copyright issues. 

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office |  www.uspto.gov

  • This site includes current news, frequently asked questions, guides, glossary of terms and information on a variety of intellectual property issues. 

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts | www.vlany.org

  • National organization providing legal resources, training, low-cost and pro-bono services to artist and arts and culture groups. Check for local chapters. 

 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS:

National Endowment for the Arts |  https://www.arts.gov/

  • The endowment is a federal agency that awards more than $100 million in grants in all 50 states. 

Americans for the Arts |   www.artsusa.org 

  • A national nonprofit organization that works to advance the arts in America by educating communities, generating more public/private sector resources and building individual appreciation of the arts. 

Grantmakers in the Arts |  www.giarts.org/group/arts-funding/support-individual-artists

  •  GIA is the only national association of private and public funders making grants to artists and arts organizations in American. The Support for Individual Artists group focuses on individual artists. 

RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR ARTISTS:

The Artist’s Guide: How to Make Living Doing What You Love. By Jackie Battenfield.

The Profitable Artist, A Handbook for All Artists in the Performing, Literary and Visual Arts. By Artspire, Co-published by the New York Foundation for the Arts.

Getting Your Sh*t Together: A Professional Practices Manual for Artists. By Karen Atkinson and GYST Ink.

I’d Rather Be In The Studio: The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion, by Alison B. Stanfield

The Savvy Musician: Building a Career, Earning a Living, and Making a Difference. By David Cultler

Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music. By Angela Myles Beesching

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life. By Twyla Tharp.

Music Business Handbook and Career Guide. By David Baskerville and Tim Baskerville

Grow: How to Take Your Project and Passion to the Next Level and Quit Your Job. By Eleanor C. Whitney

The Artist’s Guide to Grant Writing: How to Find Funds and Write Foolproof Proposals for the Visual, Literary and Performing Artist. By Gigi Rosenberg.
Art and Fear. By David Bayles

Business and Legal Forms for Fine Artists. By Tad Crawford
Art/Work. By Heather Darch Bhandari.

 

RESOURCES FOR DANCERS:

Career Transitions for Dancers |  www.careertransition.org (May be under construction)

  •  Provides career counseling; bridge scholarships for dancers; workshops, resources and other CTFD services. 

Dance/USA |  www.danceusa.org 

  • Dance/USA sustains and advances professional dance by addressing the needs, concerns, and interests of dance artists, administrators, and organizations. 

 

RESOURCES FOR FILM MAKERS/MEDIA ARTISTS:

The Texas Film Commission (TFC) |  https://gov.texas.gov/film

  • The TFC is your first stop for resources that serve the film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects, video game and extended reality (XR) industries of Texas. Serving the public since 1971, the Texas Film Commission supports our state’s global position as a premier production destination across all media industries. If you want to produce your next project in Texas, our industry-savvy staff is ready to connect you to Texas’ diverse locations, experienced workforce, support services, industry organizations and competitive production incentive program. 

 

RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS:

American Composers Alliance |  www.composers.com

  •  Publishes, promotes, preserves and protects concert music by American composers. 

American Composers Forum |  www.composersforum.org

  • Supports composers and develops new markets for their music. Provides resources such as grants and commissioning and other career development assistance. 

American Federation of Musicians |  www.afm.org

  •  Represents the interests of professional musicians with legal issues, health and pension benefits and provides resources and networking opportunities. 

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |  www.ascap.com

  •  ASCAP is a membership organization providing licensing and distribution representation and distributes royalties for copyrighted works specifically for composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers. 

Chamber Music America |  https://chambermusicamerica.org/

  •  Chamber Music America is a national membership organization that promotes artistic excellence and economic stability within the profession to ensure that chamber music, in its broadest sense, is a vital part of American life. 

The Dramatist Guild of America |  www.dramatistsguild.com

  •  The professional association of playwright, composers and lyricists. 

New Music USA |  www.newmusicusa.org

  •  Increases opportunities for composers through residencies, education, audience interactive programs, and support for the creation of new work. 

 

RESOURCES FOR PERFORMING ARTISTS:

Actors Equity Association (AEA) |  http://www.actorsequity.org

  •  Represents actors and stage managers engaged in live theater. Provides negotiation services and benefits for Actors Equity members. 

The Actors Fund |  www.actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/healthcare-and-health-insurance 

  • Their Health Services programs offer both Internet-based and personal health insurance guidance, solutions-based health care counseling, experience-based health referrals and, through our own free clinic, direct medical care for people who are uninsured. 

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) |  www.aftra.com

  •  Represents performers, journalists, technicians and other artists who work in the entertainment and news media. 

