The Space Taking
Artist Residency

For traditionally underrepresented artists to take space

Pictured: Our Road Home: Gallery as Instrument by Jakari Sherman, 2026 | Photo by J. Andrade

ABOUT

Fresh Arts, founded as “Spacetaker” in 2013, has grown from a platform for Houston artists to promote their work into a rich network of opportunities for artists to sustain, advance, and thrive in their creative careers. 

Established in 2021, the “Space Taking Artist Residency” program calls back to the organization’s roots. It is an opportunity for traditionally underrepresented artists to develop and share new ideas, foster greater cross-collaboration in the city, reach new audiences, generate income, and engage with the community in innovative and meaningful ways.

It proudly serves as a launch pad for artists’ careers by giving them hands-on experience in developing and executing large-scale, public-facing projects.

Pictured: Renegade Telegram by Y.E Torres + The Renegade Carnies, 2021 Photo by J. Andrade

Through this program, Fresh Arts proudly showcases the extremely diverse range of talent, creativity, and innovation alive in Houston.

In a time when space and funding for artist projects are increasingly rare, Fresh Arts sees this as an innovative way to address these critical issues.

Pictured: ARTcade by Koomah + The Locas, 2021 Photo by Gisele Parra

Selected artists are provided with full access to a gallery space at Sawyer Yards for six weeks, a stipend to seed their ideas and support project costs, and dedicated professional mentorship through project planning, execution, marketing, and more.

During this residency, artists may use these resources to create and present a series of interactive experiences, events, or other public-facing activations related to themes and concepts that matter to them.

Pictured: A Single Thread Weaves A Future by Stacey Allen + Saida Carter, 2021 Photo by Joylynn Keeton

PAST RESIDENTS:

Koomah + the Locas  |  Y.E. Torres  |  Stacey Allen + Saida Carter

Amanda Pascali  |  A.C. Evans

Ruby Rivera  |  Dr. Lindsay Gary  |  Keeley Dunnam

Rian Crane  |  Keda Sharber

Outspoken Bean  |  Krystle Holnes

Jakari Sherman  |  Violeta Alvarez

Pictured: MythoFutuRiddim by A.C. Evans, 2022   Photo by J. Andrade

Pictured: UNBOUND by Keda Sharber, 2024 Photo by J. Andrade

Pictured: Summer of Salsa y Mas by Ruby Rivera, 2023   Photo by J. Andrade

Pictured: Dancing Home (to) Houston by Dr. Lindsay Gary, 2023   Photo by J. Andrade

The Space Taking Artist Residency is powered by Fresh Arts and funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts, Houston Endowment, and the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, in partnership with Sawyer Yards and Arts District Houston.