Artist Opportunity Guide

Guide to the Best Artist Opportunities in 2026

Each year the Artwork Archive team goes on a mission to find the best art opportunities, grants, and calls-for-entry for the upcoming year.

Below you will find artist residencies, international open calls, artist grants, exhibition opportunities and art competitions that we believe will benefit artists in 2026.

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2026 artist opportunity guide cover

Browse the guide

2026 opportunities

September 13, 2026 1 day left Exhibition Featured

Kids Art @ Lure of the Local 5/ Love Letters

Stacee Kalmanovsky

Kids Art @ Lure of the Local 5/ Love Letters
Organization:
Stacee Kalmanovsky
Submission Deadline:
September 13, 2026
Event Dates:
October 16, 2026 - November 22, 2026
Award Info:
Best of Show $50 Award
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
Regional
Location:
Mundelein, IL 60060, United States
September 13, 2026 1 day left Exhibition Featured

The Dark Side of Art

Gulf Coast Artists' Alliance

The Dark Side of Art
Organization:
Gulf Coast Artists' Alliance
Submission Deadline:
September 13, 2026
Event Dates:
October 8, 2026 - November 7, 2026
Entry Fee:
$20
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
National
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710, United States

Eligibility Info

Open to U.S. based artists

September 13, 2026 1 day left Competition

Interior Art Prize

Submission Deadline:
September 13, 2026
Entry Fee:
A$20.00
Award Info:
$4000 prize for the winner, along with the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at Weswal Gallery
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
National
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
TAMWORTH, New South Wales 2340 , Australia

Eligibility Info

Open to citizens and permanent residents of Australia, over the age of 18

September 14, 2026 2 days left Residency

Art Omi: Artist Residency

Submission Deadline:
September 14, 2026
Event Dates:
June 17, 2027 - July 12, 2027
Entry Fee:
$15
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Ghent, New York, United States

Eligibility Info

Open to artists internationally.

September 14, 2026 2 days left Competition Featured

Florida Art Masters

Lakeland Arts Association

Florida Art Masters
Organization:
Lakeland Arts Association
Submission Deadline:
September 14, 2026
Event Dates:
October 1, 2026 - December 10, 2026
Entry Fee:
$25.00
Award Info:
Winner will receive a $5000 portrait commission
Type:
Competition
Location:
Lakeland, FL 33801, United States
September 14, 2026 2 days left Exhibition Featured

Economías del Deseo

ASTA House

Economías del Deseo
Organization:
ASTA House
Submission Deadline:
September 14, 2026
Type:
Exhibition
September 14, 2026 2 days left Exhibition

25th Dobell Drawing Prize

Submission Deadline:
September 14, 2026
Event Dates:
April 9, 2027 - July 3, 2027
Entry Fee:
$50
Award Info:
$30,000 acquisitive prize, with the winning work entering the National Art School significant collection
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
National
Categories:
Drawing
Location:
Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia

Eligibility Info

The Dobell Drawing Prize is open only to Australian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of an Australian issued refugee or humanitarian visa residing in Australia. Entrants must be aged 18 years and over.

September 14, 2026 2 days left Residency

William Flanagan Memorial Creative Persons Center

Submission Deadline:
September 14, 2026
Award Info:
Writers and visual artists are offered individual en-suite bedrooms and separate working studios. Domestic residents are provided with a $2,500 stipend, while foreign residents are reimbursed for verified expenses up to $2,500.
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Montauk, New York, United States

Eligibility Info

Open internationally.

September 15, 2026 3 days left Exhibition

Queering Wood Craft

Submission Deadline:
September 15, 2026
Event Dates:
May 7, 2027 - July 25, 2027
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Sculpture
Location:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Eligibility Info

Open to all self-identified queer makers.

September 15, 2026 3 days left Residency

Jentel Artist Residency Winter/Spring Sessions

Submission Deadline:
September 15, 2026
Event Dates:
January 15, 2026 - May 7, 2026
Award Info:
Each resident receives a $300 stipend distributed in weekly increments to offset living and meal preparation expenses during the residency.
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
National
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Banner, Wyoming, United States

Eligibility Info

Anyone over 25 years of age who is a resident of the United States is eligible to apply. US citizenship is not required.