The Field |  www.thefield.org

  •  The Field is a service organization for independent performing artists. A variety of grants, residencies and workshops are offered to artists in the performing arts fields. 

National Alliance of Musical Theatre |  www.namt.org

  • Benefits include a festival of new musicals, two annual conferences, online resources and directories, surveys and research, the Producer-Writer Initiative, new works summits, insurance, and discounted rehearsal space. 

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) |  www.sag.org

  •  Represents working actors in film, television, industrial work, commercials and videos. Enhances working conditions and offers a wide array of benefits to members. 

Theatre Communications Group |  www.tcg.org

  •  A national organization, focusing on strengthening the performance arts by offering information on grants, workshops and research and information on legislative issues for both nonprofits and individual performers. 

 

RESOURCES FOR VISUAL ARTISTS:

American Craft Council |  https://www.craftcouncil.org/

  • The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national, nonprofit educational organization that promotes understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine, American Craft, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring those who enrich the craft field, as well as a specialized library, various workshops, seminars and conferences. 

College Art Association | https://www.collegeart.org/

  •  CAA promotes excellence in scholarship and teaching in the history and criticism of the visual arts. 

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) |  https://cerfplus.org/

  • Mission is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States by direct financial and educational assistance. CERF+ has developed an emergency preparedness and response toolkit for artists called the Studio Protector: The Artist’s Guide to Emergencies. It consists of an interactive ready-reference wall guide that provides easy-to-follow checklists for emergency preparation and response. A companion (free) online guide provides in-depth information including articles, interviews with artists and experts, tips, and annotated resource lists. 

Creating a Living Legacy (CALL) |  www.joanmitchellfoundation.org/artist-programs/call

  •  Creating a Living Legacy (CALL) is a program of the Joan Mitchell Foundation that provides support to visual artists in creating, through organizing and inventorying, comprehensive documentation of their artworks and careers. 

Glass Art Society |  www.glassart.org 

  • The Glass Art Society is an international non-profit organization that holds an annual conference, publishes the Glass Art Society Journal and provide online versions of GASnews and the Glass Art Society Member Directory. 

Public Art Network |  http://www.americansforthearts.org/networks/public_art_network

  •  Formed in 2000 by Americans for the Arts, this site is designed to assist those in the field of public art. The Public Art Network (PAN) includes public art specific resources, networking listserv, and a public art program directory. 

Society for North American Goldsmiths |  www.snagmetalsmith.org 

  • The Society of North American Goldsmiths supports and advances the professional practice of artists, designers, jewelers and metalsmiths. Through education, innovation and leadership, SNAG provides access to a vibrant and passionate community. 

 

RESOURCES FOR WRITERS:

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |  www.ascap.com

  •  ASCAP is a membership organization providing licensing and distribution representation and distributes royalties for copyrighted works specifically for composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers. 

American Society of Journalists and Authors |  www.asja.org

  •  Serves as a support organization for non-fiction writers. 

The Association of Writers and Writing Program | www.awpwriter.org

  •  A national nonprofit service organization that works to create new jobs and build new opportunities and audiences for writers. 

Tintero Projects |  https://tinteroprojects.wordpress.com/

  •  Tintero Projects / Proyectos Tintero aims to promote writing & reading opportunities for emerging Latinx poets and writers in the Houston – Galveston/Gulf Coast Region. 

The Dramatist Guild of America |  www.dramatistsguild.com 

  • The professional association of playwright, composers and lyricists. 

The Playwrights Center |  www.pwcenter.org

  •  The Playwrights’ Center focuses on both supporting playwrights and promoting new plays to production at theaters across the country. 

VIP Arts Houston |  https://www.facebook.com/vipartshouston/

  •  A writer/performer-centered organization that seeks to empower, develop, amplify, and elevate marginalized artists in Houston and the surrounding areas. 

TEXAS BUSINESS START UP GUIDE

Starting a business in Texas requires you to complete a number of basic steps and make some key decisions. As part of your overall plan, you’ll need to select a location, decide on a business structure, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Additionally, determining which financing options will meet your short-term needs and long-term goals is crucial. Within this section, you will find information on some quick steps on how to get started.

New business owners should always seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant, and/or attorney to verify all legal requirements are met before operating a business.

