Guide to the Best Artist Grants and Opportunities in the Southwestern U.S.
The Artwork Archive team set out to find the best art opportunities, artist grants, and calls for entry for visual artists in the Southwestern United States.
Below you will find a list of the top artist residencies, international open calls, artist grants, exhibition opportunities and art competitions that we believe will benefit artists, specifically in the Southwest.
Remember, you can now save the important deadlines for your favorite opportunities right in your Artwork Archive account.
When you find a call that interests you, simply click ‘Add to Schedule' and the call's deadline will be automatically added to your Schedule. You'll also receive weekly reminders to keep you on top of your game.
We will be updating this list throughout the year, so make sure to bookmark the page, check back often, and let us know if there is an opportunity that should be listed!
July 6, 2024 49 days left
Art Studio Residency for one year - Art Works Downtown, 2024–2025
Residency
- Submission Deadline: July 6, 2024
- Award Info: The Max Thelen Studio Residency provides a quality art space for an emerging artist to create artwork and receive community support.
- Eligibility: Local
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: San Rafael, CA 94901, United States
The Max Thelen Studio Residency provides a quality art space for an emerging artist to create artwork and receive community support. The Residency includes a free art studio for 12 months with many additional benefits. Ideal candidates live in the Marin/San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area and can commit to regularly making art and participating in the program activities.
Art Works Downtown offers a diverse mix of studio artists and mediums in the heart of the San Rafael commercial core for regular interaction with the public. The Max Thelen Studio is a located on the street-level of the AWD complex. Art Works Downtown believes that an emerging artist will stimulate new ideas among established AWD studio artists and vice versa. Our community will be better served as they recognize and understand the importance of supporting emerging artists in their career endeavors.
Benefits:
Free art studio, including utilities, fees and operating costs.
PLEASE NOTE: This residency does not include living accommodations.
92 sq. ft. located in the main entrance hallway.
You may see the space during our public hours, Wed–Sat, 12–6pm.
An environment that is supportive and empathetic to the creative process.
Solo exhibition in the Founders’ Gallery, which provides exhibition production experience.
Waived fees for AWD membership and juried exhibitions.
Representation on AWD’s newsletter, website, and social media.
Exposure to large groups of visitors every month during the 2nd Friday Art Walk events.
Scholarship granted for mandatory participation in Marin Open Studios.
Exposure to exhibit procedures and processes.
Exposure to the nonprofit arts organization operation.
Application Requirements
Calendar:
Deadline to apply July 6, 2024
Award announced in August 6-8, 2024
Studio Residency to commence in September 5, 2024 through August 30, 2025
Founders Gallery exhibition: August 8–September 27, 2024
July 12, 2024 55 days left
2024 Western Regional Exhibition
Exhibition
- Organization: Oil Painters of America
- Submission Deadline: July 12, 2024
- Event Dates: October 12, 2024 - January 5, 2025
- Entry Fee: The entry fee is $35 for one, $50 for two & $60 for three; only one may be accepted.
- Award Info: $11,500 in cash & merchandise with $4,000 best in show
- Eligibility: Regional
- Categories: Painting
- Location: Prescott, AZ 86301, United States
Oil Painters of America’s 2024 Western Regional Exhibition of Traditional Representational Oils, October 12 through January 5, 2025, at Phippen Museum, Prescott, AZ. Awards approximately $11,500 in cash & merchandise, including a $4,000 cash best-in-show award. The juror will be Steve Atkinson OPA. Artists eligible to compete are citizens - both natural born or otherwise - of the continent of North America who are 2024 OPA members. Submissions are accepted through 6/19/2024. Maximum size limitation 1,200 sq in. The acceptance list will be announced on 8/2/2024.
July 29, 2024 72 days left
“Nature’s Palette” Juried Exhibition
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: July 29, 2024
- Event Dates: September 19, 2024 - January 8, 2025
- Award Info: Exhibition in First Floor Gallery of Santa Clarita City Hall.
- Eligibility: Local
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Santa Clarita, CA 91355, United States
The City of Santa Clarita (City) is inviting artists to submit artwork for consideration for our upcoming “Nature’s Palette” juried exhibition, which will be on view at the First Floor Gallery located in Santa Clarita City Hall. We are seeking original artwork in any medium that captures the essence of the natural world around us. Artwork should highlight the intricate hues, textures, and forms that define our planets landscapes and ecosystems.