September 15, 2026 3 days left Grants & Fellowships

Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants

Submission Deadline:
September 15, 2026
Award Info:
Any amount up to $5,000.
Type:
Grants & Fellowships
Eligibility:
National
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
New York , United States

Eligibility Info

Open to U.S. based artists.

September 15, 2026 3 days left Residency

Hambidge Residencies (Spring Session)

Submission Deadline:
September 15, 2026
Entry Fee:
$30
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Rabun Gap, Georgia, United States

Eligibility Info

Open to emerging and mid-career creatives, as well as from those who are established with national and/or international reputations.

September 15, 2026 3 days left Grants & Fellowships Featured

Dezi Art Prize - $1000 for Visual Artists

Dezi

Dezi Art Prize - $1000 for Visual Artists
Organization:
Dezi
Submission Deadline:
September 15, 2026
Entry Fee:
$30 (waivers available upon request)
Award Info:
A global juried art grant for emerging artists worldwide. Two $1,000 unrestricted grants, ten featured finalists.
Type:
Grants & Fellowships
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Online Only:
Yes

Eligibility Info

Open internationally.

September 15, 2026 3 days left Exhibition Featured

GALLERY jENSEITS: BI-ANNUAL OPEN CALL 2027

GALLERY jENSEITS

GALLERY jENSEITS: BI-ANNUAL OPEN CALL 2027
Organization:
GALLERY jENSEITS
Submission Deadline:
September 15, 2026
Event Dates:
February 1, 2027 - August 31, 2027
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
International
Location:
Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
September 16, 2026 4 days left Art fair Featured

Princeton Arts Festival

Point Pleasant Publishing

Princeton Arts Festival
Organization:
Point Pleasant Publishing
Submission Deadline:
September 16, 2026
Award Info:
Physical Exhibition in Princeton + Comprehensive Published Catalogue + Exposure
Type:
Art fair
Eligibility:
International
September 17, 2026 5 days left Competition Featured

☀️ SUMMER * $1,800.00 Innovate Grants for Art + Photo

Innovate Grant

☀️ SUMMER * $1,800.00 Innovate Grants for Art + Photo
Organization:
Innovate Grant
Submission Deadline:
September 17, 2026
Entry Fee:
$35 USD
Award Info:
Innovate Grant awards: + 1 x $1,800.00 Grant to a Visual Artist + 1 x $1,800.00 Grant to a Photographer + 18 x Honorable Mentions
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Online Only:
Yes

Eligibility Info

Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted.

September 18, 2026 6 days left Grants & Fellowships

Creative Glass Fellowship Program at WheatonArts

Submission Deadline:
September 18, 2026
Award Info:
Artists can apply for a 6-week or 8-week residency
Type:
Grants & Fellowships
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Sculpture
Location:
Millville, New Jersey 08332, United States

Eligibility Info

Eligible applicants must be over 21 years of age when Fellowship commences, able to reside in on-site housing during the term of the Fellowship, and commit to one virtual presentation

September 18, 2026 6 days left Competition

Queensland Regional Art Awards 2026

Submission Deadline:
September 18, 2026
Entry Fee:
$40 ($35 for Flying Arts members), or $25 for young artists aged 15 to 25
Award Info:
This year’s total prize pool of $326,800 spans cash prizes, solo exhibitions, artist residencies and professional development opportunities
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
Regional
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Queensland, Australia

Eligibility Info

The awards are open to all regional, rural and remote artists living in Queensland.

September 19, 2026 7 days left Competition Featured

The Bennett Prize

ROGO Marketing on behalf of The Bennett Prize

The Bennett Prize
Organization:
ROGO Marketing on behalf of The Bennett Prize
Submission Deadline:
September 19, 2026
Event Dates:
April 3, 2026 - September 19, 2026
Entry Fee:
50
Award Info:
thebennettprize.org
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
National
Categories:
Painting
Location:
Muskegon , MI 49440, United States
Online Only:
Yes

Eligibility Info

Open nationally.