 

STEP 1: DETERMINING YOUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE

The first step in starting a business is to decide on a basic legal structure. This step is important because financial and legal implications vary depending on legal structure. Once you settle on a legal structure, you will need to properly record the business name with the state and/or county. In the State of Texas, there are several legal options for setting up your business structure. Given the legal implications when choosing your business structure, new business owners should always seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant, and/or attorney to verify all legal requirements are met before choosing a business structure. The Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas provides resources for entrepreneurs seeking legal advice. The optional legal business structures in the State of Texas are as follows:

Legal Business Structures in the State of Texas

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • General Partnership
  • Limited Partnership
  • Registered Limited Liability Partnership
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Corporation

Where to file?
Once your research is complete and you have consulted with a legal professional, the following information will guide you to the appropriate local or state agency to file the required paperwork for the business structure you have selected.

Sole Proprietorship – Assumed Name, Doing Business As (DBA)
In Houston, you would file your paperwork for your Assumed Name, Doing Business As (DBA) at the Harris County Clerk’s Office. A DBA ensures the business name you plan to use is not being used by someone else in Harris County. The Assumed Name is good for 10 years unless changes are made.

Complete the Assumed Name Records Certificate of Ownership for Unincorporated Business or Profession Form.

Please consult the Harris County Clerk’s Office as prices and procedures are subject to change without notice. http://www.cclerk.hctx.net

Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Corporation
In the State of Texas, all partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations are all filed thru the Office of the Texas Secretary of State. Please review their website for information regarding these types of business filings. For general information and specific filing questions, you may also contact them directly at 512-463-5586.

 

STEP 2: FEDERAL, STATE, AUSTIN AND EMPLOYMENT TAX RESPONSIBILITIES

An equally important step in the development of your business is your determine and comply with the various overlapping tax responsibilities of your new business. The following information will guide you to the appropriate Federal, State and Austin agencies who administer business taxes.

Federal Tax
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) governs all things related to tax collection at the federal level. In addition, the IRS provides a wealth of business tax related information for small business owners. Simply click on the link below and you will soon be on your way to understand your federal tax responsibilities.
Internal Revenue Service
The local IRS Tax Payer Assistance Center provides walk in face-to-face assistance. The center is located at 825 East Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78753. The center can be reached directly at 512-499-5127.

State Tax
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is responsible for the administration and collection of state and local sales tax for businesses operating in the State of Texas. The following link provides an informative guide that will educate you on the what, when, where, why and how of sales and franchise taxes.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
111 East 17th Street Austin, Texas 78711 512-463-4600 or 800-252-5555

Houston Tax
Locally, business taxes apply to entrepreneurs who own tangible property and use their property to produce income. The Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) handles the administration of the property tax for the City of Houston. For specific information, the link below will help clarify any questions and for additional information, contact HCAD directly at the number listed below.
http://www.hcad.org

Employment Tax
Internal Revenue Service – Provides specific information regarding your federal employment tax responsibilities.

Texas Workforce Commission – Provides specific information regarding your state and local employment tax responsibilities.

 

STEP 3: BUSINESS LICENSES AND PERMITS BY BUSINESS TYPE

According to Texas Wide Open for Business, the State of Texas does not require a general “business” license; however, there are a number of regulatory agencies that have licensing and permitting requirements based on the type of service, or products associated with your business. To ensure that all permitting requirements are met, you should contact the local county and/or city government in which you plan to conduct business to determine if there are any additional requirements. To determine state occupational licensing and permitting requirements, please visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), specifically the TDLR Licensed Programs tab, for more information.

 

STEP 4: BUSINESS EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS

Texas Wide Open for Business section on employer requirements is a one stop shop for small business owners. The information provided will help entrepreneurs understand and comply with federal and state employer requirements. There are a number of labor, safety, and reporting laws relating to employment of personnel, thus it is vitally important for small business owners to increase their knowledge and ensure they are in compliance.

Contact Information for Agencies Cited in This Document:

For a comprehensive introduction on conducting business in Texas, please view the Governor’s Small Business Handbook. https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-portal

Texas Business Portal: Offered as part of Texas.gov (formerly TexasOnline), the award-winning official eGovernment web site for the State of Texas, providing citizens, local government, and state agencies with a single, secure structure to conduct business over the Internet. Business in https://www.texas.gov/starting-a-business-in-texas/

Additionally, the Texas Workforce Commission publishes a great resource for employers. The Especially for Texas Employers is a step by step guide that walks employers and employees thru every aspect of Texas employment law.
https://www.twc.state.tx.us/businesses
https://startupsavant.com/how-to-start-a-business-in-texas/

Internal Revenue Service of the U.S. Department of Treasury
For any business in Texas that has employees or operates under one of the formal legal structures, the owner(s) will need to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and obtain a Federal Employers Identification Number (FEIN). The IRS should also be contacted for the forms and procedures to withhold and remit federal taxes required regarding both employers and employees. General Contact:
Website: www.irs.gov ; Telephone 800-829-4933

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