Please note that the eligibility for this opportunity is limited to current residents of Harris County. This requirement aligns with Harris Health’s goal of fostering a positive economic impact within the local community. 

Introduction 

On behalf of Harris Health, art consultants Davis Cohen Art (DCA) invite visual artists and graphic designers to submit their qualifications for various art opportunities within the Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital Campus. These opportunities include both interior spaces in the new hospital, currently under construction, and outdoor locations across the LBJ Hospital Campus. 

DCA is seeking local artists from Harris County to contribute to the hospital’s environment. The goal is to enhance the healing atmosphere by using artwork to connect with patients, families, and caregivers—bringing warmth, community, and comfort to the healthcare setting. 

We encourage artists and artist teams to thoroughly research Harris Health, including its history, strategic plan, and the communities it serves. This Call to Artists provides an opportunity to showcase your artistic qualifications, allowing DCA and Harris Health to better understand your artistic practice—whether you are a professional, emerging artist, or hobbyist. We have identified locations within the project open to artists of all experience levels. If selected, our goal is to match your aesthetic with appropriate spaces within the hospital and/or campus. Through your submission, we aim to gain insight into your style, accomplishments, and potential. 

Please review the following information to learn more about Harris Health, the LBJ Campus Expansion Project, and the artist application process. The process is meant to be straightforward and requires three components: an Artist Questionnaire, a Biography/CV or Statement of Interest, and 5-10 images of your artwork/design work (these can include renderings, images of completed artwork, or concept designs). 

Both individual artists and artist teams are encouraged to apply. Previous experience with commissioned projects in healthcare settings is not required. The request for images of your artwork/design work is intended to help DCA and Harris Health assess your capability, competency, and unique vision. We are open to both abstract and representational designs. 

About Harris Health: Tomorrow is Calling 

Tomorrow is calling. These three words resonate deeply with Harris Health, highlighting the profound responsibility to always be prepared and equipped to serve the community. As the public health safety net for the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the country, the mission is clear: to address healthcare disparities, keep the community informed, and foster a culture of respect and inclusion. 

This commitment is underscored by the recent approval of a historic $2.5 billion bond—the first of its kind in Harris Health's history. This significant step positions Harris Health to confidently expand services and meet the growing needs of a diverse community. The bond reflects a dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of an increasing number of uninsured and underinsured residents. 

On November 7, 2023, 72% of Harris County voters supported this landmark bond proposal. This approval enables transformative changes, including the construction of a new Adult Level I trauma-capable hospital on the LBJ Hospital campus. This new facility will double the current capacity of LBJ Hospital, allowing for more comprehensive and effective care. 

The bond will also fund renovations and expansions at LBJ Hospital, the creation of three new health centers in underserved areas, and upgrades to older Harris Health primary care clinics. Additionally, it will expand capacity and procedural areas at Ben Taub Hospital to better serve the community. 

Goals extend beyond mere expansion, focusing on enhancing healthcare equity, closing gaps in health disparities, and promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the organization. Partnerships with Houston Community College and renewed efforts toward contractor diversity are central to these objectives. 

Click here to view the Harris Health 2021-2025 Strategic Plan  

Click here to view the Harris Health 2023 Annual Report 

LBJ Hospital Campus in Northeast Harris County 

Houston is renowned as the nation’s most diverse city, with a rich mix of socioeconomic, economic, and household diversity. Established in 1836 and incorporated in 1837, Houston has transformed from a heavily industrial area into a vibrant urban center for living, working, and recreation. The LBJ Hospital Campus is located near the Fifth Ward and north of Kashmere Gardens, a historically African American neighborhood with a growing Hispanic population. The City of Houston has been making community-led investments and action plans to improve access to resources in these areas. Harris Health serves an ethnically diverse population that mirrors the broader Harris County community. 

Led by the architectural firm HKS, responsible for the redesign, the project aims to set new standards for Harris Health. These investments and renovations are designed to rebuild trust in healthcare, promote equity, and ensure that all residents—especially the uninsured and underserved—have access to quality care in a supportive and accessible environment. 

