Due to Hurricane Beryl the deadline to apply has been extended to 11:59 pm July 21

Houston, get ready to experience a revolutionary shift in public art! Discovery Green Conservancy proudly unveils Art Lab, an innovative mentorship program designed to empower underrepresented local artists. This initiative offers the tools, resources, and guidance needed to create large-scale, interactive, sculptural outdoor public works.

Renowned for its commitment to green space and captivating art installations, Discovery Green is set to redefine Houston’s artistic landscape. Art Lab aims to nurture local talent, fostering creativity and innovation within the community. This program will provide two selected artists with an apprenticeship, a practicum, and an honorarium of $4,500. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors, these artists will gain invaluable experience.

Unparalleled Mentorship and Artistic Collaboration

Art Lab's mentorship team features internationally acclaimed, Brooklyn-based artist and engineer Jen Lewin as the inaugural lead artist. Lewin is commissioned for a yet-to-be-announced, site-specific installation at Discovery Green during the 2024/25 winter season. Collaborating with Lewin will offer Houston artists unique insights into designing, building, and installing large-scale public art projects.

Additional mentors include the Weingarten Art Group, co-curators and co-administrators of Discovery Green’s public art program, and Metalab, a prominent Houston-based architecture and design firm with an impressive public art portfolio.

A Platform for Innovation and Exposure

Selected artists will have the opportunity to submit proposals for a potential 2025 temporary pop-up art installation at Discovery Green. If chosen, they will work with the program mentors to bring their vision to life, enhancing their exposure and professional development.

“Public art has been at the heart of Discovery Green since its inception 16 years ago. The park has evolved into an open-air gallery with a world-class permanent collection and remarkable temporary installations that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year,” said Kathryn Lott, President of Discovery Green Conservancy. “Our goal with Art Lab is to connect Houstonians and visitors to inspiring and thought-provoking works while creating opportunities for the incredibly talented artists in our own backyard.”

Lea Weingarten, principal of Weingarten Art Group, added, “Discovery Green continues to show leadership beyond its park realm by recognizing the barriers local artists face in developing the skills needed to produce large-scale, interactive works and addressing the lack of cultural diversity in America’s public art space. We are proud to be partners in fostering innovation and creating national exposure opportunities for Houston talent.”

A Legacy of Artistic Excellence

Discovery Green’s public art program boasts permanent and traveling works from acclaimed artists such as Jean Dubuffet, Jim Dine, Margo Sawyer, and Doug Hollis. Since its opening in 2008, Discovery Green has hosted over 27 temporary exhibitions featuring internationally recognized artists, including Bruce Munro, Christopher Schardt, Héctor Esrawe, and Ignacio Cadena.

How to Apply

Art Lab is open to artists, architects, and designers residing within a 75-mile radius of central Houston. Applications will be accepted through July 14, 2024, with selected artists announced in August. The program will run from September 2024 through January 2025, funded by an anonymous national foundation.

For more information and to apply, visit Discovery Green Art Lab http://www.discoverygreen.com/artlab.

Discovery Green continues to be a beacon of artistic innovation and community engagement. Through Art Lab, the park reaffirms its commitment to enriching Houston’s cultural landscape and supporting the growth of local artists. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative journey.

Art Lab is a pilot program funded by an anonymous national foundation.

For more info, visit https://www.discoverygreen.com/