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Major Art Prizes, Residencies & Grants to Apply for in 2026

This week’s opportunities focus on meaningful financial support and long-term development for artists and cultural practitioners working across regions and disciplines. From unrestricted international prizes and city-based artist awards to six-month residencies and research-driven grants, these programs are designed to offer more than short-term exposure — they provide time, resources, and institutional backing.

With deadlines spanning late January through March 2026, now is the moment to assess what kind of support your practice truly needs: funding without restrictions, space to develop new work, or backing for research and cultural projects. Each opportunity below serves a different stage and direction, but all are strong, reputable paths forward.

Read through and find the opportunity that aligns with your vision, scale, and current direction.


1. The Homiens Art Prize Location: Online / International (based in New York, USA) Application Deadline: January 29, 2026


Colorful textured artwork resembling a circular relief sculpture with rainbow hues. Text reads "THE HOMIENS ART PRIZE." Calm mood.

The Homiens Art Prize is an international award open to artists working in all mediums, with no restrictions on theme, size, or year of completion. The prize awards over $12,000 USD annually and focuses on expanding artists’ visibility through online exhibitions and global promotion.

Each round selects 3 winning artists and 12 finalists to exhibit as part of Homiens’ seasonal exhibition program. Winning artists receive $1,000 USD in unrestricted cash, optional interviews, and the ability to request letters of recommendation from jurors. Up to 200 artists per round are also highly commended and featured across Homiens’ platforms, which reach a large international audience of artists, collectors, and institutions.

All entrants receive a certificate of participation and are considered for additional opportunities, including the Meet the Artists initiative and Homiens Promoted Artist program.


2. Cultural Foundation Art Residency 2026

Location: Middle East & North Africa

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026


Two people in a studio discuss art. Text reads "OPEN CALL Art Residency 2026. Apply by 31 January 2026." Light green background.

The Cultural Foundation Art Residency is a six-month residency designed for professional cultural practitioners seeking time, space, and institutional support to develop new work. The program offers dedicated studio space with 24-hour access, curatorial guidance, access to facilities, and opportunities for studio visits and a final open studio presentation.

The residency is open to visual artists, designers, architects, writers, performers, filmmakers, and researchers who hold a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent professional experience). Participants are encouraged to engage with the local community while developing their practice in a supported, professional environment.

This residency is well-suited for artists looking for sustained focus, dialogue with curators, and long-term development rather than short-term production.



3. Museum Foundation of the Philippines Grant 2026

Location: Southeast Asia & Pacific

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Museum Foundation grant poster. Orange geometric design. Deadline March 1, 2026. Apply at grants@museumfoundationph.org. Mood: informative.


The Museum Foundation of the Philippines Grant supports non-commercial projects that preserve, study, and promote Philippine art, culture, and museum practice. Funding is available for research, exhibitions, publications, curatorial work, and professional development, aligned with MFPI’s mission and priorities.

Applicants must be MFPI members in good standing, including individuals or organizations endorsed by a non-profit cultural or educational institution. Non-members may apply for membership prior to submitting a grant application.

Grant funds are disbursed in tranches and are intended for projects that contribute to knowledge-building and institutional practice rather than operational or for-profit activities. This is a strong opportunity for curators, researchers, and artists working within museum and heritage contexts.



4. 2026 Los Angeles Awards | Artadia

Location: Los Angeles County, California, USA

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026


Blue background with white text announcing 2026 Los Angeles Artadia Awards. Deadline: Feb 1, 2026. More info at artadia.org/awards.

Artadia’s 2026 Los Angeles Awards offer unrestricted financial support to contemporary visual artists, giving recipients the flexibility to use the funds in any way they choose. This award is designed to support artists whose work is presented within a contemporary art context — such as museums, galleries, arts nonprofits, and public art environments.

Applicants must be contemporary visual artists working in a contemporary art framework. Note: Artadia does not fund filmmakers making films for distribution in cinematic venues, or artists working in choreography presented outside of a contemporary art context.

Together, these opportunities reflect some of the most practical and respected forms of support available to artists in 2026 — from unrestricted funding and city-based awards to long-term residencies and research-focused grants.

As you decide where to apply, prioritize clarity over volume. Choose the opportunities that genuinely align with your practice, your location, and the kind of support you need right now. A focused, well-prepared application can do far more than ten rushed ones.

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