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 a list of the top artist residencies, international open calls, artist grants, exhibition opportunities and art competitions that we believe will benefit artists in 2026!

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!


Guide to the Best Artist Opportunities in 2026

CATEGORY
ELIGIBILITY

April 1, 2026 110 days left

Keyholder Residency Program
Residency

  • Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: September 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027
  • Award Info: $1,000 stipend
  • Eligibility: National
  • Categories: Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline
  • Location: New York, New York
Description
Eligibility Info

Only current US residents may apply.

April 1, 2026 110 days left

Waves Across Time
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: June 22, 2026 - August 7, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $30
  • Eligibility: International
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Sandy Hook, New Jersey
Description
Eligibility Info

Open internationally to all artists. Accepted mediums include: paintings, original prints, small sculptures, photography, mosaic, textile, mixed media, digital art, video, jewelry made from found objects on Sandy Hook presented as fine art will be considered, small installations will also be considered based upon their size and gallery space limitations.

April 1, 2026 110 days left

Mudhouse Residency
Residency

  • Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $10
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Crete , Greece
Description
Eligibility Info

Open internationally to all artists

April 5, 2026 114 days left

6 x 6 @ 66
Exhibition

6 x 6 @ 66
  • Organization: Ray Drew & Kennedy Galleries
  • Submission Deadline: April 5, 2026
  • Event Dates: May 14, 2026 - July 17, 2026
  • Eligibility: National
Description

April 6, 2026 115 days left

September - Oct 2026 | Moore Gallery
Exhibition

September - Oct 2026 | Moore Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: April 6, 2026
  • Event Dates: September 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026
Description

April 7, 2026 116 days left

Football Art Prize
Competition

  • Submission Deadline: April 7, 2026
  • Event Dates: June 11, 2026 - September 13, 2026
  • Entry Fee: One work – £15
  • Award Info: First Prize £5,000
  • Eligibility: International
  • Categories: Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Painting
  • Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom
Description
Eligibility Info

Open internationally to any two-dimensional medium (including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and moving image)

April 15, 2026 124 days left

Hambidge Residencies (Fall Session)
Residency

  • Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $30
  • Eligibility: International
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Rabun Gap, Georgia
Description
Eligibility Info

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

April 16, 2026 125 days left

Out of the Box Utility Box Art Project
Public Art & Proposals

  • Submission Deadline: April 16, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $25
  • Award Info: Selected artists will be paid a $250.00 stipend per design
  • Eligibility: Local
  • Categories: Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting
  • Location: Granbury , Texas
Description
Eligibility Info

Open to artists in Hood County, Texas. The original artwork submissions can be created in any 2D medium. · Artwork submitted must reflect the natural beauty, history, and spirit of Granbury.

April 27, 2026 136 days left

Youth Apprentice Artist Program
Other

  • Submission Deadline: April 27, 2026
  • Event Dates: June 1, 2026 - June 25, 2026
  • Award Info: Up to 12 students will be selected. Each will receive a $500 stipend from Sedona Arts Center and 3 free college credits through Yavapai College.
  • Eligibility: National
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Sedona, Arizona
Description
Eligibility Info

Open to US. based artists (Must be ages 15-18 years of age.)

May 1, 2026 140 days left

July - August 2027 Murray Gallery
Exhibition

July - August 2027 Murray Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: July 1, 2027 - August 31, 2027
Description

May 1, 2026 140 days left

Art in Bloom: Plein Air Painting 2026
Other

  • Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $35.00
  • Award Info: Best in Show (Juried): $500
  • Eligibility: National
  • Categories: Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting
  • Location: Dallas, Texas
Description
Eligibility Info

Open to U.S.-based atists (painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, or portable printmaking.)

May 1, 2026 140 days left

January - February 2027 | Moore Gallery
Exhibition

January - February 2027 | Moore Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: January 1, 2027 - February 28, 2027
Description

May 3, 2026 142 days left

Maude Kerns Art Center 2027 & 2028 Exibit Seasons
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: May 3, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $35
  • Eligibility: National
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Eugene, Oregon
Description
Eligibility Info

Local, regional, and national artists who are emerging, mid-career, or established are eligible to apply to this Call.

May 9, 2026 148 days left

Proud + 2026
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: May 9, 2026
  • Event Dates: July 3, 2026 - August 2, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $35
  • Award Info: $100
  • Eligibility: National
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: San Diego, California
Description
Eligibility Info

Open to U.S.-based artists. Fine Art: Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist book, and sculpture. This exhibition does not accept performance art. Video, film, installation, and works requiring an external electrical source require gallery approval.

May 20, 2026 159 days left

2,191464 Hours of History
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: May 20, 2026
  • Event Dates: October 8, 2026 - May 20, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $30.00
  • Award Info: Best of Show and three additional awards
  • Eligibility: National
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Springfield, Illinois
Description
Eligibility Info

All U.S.-based artists must be 21 years or older. All standard 2D and 3D media and video are eligible

June 1, 2026 171 days left

March - April 2027 | Moore Gallery
Exhibition

March - April 2027 | Moore Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: March 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027
Description

June 1, 2026 171 days left

September - October 2027 Murray Gallery
Exhibition

September - October 2027 Murray Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: September 1, 2027 - October 31, 2027
Description

June 9, 2026 179 days left

Delaplaine Arts Center Solo and Small Group Exhibit
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: June 9, 2026
  • Entry Fee: (Non-Members): $37.00; (Delaplaine Members): $7.00
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Frederick, Maryland
Description
Eligibility Info

This Call is open for works in any media

June 15, 2026 185 days left

Penland Resident Artist Program
Residency

  • Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026
  • Eligibility: International
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Bakersville, North Carolina
Description
Eligibility Info

Open internationally to self-motivated, focused individuals working in traditional and nontraditional studio crafts

July 1, 2026 201 days left

May - June 2027 | Moore Gallery
Exhibition

May - June  2027 | Moore Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: May 3, 2027 - June 30, 2027
Description

July 1, 2026 201 days left

November - December 2027 Murray Gallery
Exhibition

November - December 2027 Murray Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: November 1, 2027 - November 30, 2027
Description

August 1, 2026 232 days left

July - August 2027 | Moore Gallery
Exhibition

July - August  2027 | Moore Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: July 1, 2027 - August 31, 2027
Description

August 1, 2026 232 days left

Call for Art – Salon Ori
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026
  • Eligibility: Local
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting
  • Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Description
Eligibility Info

Open to artists local to Saint Paul, MN

August 9, 2026 240 days left

fooLPRoof Art Gallery Rolling Artist Application
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: August 9, 2026
  • Entry Fee: $35.00
  • Eligibility: National
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Denver, Colorado 80205, United States
Description
Eligibility Info

Open to artists based in the U.S.

September 1, 2026 263 days left

September - October 2027 | Moore Gallery
Exhibition

September - October  2027 | Moore Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: September 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: September 1, 2027 - October 31, 2027
Description

September 15, 2026 277 days left

Hambidge Residencies (Spring Session)
Residency

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

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

October 1, 2026 293 days left

November - December 2027 | Moore Gallery
Exhibition

November - December  2027 | Moore Gallery
  • Organization: Molly Brookhiser-Smeltser
  • Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026
  • Event Dates: November 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027
Description

November 30, 2026 353 days left

Trailhead Gallery – Call For Art
Exhibition

  • Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026
  • Award Info: 6 weeks- 2 months per exhibit
  • Eligibility: State
  • Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
  • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Description
Eligibility Info

Open to emerging and established artists in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

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