Artists and creatives seeking funding, residencies, and exhibition opportunities can now apply for various programs with deadlines extending into 2026. These opportunities include fellowships, open calls for art and writing, grants, and job positions across the United States and internationally. Programs aim to support emerging and established artists, offering financial stipends, studio space, mentorship, and exhibition platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple opportunities for artists and writers are available, including residencies, fellowships, grants, and open calls.
- Deadlines for applications span from October 2025 to January 2026.
- Support includes financial stipends, exhibition opportunities, studio space, and professional development.
- Programs cater to diverse groups, including emerging, underrepresented, and formerly incarcerated artists.
Residencies, Workshops, and Fellowships Offer Artist Support
Several programs provide artists with dedicated time, space, and financial assistance to develop their work. These initiatives are crucial for artistic growth and career advancement. Many offer unique environments, from natural landscapes to urban settings, fostering creativity and collaboration.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity – Visual Arts Residencies
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in the Canadian Rocky Mountains offers Visual Arts Residencies. These programs allow artists to explore new directions, providing studio space, facilities, and engagement with peers. Applicants can benefit from faculty feedback in a natural environment. The application fee is $65, with a reduced fee of $35 for Indigenous applicants.
Important Deadlines:
- November 19, 2025: Visual Arts – Nomadisms
- January 21, 2026: Banff Artist in Residence Summer 2026
A.I.R. Gallery – Fellowship for Emerging Artists
A.I.R. Gallery presents a fellowship specifically for emerging and underrepresented women and non-binary artists. This 12-month program runs from September 2026 to August 2027. It awards six artists their first solo exhibition, a $3,000 stipend, professional development, curatorial support, and mentorship. The deadline for this opportunity is November 7, 2025.
at Louis Place – Artist Publishing Cohort
A new initiative from at Louis Place focuses on artist publishing projects. This cohort offers personalized support for eight artists already working on publishing projects. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 stipend. They will also participate in a weekly writing workshop and gain access to all aLP resources. The application deadline is October 24, 2025.
Artist residencies and fellowships play a vital role in the arts ecosystem. They provide artists with dedicated time away from daily distractions, allowing for focused creative work. Many programs also offer financial support, which can be critical for artists to sustain their practice and develop new projects without immediate financial pressure.
Center for Art & Advocacy Fellowship
The Center for Art & Advocacy offers a significant fellowship for formerly incarcerated artists. This program provides $10,000 in unrestricted funds and an additional $10,000 in project development funds. Fellows are invited to an annual retreat. This retreat offers networking opportunities with previous fellows, advocates, industry leaders, and funders. The application window closes on October 26, 2025.
PhotoWork Foundation – Junior Fellowship
Early-career photographers can apply for the PhotoWork Foundation’s Junior Fellowship. This program supports artists in developing a body of work. It includes one-on-one mentorship with established photographers. Fellows also receive a $1,000 stipend and $2,000 in photographic services. There is a $35 application fee. The deadline is October 15, 2025.
Project Row Houses – Artist Studio Residency
Project Row Houses in Houston’s Third Ward provides artists with subsidized studio space. This residency can last up to three years. It offers affordable space for artists to create, experiment, and grow their practice. Artists become part of a vibrant community. The application deadline is October 28, 2025.
"These opportunities are essential for artists to push their boundaries and connect with a broader community," said an arts advocate familiar with such programs. "The financial and professional support can be truly transformative for an artist's career trajectory."
Tallgrass Artist Residency
Individual artists and artist teams can apply for a 10-night residency in a prairie setting. Artists receive a $650 stipend and lodging at Matfield Station. This location is 20 miles from Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2025.
Open Calls for Art and Writing Seek Innovative Proposals
Artists and writers have chances to showcase their work through various open calls. These opportunities often lead to exhibitions, performances, and publications, bringing new voices and perspectives to public attention.
apexart – 2026–27 NYC Open Call
apexart is soliciting 500-word proposals for group exhibitions. These exhibitions will take place in apexart’s NYC space and online during 2026–27. Five winning proposals will receive up to $10,000 in budget. Curators, artists, and other creative individuals with compelling exhibition ideas are encouraged to apply. The deadline is October 31, 2025.
