Featured Opportunities

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New Contemporaries invites applications from emerging and early-career artists aged 21+ based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales for their Artist Development Programme running September 2026 to June 2027, culminating in a major group exhibition at Focal Point Gallery and partner venues across Southend-on-Sea, opening June 2027.

Selected artists receive a structured monthly programme (online and in-person sessions) including two mentoring sessions, peer networking, workshops, and talks; exhibition in the June 2027 group show with contribution opportunities to public programmes; artist fee; travel and accommodation bursary for in-person sessions and exhibition opening; access support where required; and opportunity to sell work during the exhibition (30 June-11 September 2027).

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The Curator’s Salon invites established visual artists worldwide to submit work for Art Seen Magazine’s Summer 2026 edition, publishing in May 2026. This international curated publication features artist profiles, interviews, and studio visits ranging from half-page to six-page spreads, offering artists the chance to reach audiences beyond their existing following. Each inclusion is accompanied by social media posts, giving your work fresh exposure in a high-quality print and digital format distributed globally through Amazon.

Ideal for artists working in painting, printmaking, drawing, mixed media, collage, fiber art, fine art photography, installation, ceramics, and sculpture. This opportunity suits mid-career and established artists comfortable discussing their work and process—not suitable for emerging artists or those seeking curatorial guidance. Submit four images at 300dpi, properly labeled with artist name, artwork title, medium, and dimensions. A website is required. Submission fee doesn’t guarantee selection or include a magazine copy. Successful applicants will be contacted for additional images and written features.

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Freelands Foundation launches the seventh edition of the annual Freelands Painting Prize, celebrating outstanding painting by final-year students at UK art schools and universities. Higher Education institutions offering BA Fine Art or Painting courses are invited to nominate one final-year student from the 2025-26 academic year. Submissions must include paintings, though work operating as “painting in the expanded field” is welcome – acknowledging contemporary painting’s diverse approaches beyond traditional definitions.

An independent jury anonymously reviews all submissions, shortlisting artists to participate in an exhibition at Freelands Foundation in Autumn 2026. For the first time in 2026, the jury will also select an individual winner from the shortlisted group. In partnership with Wallace Seymour (makers of high-quality painting and drawing materials), the winning artist receives a consultation and £1,000 worth of materials – invaluable support for emerging painters developing their practice.

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CRIPtic Arts announces four disabled-led artist development programmes for 2026: Reach (emerging writers), Launchpad (fresh theatre makers), Breakthrough (experienced creatives), and Incubate (cultural leaders). These programmes nurture disabled creatives’ practice, supporting disabled people to tell big stories beyond trauma narratives – making space for the broad, divergent, fictional, historical, political, and fantastical work dealing with big themes and questions, whether or not mentioning disability.

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Studio West, in partnership with The Koppel Project, invites applications for a five-month, fully funded studio and mentorship programme at Koppel Heights, Elephant and Castle, running 1st April-31st August 2026. This opportunity supports artists within the first three years of professional practice, offering dedicated studio space alongside structured, practical mentorship aimed at strengthening and sustaining long-term arts careers.

Residents receive a studio within Koppel Heights (a 70,000-square-foot creative hub) with daily access 8am-12am, all heating, electricity, Wi-Fi covered, and lift access. The mentorship programme, led by Founder Caroline Boseley and invited art world professionals, covers developing artistic practice, writing and speaking about work, social media strategy, connecting with galleries, contracts, pricing, sales, and business guidance. Additional benefits include networking opportunities, introductions to collectors and gallerists, social media promotion throughout the residency, and informal guidance from Caroline Boseley.

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OHSH Projects announces South Open 4, their annual open call welcoming applications from artists working in any medium who are based in South London (residence or studio), or who are either studying at or alumni of South London art institutions. This inclusive opportunity is open to artists over 18 of any age category, providing a platform for South London’s diverse creative community to showcase their work.

South London is defined as the boroughs of Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Richmond, Kingston, Merton, Croydon, Sutton, Bromley, and Bexley. Artists can work in any medium including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, video, performance, digital media, textiles, printmaking, and more. This open call seeks to represent the breadth and quality of artistic practice across South London’s vibrant creative landscape.

To apply, send your application as a single PDF to [email protected] including: CV, artist statement, and portfolio of recent works (up to ten images).

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Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery’s annual Art Open returns, inviting artists of all levels (amateur and professional) to submit work showcasing local talent. Open to artists aged 16+, submissions accepted 5th-7th March 2026 (12-4pm) with exhibition opening Saturday 14th March 2026 at 1pm, running until 16th May 2026. Prizes include 1st place £100, 2nd place £50, 3rd place £25, plus Public Choice Winner receives BwD Venues Voucher (announced 25th April, voting closes 22nd April). One submission per artist.