At the heart of craft is the act of play: testing limits, breaking rules, and finding joy in the unexpected. Whether through improvisation, accident, or deliberate experimentation, artists discover new possibilities when they let materials lead the way. Serious Play is a call for art that invites contemporary makers to celebrate curiosity, risk, and discovery in their creative process. Works might emerge from playful gestures, unconventional techniques, or unexpected combinations of media. They may highlight moments of chance or simply revel in the tactile pleasure of material engagement. This exhibition seeks craft that embodies exploration—where the making is as important as the finished form, and where materials are collaborators as much as tools.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Bristol Art Museum invites artists from across the country to submit works on paper for our annual national call for art. As part of the town of Bristol's commemorative celebrations, this exhibition will reflect on the enduring words of the Declaration of Independence. Working in any medium on paper or of paper, from drawing, painting, and printmaking to collage, photography, or experimental forms, Bristol Art Museum welcome interpretations that are bold, intimate, reflective, or challenging. Paper, like the documents that have historically recorded our past, serves as both a material and metaphor—a space for declaration, protest, remembrance, and hope.

Jack Straw Cultural Center is now accepting applications for the 33rd year of the Jack Straw Artist Support Program, which helps artists of many genres and disciplines to create and present new work. Up to eight artists/teams are awarded 20 hours of free recording and production time with an engineer at Jack Straw Cultural Center; an additional 10-12 artists/teams receive matching awards. The Artist Support Program is open to artists of all disciplines whose project proposals include sound as a major component. Such projects might include recording a music album, producing radio programs, oral histories, audio literature, sound for a gallery installation or public art project, film, music and sound design for dance and theater, digital media work, etc. Completed projects are publicly presented at a Jack Straw artist event.

Calling all emerging creatives! Submit your workshop proposal exploring themes of resistance and activism for an opportunity to make it happen with Autograph's support. This open call is for emerging creatives with less than three years’ experience of working in creative industries. The successful applicant will receive a £410 programming fee and have a budget of £620 for the event.

BBA Art Prize invite artists from around the world to apply for the BBA Artist Prize 2026. All mediums and themes are welcome, and the competition is open to anyone 18+, regardless of experience, education, or background.

Lower East Side Printshop is the largest openly accessible printmaking studio in New York City.  The Printshop’s programs include artist residencies, fine art publishing, contract printing, exhibitions, lectures and artists’ talks.  Participating artists are of all creative backgrounds and career stages, including some of today’s most acclaimed artists.  Interns are involved in all aspects of maintaining a vibrant non-profit workshop. The Printshop’s internships offer opportunities to learn and hone printmaking skills, learn about collaborating with artists, learn about contemporary art, get an insider’s perspective on the New York City contemporary art community, and help produce new artwork that often pushes the boundaries of traditional printmaking.  Interns are expected to have some working knowledge of printmaking. Internships are unpaid. Students can receive school credit in exchange for the internship hours, or $20/day compensation for lunch and transportation.

The City of Pompano Beach will commission an artist/artist team for a work for hire project for the design and installation of a mural located on the west exterior wall at 1591 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces the 15th Annual “Nature” Online Art Competition. The “Nature” theme is the artist’s interpretation and depiction of nature art. Nature subjects include geographical subjects, landscapes, natural objects, wildlife and natural environments. Both 2D & 3D artists (including photography & digital arts) are invited to submit their best representational and/or abstract art.

For this online group exhibition, artists are invited to submit any artwork that invites spontaneity, experimentation, or storytelling. Collages are a powerful method artists can use to challenge conventional perspectives and explore identity, memory, and imagination.

RAISE YOUR ZINE! is an annual photography competition organized by THE DOCKS, a cultural association specializing in photographic publishing and promoting emerging authors. The festival serves as a platform to support the development of editorial projects by talented photographers from around the world.

As part of an ongoing commitment to promote drawing practices in the visual arts, the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNC Asheville) invites artists to submit entries to a Juried International Exhibition of contemporary drawing. UNC Asheville seeks to examine drawing as it is practiced and defined by today’s artists. Such an exhibition will demonstrate the continued significance of drawing through conventional and innovative methods. Accepted work will be exhibited in UNC Asheville’s S. Tucker Cooke Gallery from January 16, 2026, through February 13, 2026.