The existing site is bordered by commercial development to the west, including the Northeast Community Farmers Market, low-density housing to the north, and a freeway to the east and south. The new hospital on the LBJ campus will be located adjacent to the existing hospital, which will be repurposed. 

• Rendering of the LBJ Campus' Exterior (Aerial)
• Rendering of LBJ Campus' Exterior Front Yard
• Rendering of LBJ Campus' Exterior from the Southwest
• Rendering of LBJ Campus' New Hospital Main Lobby

Harris Health Mission, Vision, and Values 

Mission 

Harris Health is a community-focused academic healthcare system dedicated to improving the health of those most in need in Harris County through quality care delivery, coordination of care and education. 

Vision 

Harris Health will become the premier public academic healthcare system in the nation. 

Values 

Harris Health values QUALITY: 

• Q — quality and patient safety
• U — united as One Harris Health
• A — accountable and just culture
• L — leadership and integrity
• I — innovation, research and education
• T — trust, respect and recognition
• Y — you: patients, employees and medical staff

Harris Health’s Strategic Pillars, 2021-2025 Strategic Plan  

• Pillar 1: Quality and Patient Safety (pages 26 – 27)
• Pillar 2: People (pages 28 – 29)
• Pillar 3: One Harris Health (pages 30 – 31)
• Pillar 4: Population Health Management (pages 32 – 33)
• Pillar 5: Infrastructure Optimization (pages 34 – 35)
• Pillar 6: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) (pages 36 – 41)

Harris Health Patient Demographics (2023) Annual Report 

• Patient Ethnicity
  • Hispanic - 52.3%
  • African American – 22.5%
  • Caucasian - 17.9%
  • Asian and other - 7.3%
• Patient Age
  • 0-19 15.85%
  • 20-64 74.35%
  • 65+ 9.8%
• Patient Gender
  • Female 56.12%
  • Male 43.88%
• Volume Statistics - FY2023
  • surgery cases - 20,704  Cases occupying hospital beds - 41,604
  • Births - 5,494
  • Emergency visits - 155,570
  • Outpatient clinic visits - 1,488,884
  • Total surgery cases - 20,704
• Harris Health provided $688.8 million in charity care in Fiscal Year 2023.
• Patient Payor Mix
  • Uninsured – 44.3%
  • Medicaid and CHIP – 22.6%
  • Commercial and other funding - 21.7%
  • Medicare and Medicare managed – 11.4%

Strategic Priorities of the Harris Health Art Program 

• Align with Harris Health's Mission Statement: Ensure the design reflects and supports the core values and goals of Harris Health.
• Reflect the Communities Served: Infuse the design with elements that represent the diverse communities served by Harris Health.
• Enhance the Surrounding Communities: Uplift and positively impact the local area through the artwork.
• Create a Sense of Place: Develop a design that provides a meaningful and welcoming experience for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Design for Longevity and Inspiration: Produce a visually inspiring and iconic artwork that will stand as a symbol of the advanced, modern community hospital for decades.
• Technical Suitability: Ensure the design is technically appropriate in terms of scale and material transferability.
• Demonstrate Proven Success: Present a track record of successful outcomes with highly visible public artwork.
• Adhere to Budget: Design within the allocated budget constraints.

Artist Eligibility 

The Call to Artists is open to individual artists, artist teams, and graphic designers currently residing in Harris County, as outlined in the Artist Application. This initiative aligns with Harris Health’s goal of fostering a positive economic impact within the local community. DCA encourages artists who identify as minorities to apply, reinforcing our commitment to supporting and showcasing local, diverse talent. The Art Program seeks to represent the full demographics of Harris County and the communities served by Harris Health.

