Guide to the Best Artist Grants and Opportunities in the Western 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 Western 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 West.
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 29, 2026 Ends today
2026 Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: July 29, 2026
- Award Info: Honorarium of $2,500 per piece
- Eligibility: National
- Categories: Sculpture
- Location: Indiana, United States
Indiana University East (IUE) invites you to participate in their 2026-2028 juried, on-loan, outdoor sculpture exhibit on the Richmond, Indiana campus. IUE is a regional campus of Indiana University with a vibrant arts program and extensive art collection. Selected artists must be willing to enter into an Art Loan Agreement with IUE and will be awarded an honorarium of $2,500 per piece. The exhibit is outdoors and open to the public, because of this, certain requirements must be met in order for a sculpture to be considered for display. Artwork must be available for the duration of the two-year contract, and must be constructed of durable materials that will withstand year-round Indiana weather.
July 30, 2026 1 day left
Mosaic Bench
Public Art & Proposals
- Submission Deadline: July 30, 2026
- Award Info: Budget: $55,000
- Eligibility: Regional
- Categories: Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Sculpture
- Location: California, United States
The city of Los Altos Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Cultural (PARC) Commission invites artists to submit a proposal for the design and creation of a community mosaic installation on an existing cement bench located in downtown Los Altos on Main Street.
July 30, 2026 1 day left
The Space Between Is What Remains
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: July 30, 2026
- Entry Fee: $25
- Eligibility: National
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Denver, Colorado, United States
The Space Between Is What Remains is a national juried exhibition at Rolo Gallery, a new contemporary art gallery in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe (rologallery.art). They're looking for work that holds something — a mark, a quality of light, a feeling that doesn't leave. Abstract, figurative, or anywhere between. All media welcome including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, fiber, ceramics, works on paper, and book arts. $25 entry fee for 1–3 works. The show opens September 3, 2026 and runs through October 11, with a Third Friday reception September 19. Work will be on view during two First Friday Art Walks on Denver's Santa Fe Drive, drawing up to 15,000 visitors each.
August 1, 2026 3 days left
Occultus
Exhibition
- Organization: The Vestibule
- Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026
- Event Dates: October 3, 2026 - October 31, 2026
- Location: Seattle, WA 98107
Occultus seeks artworks that live in the boundary between art and the occult. At what point does art become ritual or sacred practice? When does the act of creation become a deeper exploration of the mysteries of the cosmos? The work might illuminate or speak to hidden knowledge, play with magical and natural forces, or dream of non-traditional divinities. Works that explore cosmic and metaphysical themes are of particular interest.
guest curated by Jay Stoneking
From the curator
"While the word 'occult' probably summons images of hooded figures standing over pentagrams, at its core the occult simply refers to knowledge of the hidden, of revealed secrets and explorations of the unknown. Some of its oldest usage connects to alchemical tradition, astrological study, and the exploration of natural substances - many early scientific figures dabbled in occult study or philosophy. I'm most interested in works steeped in personal ritual and symbology, science as magic, or non-traditional spirituality to explore your / our relationship to the cosmos and metaphysical world."
Exhibition Dates
Works received by September 28, 2026
Site-specific installation Sept 28-30, 2026
August 3, 2026 5 days left
San Diego's Finest Art Show 2026
Competition
- Organization: Art Scene West
- Submission Deadline: August 3, 2026
- Event Dates: August 24, 2026 - October 18, 2026
- Entry Fee: $35
- Award Info: Cash Prizes and Ribbons during 55 day gallery exhibition
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: San Diego, CA 92101, United States
This is a juried art competition open to all styles and mediums in 2D and 3D art. The exhibition is hosted in the Art Scene West gallery, located in one of Southern California’s most iconic waterfront destinations. Selected artists will have their work exhibited for 55 days on their gallery walls, with a 65% sales commission. Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 placements, and gallery honors will accompany the honorable mentions. This is a great way to advance your art career and gain exposure in one of California's hottest cities. This exhibition is designed to elevate artists’ visibility, establish professional recognition, and connect their creative vision with art collectors visiting from around the world.
August 7, 2026 9 days left
Color Space: Contemporary Photography
Competition
- Organization: Black Box Gallery
- Submission Deadline: August 7, 2026
- Event Dates: September 1, 2026 - September 25, 2026
- Entry Fee: 40.00
- Award Info: None
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Photography
- Location: Portland, Oregon 97214, United States
A juried group photo show on color photography at Black Box Gallery.
August 7, 2026 9 days left
2026 Santa Clara Community Park Public Art Call to Artists
Public Art & Proposals
- Organization: City of Eugene Cultural Services
- Submission Deadline: August 7, 2026
- Eligibility: Local
- Location: Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Overview
- -Art pieces may reflect life, culture and history in the North Eugene and River Road area with possible themes, including community and culture, land, nature and ecology, industry and farming and agriculture.
- -Bilingual storytelling (English and Spanish)
- -This site offers artists the opportunity to work multi-dimensionally.