August 5, 2024 79 days left
“Autumn Expressions” Juried Exhibition
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: August 5, 2024
- Event Dates: September 27, 2024 - December 18, 2024
- Award Info: Exhibition at Newhall Community Center.
- Eligibility: Local
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Newhall, CA 91321, United States
The City of Santa Clarita (City) is inviting artists to submit artwork for consideration for our upcoming “Autumn Expressions” juried exhibition, which will be on view at the Newhall Community Center. We are seeking original artwork in any medium that captures the essence of the season’s transient beauty. Artwork should explore autumn’s unique influence on landscapes, cultures, and personal reflections.
August 10, 2024 84 days left
Cultures and Creators: Our Ancestors. Our Future.
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: August 10, 2024
- Event Dates: September 13, 2024 - September 22, 2024
- Eligibility: Regional
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Ohkay Owingeh, NM 87566, United States
Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area was Congressionally delegated in 2006 to serve Rio Arriba, Taos, and Santa Fe counties by preserving, promoting, and protecting the cultures and traditions that the area values. Cultures and Creators was established in 2023 to highlight the importance of arts in our three counties and to bring opportunity to communities in more rural areas.
Application Requirements
Artist Requirements for the Show:
We invite artists residing within the vibrant cultural landscape of Taos, Rio Arriba, or Santa Fe County to showcase their original artwork in our upcoming exhibition, Cultures and Creators: Our Ancestors. Our Future. This call is a celebration of the rich artistic heritage and contemporary creativity that thrives within our region.
Eligibility Criteria:
Artists must be residents of Taos, Rio Arriba, or Santa Fe County to participate.
Only original artwork created solely by the submitting artist will be considered for inclusion.
Submission Guidelines:
Each artist may submit up to three pieces of artwork for consideration.
Submissions must be made digitally through our designated submission platform.
Please ensure that each artwork is accompanied by a title, dimensions, medium, and a brief artist statement reflecting your creative process and inspiration (max. 150 words).
Artwork Specifications:
We welcome artwork in any medium, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media.
The submitted artwork should reflect the unique perspective, culture, and spirit of our region.
Jury Process:
A panel of esteemed jurors, with a deep appreciation for the local arts scene, will carefully review all submissions.
Selections will be based on originality, artistic merit, technical skill, and relevance to the cultural landscape of Taos, Rio Arriba, and Santa Fe County.
Notification of Acceptance:
Artists whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified via email by the designated date.
Please be prepared to provide high-resolution images of your artwork for promotional purposes upon acceptance.
Delivery and Return of Artwork:
Accepted artworks must be securely packed and delivered ready for installation.
Artists are responsible for both the delivery and pickup of their artwork to and from the exhibition venue.
Sales and Commission:
Artworks will be available for sale during the exhibition, a commission percentage may be retained by the exhibition organizers to support future artistic endeavors in our community.
Agreement to Terms:
Submission to this call for entry constitutes acceptance of all the artist requirements and terms outlined above.
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase the diverse talent and creative vision of artists within Taos, Rio Arriba, and Santa Fe County. Your participation will contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our local arts community.
Work that carries overtly political themes is not appropriate for this campaign. We are looking for work that celebrates the culture, diversity, and vibrancy of our communities within Northern New Mexico.
Ongoing
Mendocino Open Paint Out
Competition
- Submission Deadline: Ongoing
- Event Dates: September 16, 2024 - September 21, 2024
- Entry Fee: The cost to register for the Mendocino Open Paint Out is $235
- Award Info: Awards • Wet Paint Sales • Quick Draw • Artist Demos
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Painting
- Location: Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
Join us at the Mendocino Art Center (MAC) for the Mendocino Open Paint Out (MOPO), our annual plein air festival.
Nestled along the stunning Mendocino Coast of northern California, our festival offers a picturesque canvas where the Pacific Ocean meets breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its unique quality of light, which artists describe as unmatched anywhere in the world, Mendocino provides a diverse palette of subjects—from rugged coastal views and serene beaches to charming Victorian buildings and pastoral vineyards.
This is an unmissable opportunity for artists to capture the sublime beauty of the region and for collectors to discover and acquire new works of art directly from the creators. Whether you're looking to gather with fellow artists, enhance your technique, or simply celebrate art in one of the most scenic settings on the West Coast, MOPO promises an enriching experience for all.
