Hooray, we are almost done with 2020!
It’s been a tough year to say the least. While we all may be rejoicing that 2020 is finally coming to a close, we still need to do what we can to make 2021 a positive one. And, that starts with applying for the right art opportunities!
And because we know the holiday season keeps you busier than ever, we did the digging for you and found some of the best grants, juried shows, online exhibitions, workshops, and residencies waiting for you this December.
Ready to make the new year count? Find the next big opportunity for your art business on our December guide for artists (sorted by those deadlines coming up first).
Innovate Grants
Fall 2020 Cycle is now open for submissions! Innovate Grant awards two grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. In addition to receiving a grant award, winners will be featured and recognized on our website and join a growing community of vibrant and talented artists.
WHO: Visual artists and photographers worldwide
AMOUNT: $550
DEADLINE: December 10, 2020
FINE PRINT: Applicants must be 18 years or older. Multiple disciplines and genres accepted. Entry Fee: $25. Learn more here.
Integrity: Arts & Culture Association Grants
Believing the arts are essential to the health and vitality of our communities and our nation, Integrity: Arts & Culture Association (IACA) awards min-grants to artists and artist collaborators. Creative artistic endeavors of most disciplines are supported.
WHO: U.S. artists
AMOUNT: $250-$500
DEADLINE: December 14, 2020
FINE PRINT: There is an application deadline every 6-8 weeks. Funds are intended to support community service projects, project-related expenses, performances, exhibits, art supplies, rehearsal space, recording studio time, residencies, and anything that assists artists in the process of creating art. Entry Fee: $10. Learn more here.
Alexander Rutsch Award and Solo Exhibition for Painting
Pelham Art Center is pleased to announce a call for entries for the 11th Biennial Alexander Rutsch Award and Exhibition for Painting. Pelham Art Center is proud to sponsor this competition and award honoring the memory and artistic achievement of artist Alexander Rutsch (1916 –1997).
WHO: U.S.-based painters aged 19 and older
AWARD: $7,500 cash prize, a solo exhibition and printed catalog at Pelham Art Center
DATES: May 14 – June 26, 2021
LOCATION: Pelham, NY
DEADLINE: December 15, 2020
FINE PRINT: All work submitted must be available for exhibition and be categorized as paintings. Entry Fee: $35. Learn more here.
6th Annual Colorful Abstractions Art Competition
Fusion Art invites submissions for the 6th Annual Colorful Abstractions art competition for an online exhibition during the month of December 2020. For this competition, both 2D and 3D artists, worldwide, are invited to submit their best nonobjective or nonrepresentational art and photography.
WHO: All artists, regardless of location or experience, are encouraged to submit their best work in any medium
DATES: December 5, 2020 - January 4, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 1, 2020
FINE PRINT: Black and white are acceptable colors for the “colorful abstractions” theme. Entry Fee: $20 for 1 image / $35 for up to 5 images. Learn more here.
Americas 2021: Paperworks
Artists are invited to submit to the 50th annual Americas 2021 exhibition hosted by the Northwest Arts Center of Minot State University. Original works in any medium, on or of paper, traditional or experimental, including photographs, qualify.
WHO: Artists worldwide working on or of paper
DATES: January 15 - February 26, 2021
LOCATION: Minot, ND
DEADLINE: December 1, 2020
FINE PRINT: Entry Fee: $30 for 2 entries; additional entries $5 each. Maximum 5 entries per artist. Work must have been completed within the last two years and not previously exhibited in an Americas 2000 exhibition. Learn more here.
Abstract Art Today
For this virtual art exhibition, Bougie Art Gallery wants to talk about fine art itself. And what represents fine art more than abstract art? This style of art does not attempt to represent external reality but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colours, and textures. It shows fine art in its purest form.
WHO: Artists worldwide
DATES: December 15, 2020 - December 1, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 1, 2020
FINE PRINT: For this international competition, both 2D and 3D artists are welcome to submit their artworks and photographs (3-7 images). The entry fee for this exhibition is $25.00. Artists 18 years old and older may apply. Learn more here.
