Featured Opportunities

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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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This 3-month professional residency (June 1 – August 31, 2026) is for established ceramic artists and potters with 3+ years of independent work outside an institution and proven track records. Applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Ireland and commit to full participation in studio activities, mentorship, community events, and potential teaching opportunities.

The residency provides full access to Throwing Shapes ceramics studio (wheels, kilns, studio glazes, workshop equipment, hand-building space), a fully subsidised city-centre two-bedroom apartment in Dublin shared with the graduate resident (rent-free, utilities paid by resident), opportunity to teach workshops, a solo exhibition at the end with curatorial and marketing support, mentorship sessions, and permanent feature on the Throwing Shapes website.

Residents must donate one piece of work created during the residency to Throwing Shapes. Note: No stipend is included; applicants must clarify how they will cover living costs.

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Annual literary award of £10,000 for the best short story by an African writer published in English. Open to African writers (whether in Africa or the diaspora) aged 18+.

Stories must be 3,000-10,000 words, published within the five years preceding the deadline, and constitute fictional short stories only (novels, children’s stories, factual writing, academic essays, plays, poetry, autobiography/biography not eligible). Entries must be submitted by publishers (including publishers of physical/digital books, literary journals, magazines, arts-oriented websites) via email with publisher’s letter confirming writer consent, publication date, and author nationality. Self-published and unpublished works not eligible.

Winner and shortlisted writers invited to participate in events in Africa, London and elsewhere with travel awards provided. Shortlisted stories published in annual Caine Prize Anthology by Cassava Republic Press.

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An international art competition open to artists of all ages and abilities working in any two-dimensional technique including painting, drawing, and printmaking. Artists can submit 1-5 artworks (with the 5th entry free).

There are 31 awards to be won including: First Prize of £6,000 plus £2,000 in Jackson’s art materials, five Jackson’s Choice Awards, eight Material Awards and Runners Up, Student and Amateur Awards, People’s Choice Award, and six Judge’s Choice Awards (each £1,000 in art materials).

Prize winners and shortlisted artists are invited to exhibit at two London exhibitions: Affordable Art Fair (6-10 May 2026) and Bankside Gallery (22-28 June 2026). The First Prize winner also receives a filmed studio interview and invitation to join the 2027 Guest Judging Panel.

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One of the world’s largest documentary markets for feature-length documentaries and series in development, production, post-production, or rough cut stage. Open to all documentary makers globally – established, emerging, and first-time filmmakers. Selected projects receive thirty-minute curated meetings with 150+ international funders, broadcasters, festival programmers, and sales agents (including A+E, Al Jazeera, ARTE, BBC Storyville, Channel 4, Netflix, National Geographic, PBS, Sundance Institute) over two days (11-12 June 2026). Not for completed premiered projects or short films.

Two categories available: MeetMarket Development and Production (curated meetings only), and MeetMarket Rough Cut Presentations (curated meetings plus presentation to industry with 15-minute preview). The market welcomes diverse documentary styles: observational, experimental/hybrid, poetic, and expository. Podcast-originated projects especially encouraged.

Applicants must read application guidelines before applying (available in accessible formats). Selected participants must be available 11-12 June 2026 for one-to-one meetings.

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£1,000 grants for people of colour (aged 18+) based in the UK for any creative project where £1,000 would make a significant difference. Open to individuals, duos, groups, or collectives of colour (not registered companies or charities) at any career stage. The fund supports creativity in all forms including poetry, paintings, fashion, zines, music, food, flowers, photographs, workshops, events, and more. Grants cover equipment, courses, time, materials, travel, and project needs. The fund won’t part-fund projects where £1,000 doesn’t cover the majority of costs, or where company running costs, marketing, or university projects are a large proportion.

Simple three-stage application: five quick eligibility questions, questions about you and your project (with rough budget breakdown showing how £1,000 will be spent), and voluntary anonymous monitoring. Applications assessed by independent judges reviewing approximately 900-1,100 submissions per round, awarding around 20 grants per round (1 in 50 chance). Judges prioritise a clear sense of who you are and why you’re doing this, realistic budget, and projects unlikely to get funding elsewhere.

Successful applicants asked to complete project within 6 months, share realised work (no fixed deadlines), and credit Grand Plan publicly. Rolling deadlines – Apply by 4th December ’25 for 22nd December result; applications after 4th December receive results on 20th March ’26

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Public art commission for 1-3 artists to design and deliver integrated public art along Woodhouse Lane Gateway in Leeds city centre. Artists can propose bespoke street furniture (seats, cycle stands, bollards), additions to standard furniture (sculptural armrests, engraving), or additions to hard surfacing (inlaid pieces, engraving). Total budget up to £50,000 covers design fees, materials, fabrication, installation, travel and meeting costs for all commissions.

Artwork must be suitable for busy urban outdoor location, vandalism resistant, long lasting, easy to clean, inclusive and accessible. Materials could include stone, metal, bronze, durable plastics or UV resistant materials. Installation expected 2027. Ideally Leeds/Yorkshire based artists but not essential. Artists must carry appropriate insurance and collaborate with council and stakeholders.

Two-stage process: Stage 1 submissions (CV, portfolio with descriptions); Stage 2 shortlisted artists invited to interview with £100 expenses. Particularly welcomes submissions increasing representation of under-represented groups.