The Art in the Libraries Program at WVU Libraries, will expand the connections between the West Virginia & Regional History Center’s (WVRHC) West Virginia Feminist Activist Collection (FAC) and the public. This collaborative pilot residency program aims to expand the use of and build upon the archival collection by offering awards to support projects that use the collection in new and creative ways. The WV FAIR Program supports artists in the creation of artists' works, small exhibitions, publications, or other creations that imaginatively study, experiment with, and/or build upon the collection materials. The program is open to all artists, with a preference for WVU alumni, including visual artists, conceptual artists, dancers, writers, and cultural heritage practitioners, including curators.  Applicants whose proposals uncover hidden stories, and new voices will receive strong consideration.

Artist-in-residence SAIKONEON was established in April 2019, aiming to provide a space for research, creation and exchange of knowledge for various artists and designers of various boundaries. SAIKONEON is located less than two hours away from Tokyo under the magnificent natural environment of Mount Fuji, with a facility on the shores of Lake Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The City of Brighton, Colorado is seeking to commission a permanent public art sculpture that honors the spirit of play for Donelson Park. This area is primarily frequented by young people and their caretakers, so we’re looking for a piece that will celebrate the joy of children playing, while creating a sense of community and a focal point for the area. Pieces that are brightly colored, interactive but durable, or otherwise engaging for children will score highly in their juried process, but they welcome all submissions!

Local, national, and international artists are invited to participate in a A Cross-Cultural Collaborative Exhibition with Gallery of Hermosa in Chigasaki, Japan. Gallery of Hermosa is thrilled to announce an international collaborative art exhibition with Creative Space Hayashi in the heart of Chigasaki, Japan — and they are calling on artists to submit their best work.

Bayley Arts, located in Highett on Bunurong Country, is a community arts space initiated by Bayley House, an organisation that specialises in supporting adults with an intellectual disability live a full, rich and rewarding life. The Gallery is now accepting exhibition proposals from artists, school groups and creative collectives to be part of their vibrant 2026 program. They welcome exhibitions, film, installations, and creative research outcomes. Artists at all stages of their careers and abilities are encouraged to apply.

Established in 2022, Taiteilijatalo Taideniitty (Artists' House Taideniitty) is located in an idyllic wooden house district in Old Varkaus and serves as an experiential meeting place for artists and visitors. The former workers' house, which is over 100 years old, has been transformed into a small artists' house and cultural center. We organize art exhibitions, courses, and cultural events.

• 
  Bridgette Mayer, Owner/Director, Bridgette Mayer Gallery, Philadephia, PA


• 
  Liz Garvey, Director, Co-Founder/Director, Garvey|Simon, NYC


• 
  Max Presneill, Director/Chief Curator, Torrance Art Museum, CA

• 4 nights at the hotel


• Complimentary fair passes your guests


• 24/7 security on the premises


• A personal artist page on the Startup website


• Discounted overnight parking


• PR, advertising, and marketing through our newsletter, ad buys, and social media channels


• Curatorial and professional development support in the weeks before and after the fair


• Public liability insurance


• 
  Automatic acceptance to our exclusive online sales partner, Singulart, and 50% off all of their services
  

Park Circle Gallery (PCG) is located at 4820 Jenkins Avenue in the bustling Park Circle neighborhood of North Charleston, nearby a number of restaurants, bars, breweries, and shops. Artwork is displayed on permanent and moveable walls, as well as wooden pedestals that offer a number of arrangement options. Gallery hours are currently Wednesday-Friday, 10:30am-5:30pm, and Saturday, Noon-4:00pm. Admission is free. The gallery highlights artwork by local and regional artists in a variety of subjects and media. The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department manages the exhibitions in the space, which rotate on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently.

The UA Museum of the North is issuing a call for entry for upcoming community arts exhibitions. Up to 6 Interior Alaska artists and/or artist collaborations or community curated shows will be selected for a sequence of exhibitions within UAMN’s Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery opening between March 2026 and May 2028.

Open to photographers working at any level, the Anthology Photography Competition celebrates outstanding standalone images. It also provides a platform for photographers to showcase their work through publication.

Images submitted must be on the theme of ‘The World As You See It’. Submissions will be judged on quality, creativity, originality, and visual/emotional impact.

Photography styles can include street photography, landscapes, natural world & wildlife, macro photography, lifestyle, object and still life and architectural. Technically manipulated images such as abstract, panoramic, stitched and composite are also permitted. Extra merit will be awarded to creative interpretation of the brief.

Entries are invited from photographers of all nationalities, living anywhere in the world. There is no limit to entries per person.

Holy Art Gallery is inviting artists from around the world to submit their work for their upcoming exhibition in Melbourne! This is your chance to showcase your art in a vibrant gallery space in the heart of the city.