2nd Watercolor Art Competition
Fusion Art invites submissions for the 2nd Watercolor Online Art Competition. For this 16th Quarterly Art Competition, artists are encouraged to submit their best watercolor artwork. Paintings must be two-dimensional and must consist of water-based media on paper or synthetic paper surface.
WHO: Watercolor artists worldwide
DATES: December 15, 2020 - March 14, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 5, 2020
FINE PRINT: Water media includes watercolor, acrylic, ink, gouache, casein, egg tempera, watercolor pencil and watercolor crayon. Pastel or collage may be used as long as water-media is the dominant element. The work can range from realism to surrealism to abstraction and all artists, regardless of location or experience, are encouraged to submit their best representational or abstract art in any subject matter. Entry Fee: $20 for 1 image / $35 for up to 5 images. Learn more here.
Shades of Black & White
The SE Center for Photography is looking for Shades of Black and White. For the first 100 years of photography monochrome was the only choice. When asked to name a fine art photographer, one usually thinks of those of 1930s-70s, masters of black and white, shadow and light, form and contrast. The photographers of today turn to shades of black and white for the same expressive ability of monochrome and we're looking for the best. Black-and-white or toned, digital or antique processes, photographers of all skill levels and locations are welcome.
WHO: Photographers worldwide
DATES: February 5 - 27, 2021
LOCATION: Greenville, SC
DEADLINE: December 6, 2020
FINE PRINT: Details: 35-40 Selected images will hang in the SE Center’s main gallery space for approximately one month with the opportunity to be invited for a solo show at a later date. Entry Fee: $35 for up to 5 Images, $6 for each additional image up to 10. Learn more here.
Newport Beach Civic Center Sculpture Exhibition
The City of Newport Beach (City) is pleased to announce a call for entries for Phase VI of its ongoing Invitational Sculpture Exhibition to further activate the splendor of the City’s Civic Center Park. Artists, private collectors, galleries, and museums/non-profit institutions are invited to submit artworks for consideration for a temporary exhibition at the site. Up to ten artworks may be selected and showcased for two years in the heart of Newport Beach in Civic Center Park.
WHO: Public artists
DATES: June 12, 2021 - June 11, 2023
LOCATION: Newport Beach, CA
DEADLINE: December 8, 2020
FINE PRINT: Honorariums up to $6,000, inclusive of shipping costs/insurance. Learn more here.
Drawn to Paper: Atlantic Gallery Juried Show 2020
Artists are invited to submit their paper works for Atlantic Gallery’s juried exhibition. Beyond canvas, aluminum, linen, or wood, paper has a special resonance for everyone. It is what we used in school to create cards for our parents, or to create a masterpiece at age 7 when we were all artists. Now as professionals, paper offers a thousand possibilities. We can sketch, draw and paint, collage, sculpt, create books, wall hangings, and photographs or allow the paper to be the art. In this challenge we invite the artists to engage in a conversation with paper in whatever way they imagine. The paper is the thing!
WHO: All artists 18 and older
DATES: January 5 - 23, 2021
LOCATION: New York, NY
DEADLINE: December 8, 2020
FINE PRINT: Grand Prize: A One Week Solo Show at Atlantic Gallery in NYC’s Chelsea Art District. Entry Fee: $45 for a minimum of 3 works. $5 for each additional work, up to 5 works total. Learn more here.
Catch Phrase
Catch Phrase will be an open-themed, contemporary and fine art exhibition at Armadillo Art Gallery hosted by Envision Arts.
