Global Art Opportunities: Residencies, Awards, and Studio Programs for Emerging Artists
- Art Dealer Street
- 6d
- 4 min read
This week’s selection of opportunities celebrates the diverse ways artists create, connect, and thrive—whether through local studio support or international festival exposure. Art Dealer Street spotlights four distinct open calls that invite visual artists, photographers, and creative thinkers to step into spaces that nurture ambition and vision.
In California, 18th Street Arts Center continues its legacy of welcoming global creatives to Santa Monica for short-term residencies rich in community engagement and cross-cultural exchange. In Berlin, the Between Bridges Foundation offers a rare six-month residency with financial support and a platform for public presentation. Rencontres d’Arles, one of the most respected photography festivals in the world, is calling for emerging talents to apply for its Louis Roederer Discovery Award—an honor that brings visibility, curatorial support, and prize money. And for artists based in New York City, Smack Mellon’s yearlong Artist Studio Program provides free workspace, peer support, and access to curatorial networks right in the heart of DUMBO.
Each of these opportunities invites deep artistic development while expanding your creative reach, visibility, and community. Read on to find the one that aligns with your practice and goals:
1. Visiting Artist Residency – 18th Street Arts Center Location: Santa Monica, California, USA
Application Deadline: Rolling (applications reviewed quarterly)
Founded in 1988, the Visiting Artist Residency at 18th Street Arts Center offers professional artists from around the globe the chance to live and work in one of four fully furnished studio apartments in Santa Monica. Residencies run from one to three months, providing a space for research, development, and creation in a vibrant, diverse arts community with connections across Los Angeles. Artists in all disciplines—including curators and writers—are welcome. Residents gain access to shared resources and the opportunity to present their work through open studios, talks, or exhibitions. Although this is a self-funded program, many artists receive external support through cultural institutions and government grants. The residency encourages applicants with a strong vision and the ability to engage meaningfully with the community.
2. Between Bridges Artist Residency
Location: Berlin, Germany
Application Deadline: November 2, 2025
The Between Bridges Foundation, founded by artist Wolfgang Tillmans, is seeking the eighth resident artist(s) for its July–December 2026 program in Berlin. The selected professional artist, duo or small collective will have access to two large work/exhibition spaces in Berlin-Schöneberg. Over six months, the resident receives a monthly stipend of €1,500 and an additional €5,000 toward a one-month public exhibition or presentation. Studios (100 m²), a storage area, office, kitchen and basic amenities are provided, though residents must arrange their own housing. Applicants must submit a PDF of their CV and portfolio (max 10 pages) along with a short project proposal (250 words max). This is a rare opportunity for hands-on development and public exhibition in a high-profile Berlin space.
3. Rencontres d’Arles – Louis Roederer Discovery Award 2026
Location: Arles, France
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
The prestigious Rencontres d’Arles photography festival is now accepting entries for its 2026 Louis Roederer Discovery Award. This prize highlights emerging photographers supported by non-profit organizations such as galleries, collectives, and foundations. Selected projects will be exhibited at the 57th Rencontres d’Arles in summer 2026 and benefit from international visibility and curatorial support. During the festival’s opening week, a jury will award a €15,000 Jury Prize and a €5,000 Public Prize—each recognizing both the artist and the proposing organization. Applicants must submit by December 1, 2025. This is an outstanding opportunity to elevate emerging talent through a globally recognized platform.
4. Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program 2026–27
Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
The Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program (New York City) is a free studio fellowship for six emerging NYC-based artists. Running from September 5, 2026 to August 5, 2027, this 11-month program provides each artist with a private 250–300 sq ft studio in DUMBO (available 24/7) and a fellowship (stipend subject to funding). Participants also benefit from professional development: regular studio visits by curators, twice-yearly open studio events, and a supportive community of peers. Applicants must be emerging or early-career visual artists who have been New York City residents for at least one year (and have filed taxes there). (Artists should not hold another residency simultaneously.) This opportunity is designed to help NYC artists expand their practice and profile while working in a dedicated studio environment.
In a rapidly evolving art world, these four opportunities reflect what it means to be an artist today: grounded in place but globally connected. Whether you’re researching in the sunshine of Santa Monica, growing your practice in Berlin, presenting on the world stage in Arles, or building your studio career in Brooklyn, each of these programs offers meaningful space to develop your voice.
The path to visibility and sustainability is never linear—but opportunities like these can serve as strong stepping stones. Take time to reflect on what resonates with your practice, submit your application with confidence, and stay open to what unfolds next.
Art Dealer Street will continue to bring you timely calls for artists around the world. See you in next week’s edition.
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