Lawndale Art & Performance Center

Lawndale serves as an intimate gathering place for experiencing new art and ideas. Our core programming comprises original exhibitions and commissioned works through our Mary E. Bawden Sculpture Garden and Main Street Windows Project. Lawndale's public programs include artist-driven conversations, lectures, and workshops; literary readings in partnership with fellow arts organizations; musical performances through our They Who Sound series; and special fundraising events. With the support of an Advisory Board composed of artists, curators, and scholars, Lawndale's mission prioritizes merit and a balance of diverse artistic practices that equitably reflect Houston's expanding population.

The Artist Studio Program (ASP) exemplifies Lawndale's steadfast commitment to supporting the careers of visual artists in the Gulf Coast region. Since 2006, ASP has become a crucial hub for Houston's creative community, thanks to the steady pipeline of artists the residency attracts, many of whom had previously existed on the fringes. ASP invites three artists annually for a nine-month residency from September through May. Each resident artist receives a monthly stipend of $750 toward the cost of living, a $2,000 materials stipend for the creation of new work, 24-hour access to a private studio, and the institutional support of Lawndale, including regular studio visits with area artists, curators, and academics. See Schedule O for continuation.Each Spring, Lawndale mounts an exhibition of the residents' work produced during the residency term. Each resident artist leads individualized public programs with their exhibition to complement their artwork.