WHO: Artists worldwide
DATES: January 1 - 31, 2021
LOCATION: Denton, TX
DEADLINE: December 9, 2020
FINE PRINT: Eligible media include, but are not limited to: drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, oil/chalk pastels, block/ink print, hanging sculpture or assemblage, digital art, collage, metal work, hanging fiber/textile art, wood work and contemporary craft. Entry fee: $25 for up to five images. Learn more here.
small works – BIG TALENT
Las Laguna Gallery is looking for small works with big impact. There is no intended theme for the work; it just needs to fit the criteria of being “small art”. All mediums and subjects accepted. All artists who submit to this show will be accepted and have at least one of their submitted works posted on our website. A select number of artists will be selected to send their work into the gallery for the in person exhibition at our brick and mortar gallery.
WHO: Artists worldwide
DATES: January 7 - 30, 2021
LOCATION: Laguna Beach, CA
DEADLINE: December 13, 2020
FINE PRINT: No works over 18 inches on either side, including frame, if framed. All fine arts media are acceptable: watercolor, drawing, pastel, painting, sculpture, mixed media, installation art, photography, fiber art, digital art, etchings, monotype, monoprint, silk screen, airbrush, lithography, fiber art, etc. No crafts, please. Entry fee: $31. Learn more here.
Dreams and Nightmares
Gallery Underground announces a national call to artists for a juried art exhibition. Artists will interpret the theme “Dreams and Nightmares” - from the beautiful and sublime to the dark and twisted.
WHO: Artists in the U.S.
DATES: February 1 - 26, 2021
LOCATION: Arlington, VA
DEADLINE: December 14, 2020
FINE PRINT: Entry Fee: $35/ up to 2 submissions. $500 in cash prizes awarded. Before entering, artists should ensure that work is available to exhibit during the dates of the show (remove work from all shows, galleries, and online sales sites). Learn more here.
Beyond Human Power
The continuous spread of the novel coronavirus and the emotions it has caused have become the most direct and vivid explanation of force majeure, something beyond the control of human power. In most cases, the first thing that people think of is ruthless nature. The virus is an invasion of aliens and yet is not caused by nature alone. Its development involves human economic and social activities. In the end, our bodies will inevitably suffer the most from the things beyond human power. Independent & Image Art Space invites artists worldwide to use their unique artistic creations to make their voices heard in this particular period and context.
WHO: Artists worldwide
DATES: December 26, 2020 - January 23, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 15, 2020
FINE PRINT: There is no limit on the art medium, size, year of production, artist age, or nationality, but the submitted works should respond to the exhibition theme “Beyond Human Power”. Entry fee: $50 up to 6 works. Learn more here.
Visual Art Open Prize 2021
Presented by the Visual Artists Association, the prestigious VAO 2021 Prize is now celebrating its fifth edition and offers an £8,000 Prize Fund. All mediums across 5 categories: Painting/Mixed Media/Printmaking – Illustration/Drawing – Sculpture – Photography/Digital – Young Artist (16 – 24 years old).
WHO: UK and international artists
DATES: TBA
LOCATION: Chester, England
DEADLINE: December 15, 2020
FINE PRINT: Entry Fee: £20 for 1st submission and £10 per additional artwork, £15.00 for entrants under 24 years and £10 per additional artwork. Learn more here.
OPEN CALL | BEYOND HUMAN POWER
Independent & Image Art Space (Chongqing, China) presents an online exhibition open call with the theme of “Beyond Human Power”. The continuous spread of the novel coronavirus and the emotions it has caused have become the most direct and vivid explanation of force majeure, something beyond the control of human power. In most cases, the first thing that people think of is ruthless nature. The virus is an invasion of aliens and yet is not caused by nature alone. Its development involves human economic and social activities. In the end, our bodies will inevitably suffer the most from the things beyond human power. We invite artists worldwide to use their unique artistic creations to make their voices heard in this particular period and context.
WHO: Artists worldwide
DATES: December 26, 2020 - January 23, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 15, 2020
FINE PRINT: There is no limit on the art medium, size, year of production, artist age, or nationality, but the submitted works should respond to the exhibition theme “Beyond Human Power”. Entry fee: $50 up to 6 works. Learn more here.