Mark your calendars, bring your easels, and prepare to be inspired! Use the link below to register for the Mendocino Open Paint Out. We look forward to celebrating the vibrant art community together in Mendocino this September.
October 28, 2024 163 days left
“Exploring Domestic Spaces” Juried Exhibition
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: October 28, 2024
- Event Dates: December 19, 2024 - March 19, 2025
- Award Info: Exhibition at Newhall Community Center.
- Eligibility: Local
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Newhall, CA 19321, United States
The City of Santa Clarita (City) is inviting artists to submit artwork for consideration for our upcoming “Exploring Domestic Spaces” juried exhibition, which will be on view at the Newhall Community Center. We are seeking original artwork in any medium that delves into the nuances of everyday living environments. Artwork should reveal stories and emotions embedded within personal spaces, defining our sense of home.
November 1, 2024 167 days left
Houston Artadia Awards
Grants & Fellowships
- Submission Deadline: November 1, 2024
- Award Info: three Awardees to receive unrestricted funds of $15,000
- Eligibility: Local
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Houston, Texas
The Artadia Awards provide financial support, exposure and recognition to artists. The awards are unrestricted, allowing artists to use the funds in any way they choose.
Each year, an open-call application is made available in each of the seven active partner cities. Supporting artists equitably is a critical part of the Artadia Award process: we consider the unique populations of each community and are proud to reflect our country’s diversity with an Awardee pool that is over 50 percent female and over 40 percent persons of color.
In addition to financial support, Awardees can participate in the Artadia Network to receive structured opportunities for valuable new connections and resource sharing as well as receive a dedicated webpage on Artadia’s online Artist Registry. Connections fostered by Artadia have facilitated major steps in Awardees’ careers, such as inclusion in prominent exhibitions (e.g. five Awardees were featured in the 2017 Whitney Biennial, and six in 2019).
Ongoing
amshot's exhibITion art show (ONGOING DEADLINE)
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: Ongoing
- Eligibility: Local
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Three times per year, downtown OKC IT firm amshot hosts an art opening featuring the art work of a local artist. The event benefits a local charitable organization and artists retain 90 percent of their sales.
As a local business, amshot typically focuses on IT services and software development, but our team is also passionate about supporting the local art community. With this in mind, we created exhibITion to promote local artists, give back to our community, and enjoy the company of fellow art-lovers.
Three times per year, we feature a local artist’s work on our office walls, host an art exhibition and sale, invite a local brewery, serve wine and hors d’oeuvres, and donate the proceeds of the event to a charitable organization.
The art show is hosted at amshot’s office in Downtown OKC. Admission to the gallery is free, but those 21+ can donate $5 to the featured charitable organization in exchange for a wristband that will allow them beer from the featured local brewery and wine. Light hors d’oeuvres are also served. All art displayed will be for sale and can be purchased with card or cash. The sold and unsold art will then hang in amshot’s office until the next exhibITion for all to enjoy.
Ongoing
Dual Program, Lab + Tlaxcala3
Residency
- Submission Deadline: Ongoing
- Entry Fee: There is no application fee, however if accepted residency fees may apply. Please see website for further details.
- Award Info: Mentoring from both, The Lab Program & Tlaxcala3 -Individual accommodation -Workspace/Studio -Presentation of processes and public presentation -Digital Zine & Printed Publication (short release 15 prints)
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
The dual artistic mentoring program run by Tlaxcala 3 + Lab Program, facilitates a partnership to develop critical skills and sensitive tools, where the concept of archive is presented as an opportunity to experiment and reflect on the role of memory in artistic creation.
This dual program aims to unravel the hidden layers of meaning, secrecy, and control often found within institutions, discourses, and social and spatial practices addressed in the conventional notion of archive.
Hierarchies and contradictions presented in texts and discourses, which, through simulation and the modern concept of reality, allow us to question concepts such as authenticity and truth in an era of simultaneous images, signs, multiple temporalities, and spaces. The cost of the residency is $25,000 MXN or 1,700 USD.
Studio Facilities are provided in collaboration with peer self-run art spaces in the city. This is a modality that encourage engagement with the wide and diverse art communities in Mexico City.