New Paths, New Platforms: Opportunities for Artists
- Art Dealer Street
- Nov 9, 2025
- 4 min read
The art world thrives on movement—of ideas, images, and artists. As 2025 unfolds, new opportunities are opening up across continents for creators ready to take their practice to the next level. This week’s Art Dealer Street roundup highlights four distinctive programs designed to elevate artists through visibility, collaboration, and professional growth.
From international prizes celebrating innovation, to independent art fairs redefining contemporary exposure, and prestigious research fellowships at world-renowned institutions—each listing below presents a unique gateway to advancement.
The YICCA International Art Contest invites artists from all disciplines to compete for major awards and global recognition. Clio Art Fair returns to New York in May 2026, offering independent artists an unmatched chance to exhibit in the heart of Chelsea and connect directly with collectors, curators, and media. The CICA Museum’s “Circle 2026” exhibition in South Korea continues to draw attention for its conceptual focus and global artist participation. Finally, the Brooks International Fellowship Programme, jointly hosted by Tate Modern and Delfina Foundation in London, offers curators and visual arts professionals a six-month, fully funded research residency in one of the world’s most respected contemporary art ecosystems.
Whether you’re an artist looking for exposure, a curator seeking critical dialogue, or a creative ready to grow within an international network, these calls represent tangible steps toward visibility, exchange, and impact.
Read through and find the opportunity that aligns with your vision, scale, and current direction.
1. YICCA PRIZE 25/26 Location: International
Application Deadline: November 20, 2025
The YICCA International Art Contest is open to artists working in any medium, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and performance. The prize aims to elevate contemporary artists by providing visibility and recognition through exhibitions and networking opportunities. Cash prizes include €3,000 for first place, €1,000 for second, €500 for third, and a special €1,000 award dedicated to students. With a broad and international reach, YICCA offers a strong platform for artists who wish to situate their work within the global contemporary art landscape
2. CLIO ART FAIR — MAY 2026 EDITIONS
Location: New York, NY
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Applications are open for the upcoming Clio Art Fair in New York City—an independent artist fair dedicated to showcasing talent without exclusive gallery representation. Selected artists will exhibit across two dynamic May 2026 editions. Participants benefit from a comprehensive package: 10 VIP passes for the full fair, curated exposure on ClioArtFair.com and social media, professional lighting, art handling, wall labeling, free storage during the week, and continuous presence of in-house art dealers throughout the event. Exhibitors can choose between Gold, Platinum, and Diamond booth options, each designed to offer maximum visibility and support. Set in Chelsea—the center of New York’s contemporary art scene—Clio Art Fair remains a launchpad for discovery, collecting, and conversation among global art professionals.
3. CICA Museum – International Exhibition “Circle 2026”
Location: CICA Museum, South Korea
Application Deadline: November 24, 2025
CICA invites artists to submit works exploring themes related to circular forms, cycles, rituals, repetition, and wholeness. The exhibition welcomes photography, digital art, video art, interactive works, painting, sculpture, and installation. Selected works will be exhibited in August–September 2026. Digital works may be printed and installed by the museum, while physical works must be shipped by the artist. A $75 processing fee applies to selected works.
4. 2026 Brooks International Fellowship Programme
Location: Tate Modern, London
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025, 5 PM GMT
In partnership with the Delfina Foundation, Tate Modern’s Brooks International Fellowship Programme offers two six-month research fellowships for 2026. The fellowships—Gender and Queer Ecologies and Ecology of Migrating Identities—invite curators and researchers to explore how art engages with identity, migration, and gender narratives. Fellows will work closely with Tate’s curatorial teams, gain exclusive access to Tate’s archives, and live at Delfina Foundation in London. Each fellowship is fully funded and includes participation in public programs and collaborative research exchanges. This opportunity represents a rare chance to contribute to contemporary curatorial discourse from within one of the world’s most forward-thinking institutions.
Every artist’s journey depends not only on talent but also on timing—knowing when to step forward and where to plant the next seed. The opportunities listed above open doors to vital experiences: visibility, dialogue, and community.
Clio Art Fair and YICCA Prize champion independence and creativity on the international stage, while CICA Museum offers conceptual depth through themed exhibitions that bridge global perspectives. Meanwhile, the Brooks International Fellowship Programme invites curators and cultural workers into sustained research within one of the art world’s most respected networks.
Submitting an application isn’t just about winning or selection—it’s an act of commitment to your practice. Each open call pushes you to define your vision more clearly, connect across borders, and embrace growth. Whether your next chapter unfolds in New York, London, or Seoul, take these chances as invitations to evolve. The art world moves fast—but opportunities like these are worth your time and courage.
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