September 19, 2026 7 days left Residency

SCULPTURE SPACE NYC- RESIDENCY OPEN CALL

Submission Deadline:
September 19, 2026
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
Local
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline
Location:
New York City, New York , United States

Eligibility Info

Open to artist who can attend the studio in NYC

September 20, 2026 8 days left Competition Featured

INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR ART - Divide Magazine Issue 20 (Extended Deadline)

Divide Magazine

INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR ART - Divide Magazine Issue 20 (Extended Deadline)
Organization:
Divide Magazine
Submission Deadline:
September 20, 2026
Entry Fee:
£35
Award Info:
For this issue of Divide Magazine, every artist who submits their work will be featured in the magazine. There are no selective acceptance rounds and no uncertainty about whether your work will make it into print. If you submit, your work will have a place within our pages. This is an opportunity to have your work presented alongside a diverse collection of emerging and established creative voices, contributing to an issue dedicated to celebrating artistic expression, individuality, and contemporary creativity.
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Online Only:
Yes

Eligibility Info

Artists from any country are welcome to apply who are 18 years or older. All mediums are accepted, including painting, sculpture, digital art, photography, mixed media, installation, fashion, illustration, and more.

Ongoing 8 days left Residency

Pottery Farm Residency in the South West of France

Submission Deadline:
Ongoing
Entry Fee:
€1,300 per person for a 2-week stay. A 50% deposit is required upon acceptance.
Award Info:
The fee covers a private bedroom and access to all workspaces (fully equipped pottery studio, a shared Studio Gallery, and private outdoor workspaces). Artist is responsible for travel, materials, and meals (the farmhouse has a large, fully equipped shared kitchen for self-catering).
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Mauvezin, France

Eligibility Info

Open internationally.

September 21, 2026 9 days left Exhibition

Redland Art Awards 2026

Submission Deadline:
September 21, 2026
Event Dates:
November 27, 2026 - January 26, 2027
Entry Fee:
AUD $75
Award Info:
AUD $20,000 acquisitive first prize + AUD $6,000 second prize + AUD $3,000 third prize + AUD $1,000 People's Choice + AUD $500 Member's Choice
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
National
Categories:
Painting
Location:
Cleveland, Queensland, Australia

Eligibility Info

Open to Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 years or over. Paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and mixed media acceptable. Work must not exceed 2m in height or 1.5m in width with maximum depth of 10cm. Work must not be winner of any other competition.

September 21, 2026 9 days left Competition Featured

The Best of Polk 2026

Lakeland Arts Association

The Best of Polk 2026
Organization:
Lakeland Arts Association
Submission Deadline:
September 21, 2026
Event Dates:
October 6, 2026 - December 5, 2026
Entry Fee:
$35.00
Award Info:
Best of Show: $1500Second Place: $750Third Place: $250Award of Excellence (2): $150Merit Award (2): $100
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
Local
Location:
Lakeland, FL 33801, United States
September 22, 2026 10 days left Other Featured

Series 91 - Experimental Visual Art for Hardcover Book Editions & Online (Art Reviews)

Point Pleasant Publishing

Series 91 - Experimental Visual Art for Hardcover Book Editions  & Online (Art Reviews)
Organization:
Point Pleasant Publishing
Submission Deadline:
September 22, 2026
Award Info:
Curatorial Review Essay Published in the Artist Feature Catalogue in Linen Wrap Hardcover & Online
Type:
Other
Eligibility:
International
September 24, 2026 12 days left Residency

Center for Performance Research AiR

Submission Deadline:
September 24, 2026
Award Info:
Year long residency for a cohort of 6 artists, in addition to: A $2,000 stipend, Advance access to CPR’s rehearsal booking calendar, and AiRs will have the chance to present their work publicly through other programs.
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
Local
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
New York City, New York, United States

Eligibility Info

Eligible applicants have previously had their work publicly presented, and have not been selected as a CPR Artist-in-Residence in the last 5 years. The residency is exclusively for New York City-based artists. CPR cannot provide US visas, travel, accommodations, or other living expenses in connection with the residency. If you are an artist based in NYC but traveling or out of town for a majority of the residency cycle, please consider if the resources provided by this residency will best suit your practice.

