Guide to the Best Artist Grants and Opportunities in the Midwestern 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 Midwestern 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 Midwest.
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!
February 15, 2026 72 days left
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original (AASAF)
Other
- Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Event Dates: July 16, 2026 - July 18, 2026
- Entry Fee: $55
- Award Info: $12,000 – 12 Excellence Awards of $1000 each; A total of $5,000 to $10,000 awarded annually in individual purchase awards
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original (AASAF), is the original art fair of the three concurrent fairs that annually transform central Ann Arbor into the largest juried outdoor art fair in the nation. Every July, the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan Campus blossom into a 30-block outdoor art gallery. Established in 1960, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization with a mission to enrich lives by connecting art, artists, and our communities.
The AASAF is renowned for its 67-year history with a commitment to excellence and showcasing only original one of a kind artwork. AASAF unfolds along the picturesque Ann Arbor city streets surrounding the iconic Burton Bell Tower and the tree-lined heart of the University of Michigan's central campus. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original is regularly ranked among the nation’s top art fairs, consistently placing in the “Top Ten Best Art Festivals” in USA TODAY and appearing annually in Sunshine Artist's ""Top 200 Fine Art Shows."
February 18, 2026 75 days left
The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
Other
- Submission Deadline: February 18, 2026
- Event Dates: July 16, 2026 - July 18, 2026
- Entry Fee: Non-Guild members: $50; Guild members: free
- Award Info: Over $5000 in Artist Awards
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is one of three official partner fairs that comprise the award-winning and highly respected Ann Arbor Art Fair, attended by close to 400,000 people each year. The Summer Art Fair is located on Main Street in the heart of Ann Arbor as well as Liberty, State and South University Streets, stretching from the charming downtown area to the beautiful campus of the University of Michigan, touching each end of the event. It is run by The Guild of Artists & Artisans, a 501(c)3 non-profit, membership association of independent artists founded in 1973 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Its mission is to develop and present fine art fairs throughout the region to provide marketing opportunities for artists which also serve as educational, cultural and entertaining events for the community. The Guild draws upon its talented, exclusive and diverse membership to exhibit and sell their work at these events. Each artist is juried through The Guild’s rigorous standards process, which ensures exceptional creativity and technical skill
February 18, 2026 75 days left
Art Birmingham 2026 - 45th Annual
Other
- Submission Deadline: February 18, 2026
- Event Dates: May 9, 2026 - May 10, 2026
- Entry Fee: $30
- Eligibility: National
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Birmingham , Michigan
Art Birmingham, originally known as the Birmingham Fine Art Festival, now in its 45th year, takes place on the street surrounding Shain Park, in downtown Birmingham, Michigan. The fair is surrounded by convenient parking for artists and fairgoers and within easy access to the many unique stores and fabulous restaurants of downtown Birmingham. This highly respected event will showcase juried artists in an elegant and extraordinary setting. Attracting approximately 80,000 fair goers, this fair produced in association with the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC), benefits the “Art for All” vision of the BBAC.
February 23, 2026 80 days left
29th Otterbein Annual Juried Student Exhibition
Exhibition
- Organization: Janice Glowski
- Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026
- Event Dates: March 16, 2026 - March 26, 2026
- Eligibility: Local
February 28, 2026 85 days left
Destination Clare Art Sculpture Walk
Public Art & Proposals
- Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Event Dates: May 12, 2026 - April 26, 2027
- Award Info: Budget: 30,000
- Eligibility: National
- Categories: Sculpture
- Location: Clare County, Michigan
The Clare County Arts Council welcomes all artists to apply for the 5th annual Destination Clare Art Sculpture Walk 2026. All entries must be submitted by 2/28/2026. The selection committee will choose the top ten entries based upon artistic merit, creativity, public safety and durability in an outdoor setting. Finalists will be notified by March 31, 2026 with sculptures installed in May 2026 The exhibit will run May 12, 2026 through April 2027.
There are different categories for finalists could possibly win additional recognition and money. An honorarium of $1000 will be paid to selected participating artists upon installation of their sculpture. In addition, on May 12, a jury will be assembled to award $2500 for the Best of Show which will be awarded at an Opening Event the evening after all art has been installed. The People' Choice award ($1,000) will be given to the piece that receives the most votes from exhibit attendees through March 2026.
March 1, 2026 86 days left
2026-2027 Call for Artists
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Eligibility: State
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Faribault, Minnesota 55021, United States
Paradise Center for the Arts is seeking submissions of recent work from visual artists for exhibitions in the Carlander Family Gallery, Lois Vranesh Boardroom Gallery, and K&M Gallery for 2026-2027. Submissions will be juried by members of the gallery committee of the Paradise Center for the Arts, which is comprised of artists, arts professionals, and art enthusiasts in the area. To submit work for consideration, send an email to [email protected]
March 1, 2026 86 days left
2026 Art For State Buildings
Public Art & Proposals
- Organization: South Dakota Arts Council
- Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Event Dates: November 17, 2025
- Award Info: Artwork selected will be purchased for display in publicly accessible areas in state government buildings in and near the State Capitol Building in Pierre, SD.
- Eligibility: State
- Location: Pierre, SD 57501, United States
March 2, 2026 87 days left
Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair
Other
- Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026
- Event Dates: July 16, 2026 - July 18, 2026
- Entry Fee: $60.00
- Award Info: Best in Show: $1,000
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair (SSDAF) is one of three official fairs that comprise the award-winning Ann Arbor Art Fair, transforming downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, into one of the country's most celebrated art fair destinations. This prestigious event draws nearly 400,000 attendees each July, providing artists with a unique platform to connect directly with art lovers, collectors, and locals.
Since 1968, the Ann Arbor SSDAF, ranked #19 in Sunshine Artist’s 2024 Fine Art Rankings and consistently listed among the Top 100 Fairs, has showcased original fine arts and fine crafts selected through a rigorous jury process to ensure exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ann Arbor’s historic theater district, the SSDAF offers a vibrant atmosphere that enriches the experience for both artists and visitors.
March 16, 2026 101 days left
Art of Possibilities Art Show & Sale
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: March 16, 2026
- Event Dates: May 27, 2026 - July 3, 2026
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Art of Possibilities Art Show & Sale (AOP) is a project of the Allina Health Foundation and Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (CKRI). It is one of only a handful of juried art shows in the world exclusively featuring artists with disabilities. The first of its kind and held every year since 1963, the Art Show & Sale is a much-anticipated celebration of fine arts attracting hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors from Minnesota and around the world. AOP provides a forum for artists with disabilities to sell their work, promotes the talents of artists with disabilities, and creates a cherished and inclusive community event for people of all abilities.
March 18, 2026 103 days left
Sacred Rhythnm/Sacred Pattern
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: March 18, 2026
- Event Dates: May 1, 2026 - May 30, 2026
- Entry Fee: $30
- Award Info: total of $1,500 in cash prizes will be awarded
- Eligibility: National
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Springfield, Illinois
In cooperation with the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield (LAFS), in Springfield, Illinois, the Springfield Art Association (SAA) will host a juried exhibition of liturgical and sacred art as part of the biennial, interfaith Liturgical Arts Festival: Sacred Rhythm/Sacred Pattern. All spiritual interpretations, approaches and media are welcome. A theme of rhythm and pattern is a subtext. We aim for an exhibition of work that will support diversity, promote understanding, and foster tolerance.