San Bruno, California – Sculpture at Posy Park
The City of San Bruno Culture and Arts Commission invites artists to submit proposals for a permanent outdoor sculpture. This sculpture will be installed at Posy Park. The commission offers up to $75,000 for the project. The deadline for submissions is October 22, 2025.
Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation – Film & Performance Series
Emerging NYC artists working in interdisciplinary studio and moving image practices can submit proposals for the Sight/Geist: Film & Performance Series. Proposals should demonstrate experimental or pedagogical approaches to art and social justice. The deadline is November 15, 2025.
Key Dates for Open Calls:
- October 22, 2025: San Bruno Sculpture Commission
- October 31, 2025: apexart NYC Open Call
- November 15, 2025: Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation Series
- November 22, 2025: Visual AIDS Postcards from the Edge
Visual AIDS – Postcards from the Edge
Artists can enter postcard-sized artwork for the Postcards from the Edge exhibition and benefit sale. This event helps raise vital funds to support artists living with HIV. It also preserves the legacies of those who have been lost. The deadline for artwork submission is November 22, 2025.
Grants and Awards Provide Financial Support for Art Projects
Financial grants and awards are crucial for artists to fund their projects, research, and travel. These opportunities help sustain artistic practices and promote cultural exchange.
2026 ArtFields Festival
Artists residing in the Southeastern United States can submit work to the annual ArtFields Festival. This competition anchors a 17-day festival in Lake City, South Carolina. It awards over $100,000 in prizes. There is a $25 application fee. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2025.
Asian Cultural Council – 2026 Fellowships & Grants
The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) provides support for artists, arts professionals, and scholars. This support facilitates research and cultural exchange between Asia, the US, and within Asia. The deadline for applications is November 19, 2025, at 9:59 AM ET.
Thoma Foundation – Art of the Spanish Americas: Individual Awards
Art historians, curators, scholars, and advanced graduate students can apply for funding from the Thoma Foundation. This funding supports projects, research, and travel that advance the field of art of the Spanish Americas. International applicants, especially those from Latin America, are strongly encouraged to apply. Deadlines are December 15, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
Loewe Foundation – Craft Prize
The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize aims to raise awareness of the work of talented craftspeople. The winner receives €50,000. Honorable mentions also receive €5,000. The deadline for this prestigious award is October 30, 2025.
Job Opportunities in the Arts Sector
Beyond direct artist support, various institutions are hiring professionals to manage and promote art. These roles are integral to the functioning of the arts community.
Ulrich Museum of Art – Modern and Contemporary Art Curator
The Ulrich Museum of Art is seeking a community-oriented professional for a Modern and Contemporary Art Curator position. This role involves developing six to eight original exhibitions annually. The curator will also communicate about shows as a writer and speaker, seek grant opportunities, and help steward a permanent collection of over 7,000 modern and contemporary works. More details are available at jobs.wichita.edu.
Americans for the Arts – Digital Communications Manager
Americans for the Arts is looking for a Digital Communications Manager. This position manages social media, email marketing, website content, and digital advertising. The goal is to engage key audiences, including policymakers, local arts agencies, grassroots advocates, and the public. Interested individuals can apply at americanforthearts.applytojob.com.
Mass MoCA – Senior Manager, Branded Content and Design
Mass MoCA is hiring a Senior Manager, Branded Content and Design. An ideal candidate for this role is an experienced art director and graphic designer. They should be able to manage in-house graphic designers and workflow within a design team. Details are on recruiting.paylocity.com.
The arts sector relies on a diverse range of professionals, from curators who shape exhibitions to communications managers who engage the public. These roles ensure that artistic endeavors are accessible, well-promoted, and sustainably funded, contributing to the overall health and visibility of cultural institutions.
Additional Opportunities Closing Soon
Several other opportunities are available with upcoming deadlines:
- Harry Ransom Center at UT Austin: Provides funded fellowships in Arts and Humanities.
- Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships: Offers 2026 Fellowships for New Americans.
Artists and creatives are encouraged to regularly check dedicated listings for new opportunities. These resources are vital for finding the support needed to advance their careers and projects.