September 25, 2026 13 days left Exhibition

Handheld for the Holidays 2026

Submission Deadline:
September 25, 2026
Event Dates:
November 24, 2026 - December 19, 2026
Entry Fee:
USD $25
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts
Location:
Roseville, California, United States

Eligibility Info

Artists must be 18 years or older. All artwork must be original and completed within the last 2 years. No commercially printed items or pre-manufactured items

September 26, 2026 14 days left Residency

A House Unbuilt: Art & Water Micro Residency

Submission Deadline:
September 26, 2026
Event Dates:
November 14, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Award Info:
A $250-$500 stipend (variable per sponsorship)
Type:
Residency
Eligibility:
Local
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Stillwater, Minnesota, United States

Eligibility Info

Open to artists from the Twin Cities metro and St. Croix River Valley; inquiries from Greater Minnesota and the Midwest welcomed.

September 26, 2026 14 days left Grants & Fellowships

Grant Opportunity: Visual Arts Fund

Submission Deadline:
September 26, 2026
Award Info:
Six $10,000 grants
Type:
Grants & Fellowships
Eligibility:
Regional
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Minneapolis- St Paul, Minnesota, United States

Eligibility Info

The Lead organizer must play a key role in the creation and execution of the project and live within the seven-county Twin Cities Metro region (Hennepin, Scott, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, Carver, and Washington counties); additional collaborators can live anywhere.

September 28, 2026 16 days left Exhibition

2026 Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition & Meyer Family Award for Contemporary Art

Submission Deadline:
September 28, 2026
Entry Fee:
$35.00
Award Info:
$1,000
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Pennsylvania, United States

Eligibility Info

Open to all artists.

September 28, 2026 16 days left Exhibition Featured

Artists Wanted Nationwide — $450,000+ in Awards + Gallery Representation Opportunities

ADC Fine Art

Artists Wanted Nationwide — $450,000+ in Awards + Gallery Representation Opportunities
Organization:
ADC Fine Art
Submission Deadline:
September 28, 2026
Event Dates:
November 7, 2026 - January 8, 2027
Entry Fee:
$25 per piece
Award Info:
Over $450,000 in awards available
Type:
Exhibition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214, United States

Eligibility Info

Open internationally.

September 28, 2026 16 days left Competition Featured

photographic call for entry | "beauty"

A Smith Gallery

photographic call for entry | "beauty"
Organization:
A Smith Gallery
Submission Deadline:
September 28, 2026
Event Dates:
October 16, 2026 - November 26, 2026
Entry Fee:
$40 for the first 5 images and $5 for each additional image
Award Info:
Both the Juror and Director Award’s will each receive a copy of the limited edition hardbound fine art book as well as an online solo exhibition and GalleryTalk. The Visitors’ Award is $100 and is selected by most Instagram likes.
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Photography
Online Only:
Yes

Eligibility Info

Open to photographers internationally

September 28, 2026 16 days left Grants & Fellowships

Open Call: 2027–28 QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Emerging Artists

Submission Deadline:
September 28, 2026
Award Info:
$20,000
Type:
Grants & Fellowships
Eligibility:
Local
Categories:
Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
Location:
New York City, New York , United States

Eligibility Info

Open to emerging visual artists living in the five boroughs of New York City

September 29, 2026 17 days left Competition

All About Photography Open Call: STREET

Submission Deadline:
September 29, 2026
Entry Fee:
Early bird $30, Regular $35
Award Info:
$1,000
Type:
Competition
Eligibility:
International
Categories:
Photography
Online Only:
Yes

Eligibility Info

Open to artists internationally.

September 29, 2026 17 days left Other Featured

Series 92 - Experimental Visual Art for Hardcover Book Editions & Online (Art Reviews)

Point Pleasant Publishing

Series 92  - Experimental Visual Art for Hardcover Book Editions  & Online (Art Reviews)
Organization:
Point Pleasant Publishing
Submission Deadline:
September 29, 2026
Award Info:
Curatorial Review Essay Published in the Artist Feature Catalogue in Linen Wrap Hardcover & Online
Type:
Other
Eligibility:
International

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