THEME: OPEN

They welcome work in any medium—painting, photography, printmaking, video art, film, installation, sculpture, mixed media, poetry, illustration, and beyond. If it’s creative, they want to see it!

Exhibition Dates: 12th – 15th December 2025

Location: 362 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

✨ WHY APPLY?

- Global Exposure – Showcase your work to a diverse audience.

- All Mediums Welcome – No limits on creativity.

- Free to Submit – No application fee!

The Ironbark Gallery is a dedicated gallery, located in the Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub. Available for both emerging and established artists based in the following local government areas which include; Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury Bankstown, Cumberland, Inner West and Strathfield.

The Maguire Art Museum at Saint Joseph’s University invites artists of all mediums to submit original artwork that showcases why they think Philadelphia is an incredible place to live, work, play, and explore! Whether it's the vibrant culture, the unique neighborhoods, the dynamic people, or the endless opportunities for fun and creativity — they want to see what makes the city of brotherly love truly special. Your artwork should reflect what makes Philadelphia awesome!

Their residency welcomes artists who seek not only to advance their personal projects but also to engage deeply with the Sacred Valley of the Incas—its culture, nature, and history. They prioritize artists whose practice shows receptivity to new environments and who are enriched by immersion in different cultures and languages. Situated in Huaran, a vibrant agricultural town in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Inca (Calca province, Cusco region) at 9,850 ft (3,000m), their community brings together traditional local communities, residents from across Peru, and an international population from every continent. This dynamic, evolving cultural landscape has flourished over the past decade.

Their mission centers on fostering cultural, social, environmental, and humanitarian exchange.

Join one of the nation’s most highly regarded art shows! CherryArts invites you to apply for the 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival and be among 250 exceptional exhibitors featured at this world-class celebration of art.

Each year, the festival welcomes 150,000+ visitors and offers artists an unparalleled experience, including:

Strong art sales potential (2025 Artist Survey reported an average of $17,470 per artist), Consistently high national rankings, On-site artist amenities, A new jury panel each year for fresh perspective
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a well-established event with a loyal, art-savvy audience, many of whom are collectors. Don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit and sell your work at one of the country’s top shows!

Emerging Artist Program
$5000 Grant opportunity for the Emerging Artist Program

The Emerging Artist Program is designed for artists at the beginning of their careers with limited experience exhibiting or selling their work. The application process is the same as the general show; however, accepted Emerging Artists receive:

A reduced booth fee of $350
A provided tent
Workshops and artist mentoring
Support for lodging
The opportunity to showcase and sell their work at the 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival
In addition, CherryArts is proud to award $5,000 unrestricted grants to selected Emerging Artists to expand and enhance their creative practice. Funding may be used to support any aspect of their artistic career.

They’re inviting artists from around the world to be part of their next exciting exhibition in Hong Kong!

This is your chance to showcase your work in a vibrant gallery space at the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

🖌 THEME: OPEN
No limits. No boundaries. Just pure creativity.
They welcome work in any medium – painting, photography, sculpture, installation, video, film, printmaking, illustration, mixed media, poetry, and beyond. If it’s creative, they want to see it!

📅 Exhibition Dates: 5th - 7th December 2025
📍 Location: Unit 504, 5F, Vanta Industrial Centre, 21-23 Tai Lin Pai Rd, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong

✨ WHY APPLY?

Global Exposure – Reach an international audience.

All Mediums Welcome – Let your creativity flow.

Fusion Art announces the RED 2025 Art Competition.

The color RED dominates human emotion as the color of passion, power, and intensity—from blazing anger to tender love. For this competition, both 2D and 3D artists, worldwide, are invited to submit their best art and photography using red as the primary color in their work to convey strong feelings and psychological depth.

While red should be the predominant visual element, other colors can be used to enhance its emotional impact and meaning.

Established in 1980, this internationally renowned program annually awards visual artists of all mediums the opportunity to live and create site-specific work inspired by their total immersion experience in the natural environment. Up to 4 artists are selected for residencies at Bernheim. One residency is always dedicated to an artist currently living in Kentucky or Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana, and one residency is always dedicated to an artist whose work addresses environmental issues and the climate crisis.

Solo or Two Person Exhibition and Short Residency at Wabash College- Eric Dean Gallery-Fall 2026. Wabash College invites artists working in all media to propose a solo exhibition and short-term residency for Fall 2026. This opportunity includes a 1-2 week engaged residency on the Wabash Campus in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The artist will install the exhibit, connect with students and community members, and share their creative process through conversation, collaboration, and workshop-style engagements. Artists who are eager to teach through their making and open dialogue between art and community. All media and collaborative groups will be considered.