• Note to Visual Artists – This project offers numerous opportunities for 2-dimensional artwork, including paintings, works on paper, photography, prints, and other pieces that can be framed and installed on wall surfaces. There are a variety of locations available, each requiring different sizes of artwork, and in some cases, groupings of works.
• Note About Mosaic Opportunities – This project offers several opportunities for highly detailed mosaics. We are looking for captivating designs that will translate effectively into the mosaic medium. While prior mosaic experience is not required, DCA will work closely with the selected artist and a third-party fabrication studio specializing in converting artwork into mosaics. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your artwork in a unique and visually striking medium.
• Note to Graphic Designers/Architects - This project offers numerous opportunities for graphic designs to be fabricated by the General Contractor on durable materials, adding warmth and interest through art. If selected, DCA will commission you to create original graphic or environmental designs for specific locations within the interior of the new hospital. We will provide the necessary specifications for file setup and work closely with you to finalize your design.
• Note to Art Galleries - If you represent artists residing in Harris County, you may submit one Artist Application per artist/artist team on their behalf. You must have the artist’s consent to apply for them. If an artist submits their own application, we will prioritize the artist’s submission over the gallery’s. Please remember that a separate Artist Application is required for each artist/artist team you submit.

Budget & Timeline 

The Call to Artists process aims to identify artists with the capability and expertise to creatively interpret the Harris Health mission through visual artwork. Please note that Harris Health and its Art Consultant will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by artists during the submission process. 

We encourage artists to submit their applications early. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and as compelling submissions are received, DCA and Harris Health may choose to engage artists for specific opportunities. To ensure timely consideration, please do not wait until the deadline to submit. 

Timeline

UPCOMING ARTIST EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS & EVENTS

Artist Educational Session (in person)

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 6:00-7:00pm

Silos at Sawyer Yards

1502 Sawyer St, Houston, TX 77007

Register HERE

Map of Parking and Presentation Location

Artist Educational Session (in person)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 6:00-7:00pm

Houston Center for Photography

1441 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77006

Register HERE

COMPLETED ARTIST EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

Artist Educational Session (in person)

Thursday, March 6, 2025, 5:30-7:00pm - COMPLETED

Houston Museum of African American Culture (In Person)

4807 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004

Virtual Artist Educational Session (ZOOM)

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 10:00-11:00am - COMPLETED

Location: Zoom (Virtual)

Artist Educational Session (in person)

Women in Architecture Membership Meeting​

Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 12:00pm - COMPLETED

12th Annual Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival​

Saturday, April 12, 2025, 12:00pm-5:00pm​ - COMPLETED

3800-4000 Lyons Avenue

Virtual Artist Educational Session (ZOOM)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 1:00-2:00pm - COMPLETED

Location: Zoom (Virtual)

Application Requirements

All artist/designers/architect application materials must be submitted through the third-party submission portal, CaFÉ. CaFÉ is an online system specifically designed for the arts sector to streamline and manage the call-for-entry processes. 

Artist/Artist Lead Team Bio or Statement of Interest

• Submit Biography (Max 2 pages) (could be resume or CV) for each team member, highlighting their qualifications and experience. This biography/resume/CV should outlines your background, artistic career, notable accomplishments, and connection to Harris County.

OR

• Provide a Statement of Interest (500 word-limit) describing related experience with similar projects, or your connection and interest in this project and Harris County.

Images of Past Work or Speculative Designs 

• Submit 5-10 images of previously created or current artworks/designs.
  • Prioritize images that are relevant to this project.
  • Include examples from each team member, if applicable.
  • Submit images as JPG files, each labeled with dimensions, venue, and year.
  • Artists may also include renderings or elevations of past projects (optional), or projects that have not yet been realized.
• Optional: Include a brief description of the conceptual meaning behind the projects.
• Optional: Provide renderings or elevations of past projects as supplemental material.

Questions 

If you require further information about this opportunity, please submit your questions by email to Lindsay Davis, Davis Cohen Art (LBJ Hospital Art Consultant), lindsay@daviscohenart.com.  

HERE are a list of questions that have been submitted thus far. 

Submission Instructions 

Contact lindsay@daviscohenart.com before the deadline if you require special accommodation or assistance with the submission requirements. 

Note: Links to external document sharing sites will not be accepted. All submission materials must be included in your online application as attachments in .pdf format, with support materials in .jpg format through the online application process. 

Submissions that do not comply with these requirements may not be considered. 

Eligibility Criteria

The Call to Artists is open to adult artists and artist teams currently residing in Harris County, as detailed in the Artist Application. This fulfills Harris Health’s desire to create a positive economic impact locally.