ACLU of Texas Artist-in-Residence 2026-2027
Open call for Texas artists to create collaborative performance and visual arts projects focused on civil liberties and civil rights advocacy.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU-TX) is seeking applications for its artist-in-residence program, welcoming Texas-based artists and art collectives working in any medium. This residency program focuses on arts-based advocacy and social change, with the 2026-2027 term emphasizing three key areas: free speech and pluralism in K-12 public schools, reproductive freedom, and LGBTQIA+ equality centered on Black trans and intersex Texans.
Selected artists or collectives will each receive a $30,000 stipend to develop and implement their projects. The program values collaborative approaches and community engagement, serving as a platform for artists to bring diverse audiences together around civil liberties issues.
Current residents include painter Vincent Valdez from San Antonio, whose "The New Americans" portrait series documents individuals working for social justice, with plans to distribute works to Texas classrooms in partnership with ACLU. Author KB Brookins from Austin recently completed their residency with community-focused projects including workshops on zine-making centered on carceral justice and poetry writing initiatives.
This residency offers artists an opportunity to combine artistic practice with political and policy perspectives, creating accessible entry points for audiences to engage with important social issues. The program is particularly suited for self-starters interested in collaborative community engagement and those seeking to leverage their artistic practice for advocacy purposes.