Featured Opportunities

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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.

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Annual open exhibition for female artists, held at Mall Galleries in London. Open to both SWA members and non-members. Accepts painting, pastels, drawing, mixed media, sculpture (all media), ceramics, glass and metal (non-utilitarian), fine art printing methods (not giclée or large volume prints). Photography not accepted.

Artists can submit up to 6 artworks, with a maximum of 4 hung if selected. Digital submission only via the online platform. Exhibition features approximately 450 works, offers various awards from sponsors, and provides exhibition and sales opportunities. Submission is the first step toward becoming an Associate member (ASWA) of the society. The exhibition includes a special Breast Cancer Now fundraising evening. Selected works must be exhibition ready and for sale. All selected works exhibited at Mall Galleries, London.

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New Art Exchange invites applications from emerging Global Ethnic Majority curators based in the Midlands for CURATE, a co-curated development and upskilling programme tailored to participants’ needs. Launching Spring 2026, this comprehensive programme offers 8 places with bursaries covering travel, accommodation, and expenses.

The programme includes a three-day in-person residency in Nottingham (29th April-1st May 2026) facilitated by curator Mark Devereux, who holds over 18 years’ art sector experience specializing in artist professional development, curation, production, and project management. Additional components include two online feedback sessions with Mark, a two-day curatorial placement at New Art Exchange during Open 2026 installation, and a final pitching day where participants present exhibition proposals.

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The Art House invites disabled artists living and working in the UK to apply for The Patricia Sutcliffe Artist Residency, an annual residency named in honour of their founder and disabled artist, Patricia Sutcliffe. This residency supports disabled artists working in any medium, reflecting Patricia’s vision for a more inclusive and equitable arts future.

The one-month residency (flexible timing April-March, can be broken into smaller periods to suit needs) provides a £2,500 support budget (suggested breakdown: £1,500 artist fee, £750 materials, £250 travel), studio space and accommodation at The Art House, free access with technician support to Print Studio, Ceramic Studio, and Darkroom, plus 1-2-1 coaching and mentoring with The Art House Programme team.