Featured Opportunities

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The V&A Illustration Awards, established in 1972, is the UK’s most prestigious biennial illustration competition reflecting the contemporary UK illustration scene. The Awards welcome published work by UK residents or those resident anywhere in the world working for UK clients. Categories include Adult Fiction, Adult Factual, Illustration for Children, Advertising and Commercial, and Emerging Illustrator (for UK resident unpublished artists over 18, or those who studied on UK college courses in 2024 and/or 2025).

Entrants can upload up to eight image files for each entry, or supply a link to/upload a one-minute video submission and five image files. Five category winners each receive £3,500 and five runners-up receive £1,000. The overall winner, the Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year, receives an additional £5,500 and their work becomes part of the V&A’s collections. Winners and runners-up will be announced in summer 2026, with their work displayed in a dedicated curated display within the V&A.

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This 18-month cross-regional programme invites up to ten visual arts organisations from the East and West Midlands to become Commissioning Partners. Open to organisations of all sizes (artist-led initiatives, community arts organisations, galleries, festivals, digital platforms) based in or programming across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, or Worcestershire. Each organisation will commission one Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, or Neurodivergent mid-career artist from the neighbouring region to create a new digital artwork (moving image, interactive, sound, virtual, web-based, or other forms).

Selected organisations receive £8,000 commissioning support for artist fees, production, and presentation, plus access to shared artist access and travel budgets, mentoring and skill development for artists, Organisational Development Day, documentation and editorial coverage via Corridor8, 2.5 technician days, and ongoing visibility. Partners contribute £2,000 and actively engage in professional development and evaluation.

Applications accepted in written (max 800 words), audio (max 6 minutes), or video (max 6 minutes) format, including organisation overview, mission, audiences, reasons for involvement, approach to collaboration and inclusion, and facilities/experience. Outcomes will be notified by 27 January 2026 (5pm).

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Open call for submissions to the third issue of Outhouse Magazine, an independent publication showcasing new, diverse voices. Seeking essays and think pieces related to politics, art, culture, and society, plus creative writing (all genres) that engages with the theme “URBAN DREAMSCAPES.”

The theme explores big cities – dreams, freedom, opportunities, joys, hopes, beauty, but also loneliness, inequality, claustrophobic apartments, abandoned dreams, and the complex relationship between people and metropolises. What pushes us to leave, what pulls us to stay, and the price we pay. Only finalized works accepted (no pitches).

Submission limits: essays and fiction maximum 1,500 words; poetry up to 3 poems per submission. Format: Word or Google document. The magazine is distributed through various independent bookshops including Lala Books, Burley Fisher Books, Peckham Books, Review Bookshop, and available online.

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This fund supports young people in Wigan Borough to access creative opportunities. Organisations (charities, groups, clubs, non-profits, CICs) can apply for £500-£2,000 grants to support creative activities with young people. Individuals aged 11-18 can apply for £50-£500 grants for creative projects, classes, equipment, or business ideas, but must apply through referral partners: Wigan Youth Zone, Leigh Youth Hub, or Wigan Targeted Services.

The fund tackles financial barriers that prevent access to music lessons, theatre trips, and other creative experiences. It prioritises projects that enhance joy, positivity, and hope through creativity. Named after The Lathums’ 2021 single “How Beautiful Life Can Be,” the fund is the Wigan Borough Mayor’s Charity for 2025-26 and aims to make creativity accessible regardless of background or circumstances.

Applications are reviewed by Curious Minds Young Associates (for organisations). Three funding rounds in 2025: Round 5 (opens 24 April, deadline 25 June), Round 6 (opens 3 July, deadline 24 September), Round 7 (opens 2 October, deadline 31 December). Online application form and guidance available when rounds open.

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International open call for emerging and mid-career contemporary artists working in painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, photography, videography or installation.

By submitting, artists are automatically considered for both opportunities: (1) Exhibition Opportunity – curated group exhibition at D Contemporary in central London during 2026, with comprehensive curatorial and production services fully covered by the organizing institution, structured sales strategy, and direct engagement with collectors and curators; (2) Collector Access Program – The Viewing Room, a curated digital presentation circulated year-round to a targeted international network of collectors, buyers and subscribers worldwide for long-term sales engagement.

Artists selected for the physical exhibition are responsible for shipping their artworks. All other costs are covered by the organizers. Applications reviewed by dedicated selection committee.

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This open call invites individuals and collaborative projects to submit proposals for small booklets and zines to be produced in 2026. Stray Pages aims to publish 3-4 publications from this round.

All types of work are accepted, though text-heavy publications must include visual elements (photography or other imagery). Successful applicants must submit print-ready files by an agreed date, with guidance provided by Stray Pages on Risograph printing best practices.

Selected artists receive 5 copies of their publication and 50% of profits from sales after production costs are recovered. Applicants will be notified within one month of the closing date. Submissions require a PDF draft (working drafts acceptable), publication title, project description, explanation of interest in Risograph printing, and links to previous work/portfolio.

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Commission for experienced mural artists/sign writers to design and paint a contemporary exterior mural (approx 6m x 9m) on 170 High Street West in Sunniside, Sunderland. The mural should connect past and present, celebrate local businesses and creative community, and work within the Sunniside wayfinding project to define the neighbourhood’s identity.

Artists must be confident working at large scale and height, hold IPAF training (if using MEWP access) and Public Liability Insurance. The mural should complement existing local murals, work with the Sunniside colour palette, be low maintenance, and be considerate of the conservation area/listed building context.

Total budget £5,000 covers artist design time, painting, and materials. Installation required before end of March 2026. Proposals should include concept design, sketches/examples, previous similar work, and installation timeline with materials costs.