Featured Opportunities

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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.

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The 11th annual Visual Art Open Prize offers a £10,000 prize fund for artists at all career stages globally. Categories include Painting, Sculpture, Drawing & Illustration, Mixed Media/Collage/Printmaking, Photography & Digital Art, Student Artist, and Art Educator.

The overall winner receives a £2,000 cash prize, solo show in London, exhibition at Minster Building (with all finalists), VAA Premium Annual Membership, VAA Annual Mentorship Programme, VAA Momentum Programme, and Certificate of Achievement. Category winners receive £250 cash prize, VAA Premium Annual Membership, VAA Momentum Programme, London exhibition with finalists, additional online promotion, and Certificate of Achievement. All finalists exhibit at the historic Minster Building in central London and receive online promotion and certificates.

All entrants receive featured exposure across social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) and email promotion to 60,000+ subscribers.

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The Reflective Creative Journal (RCJ) is an online publication seeking visual essay submissions from creatives practicing in visual arts disciplines. Open to all, including international submissions, the journal welcomes reflective content that captures new ideas, projects, collaborations, and learning experiences.

Submissions should combine 3-8 low-resolution images with 250-500 words in a visual essay format, showing curiosity and reflecting on learning experiences. Submissions go through peer review by an editorial board.

The journal supports early-career creatives by sharing learning experiences in visual arts, including encounters with exhibitions, publications, fresh ways of working, and creative inspiration. This is an unpaid publishing opportunity that aims to help creatives understand, improve, and grow. The journal is published regularly throughout the year as content is selected, and all issues are available as free-to-view PDFs.

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This international competition is open to independent filmmakers worldwide across five categories: Fiction (5-20 minutes, narrative-led original fictional stories), Non-Fiction (5-20 minutes, predominantly factual content), Animation (2-20 minutes, any animation technique), Student (5-20 minutes, any genre, for filmmakers studying film at diploma/degree level), and Future Format (2-5 minutes, vertical viewing 9:16 aspect ratio). Films can be shot on any device and must be produced between January 1st, 2024 and December 16th, 2025.

Shortlisted filmmakers (up to 10 for Fiction/Non-Fiction, up to 5 for Animation/Student, winner plus up to 4 commended for Future Format) are flown to Los Angeles for a four-day industry-immersive program at Sony Pictures Studios including workshops with Sony Pictures executives, masterclasses, panel discussions, tours, screenings, Q&As, and an awards ceremony (June 8-12, 2026). Category winners receive Sony camera equipment plus lens, trophies, certificates, and cash prizes: $5,000 USD for Fiction/Non-Fiction/Animation winners, $2,500 USD for Future Format winner.

Student winners and their institutions each receive Sony camera equipment. All shortlisted and commended filmmakers receive online promotion and certificates.