Deadline
Budget
Site Details
Artwork Materials
Because this project is in an outdoor, highly active location, the use of long-lasting durable materials is required. Materials used may include tile, ceramic, metal, mosaic, aluminum printing, painted panels and UV/anti-graffiti coating. Additional consideration will be given to the following:
- -Use of recyclable/reusable materials with an afterlife (i.e., can be used after the installation is removed).
- -Use of durable materials with smooth surfaces that can withstand outdoor weather, active play and potential damage. Production that allows for panels to be replaced easily if damaged.
Community engagement for this project will help ensure the artwork reflects the values, stories and daily experiences of the people who live in nearby neighborhoods. By connecting with community members, the artist will gain insight to help shape a design that is meaningful and grounded in local identity. During the design development process, the artist will engage directly with the community to seek inspiration and refine the design. These efforts will be supported by City of Eugene. Ideally, this collaboration with community strengthens the project’s relevance, support and long-term impact.
Application Support
Virtual Info Session
Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 4-5pm
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact Reed Davaz McGowan, City of Eugene Public Art Manager: [email protected] or 541-682-6314.
August 9, 2026 11 days left
Greenhouse Residency at Mendocino Art Center 2026/27
Residency
- Organization: Mendocino Art Center
- Submission Deadline: August 9, 2026
- Event Dates: December 14, 2026 - March 14, 2027
- Entry Fee: $20.00
- Eligibility: International
- Location: Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
This residency is designed for artists whose work engages conversations about food and climate justice in some capacity.
These themes are loose and can relate to many different types of work. All artistic mediums are encouraged to apply including but not limited to, visual artists, writers, filmmakers, ecologists, activists, chefs, gardeners, foragers, and educators looking for space to work on a project or be in a creative community are also welcome and encouraged to apply.
The structure of the residency will be self-directed and up to the participants on how they would like to spend their time.
Sessions
Session 1: Tuesday, December 14 - Sunday, January 10
Studio space
Residents will each be assigned semi-private space in a shared studio. Our studios are better outfitted for some mediums than others, but we will do our best to accommodate the needs of all residents. Outside of assigned studio space, our communal ceramic and Jewelry studios are available with 24 hour access.
A cohort of peers
Residents will live in close proximity to each other, and are encouraged to build community in their time here. Residents will also have access to a shared kitchen space for communal meals.
Private apartment
Each resident will have their own furnished studio apartment, outfitted with a queen bed, seating, kitchen, and bathroom.
Food + Gatherings
Each session will include scheduled and spontaneous meals, workshops, and gatherings for residents, as well as other opportunities to build community.
Open studio
At the end of the residency, residents are invited to host an open studio sharing their work, research, or residency experience with the community.
Solidarity Statement
As a program dedicating itself to artists whose truths are often eclipsed by the mainstream, whose foils include constructs other than whiteness, and whose stories are actively being written and difficult to tell, we know that standing in solidarity looks differently for many. Often times, embodying solidarity means showing up imperfectly. Solidarity requires a practice of attunement—learning to listen, with a willingness to learn, and pivot when necessary. MAC is committed to making room for the practice of learning and growing. Growth is never linear and requires reorientation towards humility. As artists, we are in a time of reckoning, we want to continue the urgency of sharing nuanced and challenging stories about connection and equity. Art and healing are crucial in relationships, in community building, and in systemic reform. Learning to be in relation to one another, a community, a movement, an incremental or massive shift can be excruciatingly painful for many. There have been many movements, people, legacies, and sacrifices that have led us to this moment we are living in. It is our hope, as we continue to grow, we weave together an insurmountable expansive web with those committed to a more just and equitable future for all.
Here is a help document in case you should have trouble applying through Artwork Archive:
https://help.artworkarchive.com/en/articles/10246083-how-to-apply-to-a-call-on-artwork-archive-using-a-submit-only-account
August 9, 2026 11 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
This call revolves around being a part of a commercial gallery on a regular basis with 5-10 works on hand. The call for regular gallery artists is directed towards professional artists. Professional Artists working in ALL MEDIUMS are welcomed to apply. Installation art and works that hang from a ceiling will also be considered. The call for artists has a warm heart for sculpture and metal casting as the gallery manager and curator is a sculptor. Application Deadline is rolling through the calendar year beginning August 9th 2025 and ending August 8th 2026
August 14, 2026 16 days left
Silicon Valley Quinn Emanuel Artists-in-Residence
Residency
- Organization: Quinn Emanuel Arts Foundation
- Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026
- Award Info: Studio space, and the artist-in-residence will receive $5,000 a month over the course of four months for a total of $20,000. In addition, Quinn Emanuel will provide an allowance of up to $1,500 for purchase of art materials.
- Eligibility: Local
- Categories: Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: California, United States
This residency is open to emerging and mid-career artists working in all disciplines across the Bay Area. For four months the artist-in-residence will be given a studio in the Quinn Emanuel Silicon Valley office to support their existing practice or a new project as appropriate.
At the end of the residency an exhibition will be held to display the works of the artist and at least one work will be incorporated into the permanent collection. A supporting stipend will be provided, as well as materials allowance. Over the course of a year there will be 1 residency cycle, 2 artists will participate in a four month residency and a subsequent exhibition in a location deemed appropriate for the work decided on between the artists and curator.