IDENTITY
Art Fluent invites artists worldwide to submit artwork to their online juried exhibition, IDENTITY. We all have a certain idea of who we are through our identity. But to get there, we need to probe beneath the surface. To get a sense of ourselves, we need to explore who we are, how we are viewed by the world, and the characteristics that define us. Our beliefs, qualities, expressions, and personalities each collectively form our identity. We seek artwork that goes beneath the surface to reveal aspects of the subject that usually remain hidden. Show Art Fluent what identity means to you through your perspective.
WHO: Open to artists worldwide, both amateur and professional
DATES: Opens January 22, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 18, 2020
FINE PRINT: Work that is copied or done under the guidance of an instructor is not eligible. Open to ALL fine art mediums (oil, acrylic, watermedia, pastel, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fiber, wood, digital art) except video. A portion of the proceeds from the entry fees are donated to organizations committed to the arts and supporting artists. Entry fee: $20 for first entry/$5 for each additional entry. Learn more here.
Abstracted - artless Bastard Call for Art
artlessBastard Gallery is calling for 2D and 3D works of art, in all mediums - excluding performance art - for our Abstracted group show. Submit your abstract artwork - all mediums are acceptable including mixed media. The main theme of your artwork should include this concept.
WHO: U.S. artists
DATES: January 7 - February 13, 2020
LOCATION: West DePere, WI
DEADLINE: December 18, 2020
FINE PRINT: Best In Show : $100 2nd Place : Two Free Entries (up to three pieces) to a future call for art during 2021 3rd Place: One Free Entry (two pieces) for future call for art during 2021. Entry fee: $30. Learn more here.
HINDSIGHT, 2020 WAS A
For many 2020 was a year like no other. A global pandemic hit, wildfires swept through large portions of countries while hurricanes and storms flooded others, people died, lives were put on hold, jobs were lost, economies were in crisis, schools closed, major elections took place, and more. What did 2020 look like for you? How did it feel? How did you respond? How has this year shaped you, your life, and your practice? At IncuArts we ask, “What happened?” HINDSIGHT, 2020 WAS A is a look back on the year 2020, at what happened and what it meant to us.
WHO: Artists of all media are encouraged to apply worldwide
DATES: January 1 - 31, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 19, 2020
FINE PRINT: Women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and other community members are encouraged to apply. Strict theme based entries are not necessary- the theme is a jumping off point. Entry fee: $30. Learn more here.
All Women
J. Mane Gallery invites submissions for its All Women online juried art exhibition. Women artists have been making art throughout history, however their work, when compared to their male counterparts, tends to be overlooked and undervalued. Women artists are often faced with challenges due to gender biases in the fine art world. Therefore, we are honoring women artists. We invite you to submit work that best represents you as an artist.
WHO: Women artists worldwide
DATES: January 1 - February 1, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 26, 2020
FINE PRINT: Acceptable media: Painting, drawing, pastels, inks, pencil, encaustic, photography, mixed media, 3-D and digital art. Entry Fee: $20 for up to 5 images. Learn more here.
London Art Biennale 2021
Following the success of exhibitions in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019, the London Art Biennale is currently taking applications for the upcoming 2021 exhibition. A celebration of modern art, and a calling for artists from all over the world with every stylistic choice from any artistic movement, the London Art Biennale offers artists a platform to have their work exhibited in Chelsea, London, where they will have the chance to win numerous awards including monetary prizes of up to a £5,000 GBP.
WHO: Artists worldwide
DATES: June 30 - July 4, 2021
LOCATION: London
DEADLINE: December 31, 2020
FINE PRINT: The Biennale’s wide range of awards consists of multiple monetary awards, subcategory awards, the opportunity to have work professionally critiqued by the International Confederation of Art Critics, month-long group shows where artwork is chosen for exhibition in an Italian museum, as well as fully paid all-inclusive retreats in Tuscany, with your very own private art studio for a whole week. Entry Fee: £30 GBP + VAT tax (£36 inclusive of VAT tax) per artwork submitted to cover admin costs. Learn more here.
