Artists Grants, Residencies & Exhibitions Open Now
- Art Dealer Street
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The early months of the year often bring some of the most practical and meaningful opportunities for artists — programs that provide real financial support, dedicated time to develop work, and institutional platforms for exhibition. Rather than short-term exposure, these calls focus on resources that can directly strengthen an artist’s practice and long-term career growth.
This week’s selection spans a range of needs and career stages: a fully supported solo residency with stipends and housing, targeted funding for artists of Iranian heritage, regional grants for professional development, and an international museum exhibition for young artists. Whether you’re seeking focused studio time, unrestricted funding, or a first major exhibition opportunity, each program below offers clear, tangible support.
Deadlines fall between late January and April 2026, so now is a good time to prepare materials and apply strategically.
Read through and find the opportunity that aligns with your vision, scale, and current direction.
1. Long Meadow Art Residency (2026–27) Location: Berkshires, Massachusetts, USA Application Deadline: February 18, 2026
Long Meadow Art Residency offers artists dedicated studio space and housing in the Berkshires for periods ranging from six weeks to three months. Designed as a solo residency, the program prioritizes uninterrupted time for research, experimentation, and production in a quiet, focused environment.
Residents receive a $3,000 monthly living stipend, a $2,500 supply budget, and access to a vehicle for transportation during their stay. These resources allow artists to concentrate fully on their work without the pressure of outside commitments. A $35 application fee applies.
2. Ovissi Foundation — Awards for Artists of Iranian Heritage
Location: United States
Application Deadline: March 01, 2026
The Ovissi Foundation offers several awards that provide financial support to artists of Iranian heritage who are U.S. citizens. Available programs include the Ovissi Artist Award, the Modern Craft – Ceramic Award, and the MFA Award, each designed to assist artists and nonprofit organizations in advancing their professional practice.
Funding supports artistic development and project-based work, with criteria varying by award. These grants are intended to help artists sustain and grow their practice through direct financial assistance.
3. South Arts — Artist Creative Practice Grants
Location: Southeastern United States
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
South Arts provides Artist Creative Practice Grants of up to $3,000 to support professional development activities that strengthen an artist’s career and practice. Funding may be used for opportunities such as workshops, training, research, or other clearly defined activities that contribute to long-term growth.
Applicants must reside within the South Arts service region and propose activities that conclude by June 30, 2026. The program is structured to help artists build skills, expand networks, and deepen their professional capacity.
4. International Youth Art Competition & Showcase 2026 — CICA Museum
Location: Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Kore
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
CICA Museum invites young artists worldwide, ages 14 to 22, to participate in the International Youth Art Competition and Showcase 2026. Selected works will be presented in a group exhibition at the museum from May 6–24, 2026.
Eligible media include photography, digital art, painting, video, sculpture, and installation. Selected artists receive a digital certificate, with printed copies available for pickup. The entry fee is $35 USD, and applicants under 18 must submit a signed parent or guardian consent form along with proof of age.
Each of these opportunities offers a different kind of support — whether it’s financial assistance, focused residency time, professional development funding, or international exhibition exposure.
As you consider where to apply, focus on alignment: choose the programs that match your current goals, your medium, and the type of support that will have the most impact on your practice. Thoughtful, well-prepared applications often go further than applying broadly.
Take the time to review the details, prepare your materials carefully, and apply with intention.
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