Spring 2025 | Artists in Residence

Who We Are

MOVE (Mobilize, Organize, Vote, Empower) Texas innovates democracy for our generation. We work daily to build a more just and representative future that empowers inspiring new leaders to keep making Texas better. Our vision is to build the political power of young people to transform democracy in Texas and beyond. While we are known as MOVE Texas, we are comprised of two organizations.

• MOVE Texas Action Fund (501(c)(4) is the political arm of MOVE Texas, an organization dedicated to building the political power of young people in underrepresented communities through civic engagement, leadership development, and issue advocacy.

• MOVE Texas Civic Fund (501(c)(3) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots organization building power in underrepresented youth communities through civic education, leadership development, and issue advocacy.

MOVE Texas operates throughout Texas and primarily in San Antonio, Laredo, Seguin, San Marcos, Austin, Houston, College Station, Fort Worth, Denton, and Dallas. We plan to continue growing and serving other cities and counties beyond these areas.

Our Values & Commitments

We are an organization that leads from our values of People First, Equity, Imagination & Action, Sustainability, & Community Focus. We are dedicated to hiring a diverse workforce that fosters personal and professional development opportunities. We provide a collaborative and supportive environment built upon our fundamental core principles, where each employee is valued.

Job Summary

The MOVE Texas Artists in Residence Program is a semester-long initiative for early-stage (junior artists) and emerging artists (senior artists) to create impactful works connecting communities across Texas. This program fosters a supportive community of artists who contribute to communications, campaigns, and projects that advocate for Democracy Reform, Climate Justice, and Gender Justice. Through this network, artists infuse culture, creativity, and joy into youth civic engagement while building portfolios that amplify the voices of young Texans.

The program offers two creative paths for junior and senior artists: video content creation and graphic artistry. Content Creators produce video content for social media, using visual storytelling to elevate key messages, while Graphic Artists develop artwork inspired by our advocacy campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Both roles support our mission of crafting impactful art that drives awareness and engagement.

Junior artists follow a structured path with mentorship to build foundational skills in creating civic-focused works. Senior artists operate with greater creative freedom in a newsroom-style setting, responding to current events and creating timely, resonant art. All artists receive guidance from the Communications, Leadership Development, and Organizing teams and report to the Communications Manager.

Junior Artists in Residence

In the Junior Artist track, designed for new and emerging artists, you’ll follow a comprehensive learning path that builds not only your artistic and professional skills but also your confidence as a community organizer and advocate. With a thoughtfully structured syllabus, hands-on projects, and the guidance of dedicated mentors, you’ll grow your artistic voice while learning how to channel your creativity into meaningful civic engagement. This track offers a foundation in essential skills—from crafting impactful messaging to understanding civic processes—empowering you to use your art to inspire and mobilize others. You'll emerge as a stronger artist and organizer ready to make a real impact on the issues that matter to Texas communities.

Senior Artists in Residence

The Senior Artist track is designed for artists with a previous foundation in organizing or artistic leadership, providing the opportunity to lead high-impact projects within a newsroom-inspired editorial framework. Responding to real-time events, you’ll be entrusted with the autonomy to create bold, urgent work that drives action and aligns with our organizational brand. With editorial oversight and critical feedback, you’ll refine your ability to craft art that resonates and demands attention and action on Texas’s most pressing civic and social issues. This track is designed to sharpen your skills in both artistic practice and strategic communications, empowering you to create work that drives conversations, influences policy, and advances the fight for justice across the state.

See the full job description here [LINK].