NYC4PA Calls for Entry and Art Expo Exhibitions
New York Center for Photographic Art's (NYC4PA) mission is to provide exhibition opportunities in the vibrant New York City gallery world to photographers around the world. NYC4PA offers international, themed open call competitions juried by recognized experts in the field of photography.
WHO: Photographers worldwide
DATES: Check website for specific call dates
LOCATION: New York , NY
DEADLINE: December 31, 2020
FINE PRINT: NYC4PA has six calls for entry per year, four of which have live exhibitions for the winners, two are online only. Each call has a different theme. Our website has all our calls listed for the length of time they are available, the website has a gallery of all the winners of the competitions. Entry Fee: $35 for 3 images, $10 for each additional image. Learn more here.
WORKS ON PAPER
During COVID, many artists haven’t been able to obtain the art materials they normally use. Necessity is the mother of invention. What kinds of paper have you been using for your artwork during this unprecedented time? Have you been using art materials or media that you found in your home or studio? Have you made paper? Have you branched out from your usual art practice in some way during this time? During difficult times, artists can lead the way in demonstrating resilience and originality. This exhibition celebrates creativity and resourcefulness in works on paper in the time of Coronavirus.
WHO: Artists worldwide
DATES: February 1 - March 31, 2021
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 31, 2020
FINE PRINT: All original artworks drawn, painted or otherwise created on paper using a variety of media will be considered. Only artwork created during the global pandemic (COVID-19) and that has not been exhibited elsewhere will be accepted. Artwork must be composed of at least 50% paper. Entry Fee: $25. Learn more here.
The Working Artist Masterclass
Are you confused about how decisions are made in the art world? Do you struggle to get your work seen and sold? Do you wish you could get the doors to open more easily? The Working Artist Masterclass: It's everything they never taught in art school. The Working Artist Masterclass will change the way you approach your creative practice. This unique online resource will give you the information you crave.
WHO: All artists
DURATION: 8 weeks
LOCATION: Online
DEADLINE: December 31, 2020
FINE PRINT: It's easy to understand, comprehensive, and very supportive of artists at all levels. Course includes: Core Artist Training, Monthly Group Coaching Calls, Professional Development, and Art Fair Essentials Workshop. Price: $444. Learn more here.
Artist Residencies - The Skopelos Foundation for the Arts
SkopArt, an American owned and operated artist studio located on the gorgeous Greek island of Skopelos is offering artists residencies for 2020.
WHO: Ceramists, mixed-media artists, painters, printmakers and sculptors
DURATION: Two weeks to four months
LOCATION: Skopelos, Greece
DEADLINE: December 30, 2020
FINE PRINT: Due to COVID-19 SkopArt was inundated with applications for 2021. If you interested in applying for the 2021 residency, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified of the availability by the beginning of next year. Or you are welcome to apply for 2022. For more information, please contact Jill Somer at [email protected]. Learn more here.
Are you ready to apply?
Don’t miss out on the perfect call for your art business just because you can’t get your application together in time.
With Artwork Archive, you can manage jury-ready photos of your work, their inventory details, and up-to-date documents like artist statements and bios that make submitting easy. Plus, track the locations of your artwork so you never submit a piece that’s supposed to be showing somewhere else.
The best part is you can add the application and show dates to the “My Schedule” feature and receive email reminders before it’s time to submit and send off your work. You’ll never forget these opportunities or appear unprofessional again.
And, don’t forget to check out our Call-for-Entry page!
We showcase the best opportunities for artists, from juried shows and artist grants to public art commissions and residencies, with more opportunities being posted each day.
It’s free to use for artists across the globe. And, you can filter by opportunity type, location, event dates, eligibility, and more to find exactly what your art career needs to thrive.
Download the Complete 2020 Opportunity Guide for Artists here.
