What’s Next for Artists: Global Awards, Residencies & Studio Tours You Shouldn’t Miss
- Art Dealer Street
- May 19
- 3 min read
The art world never stops moving—and neither should your practice. Whether you're a visual artist seeking quiet time to create, a multidisciplinary talent looking for global recognition, or a community-rooted artist eager to open your studio doors, these four opportunities offer you the chance to grow, connect, and gain meaningful exposure. This week’s round-up features a mix of elite residencies, a major international art prize, and a community-centered program in Harlem—all currently open for applications. Choose what resonates, and take that next step forward.
1. The Farm Margaret River 2026 Residency (Western Australia)
Location: Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Application Deadline: June 2, 2025
Site-responsive residency with stipend. The Farm Margaret River hosts a 5–8 week funded residency in 2026 for visual artists who engage with landscape and place. This prestigious program (now in its 8th year) provides an immersive space for creative inquiry in a unique rural environment. The selected artist (or team) will receive A$7,500, on-site studio accommodation, mentorship with major arts organizations, project support and initial travel expenses. Artists are encouraged to develop work that fosters connections between art, the environment, and the local community. Open to professional visual artists (18+), Australian or international, with a strong interest in site-specific practice.
2. Headlands Center for the Arts – Artist in Residence 2026 Location: Sausalito (Marin Headlands), California, USA
Application Deadline: June 2, 2025
Fully-funded residencies at a renowned arts center. Headlands Center for the Arts’ AIR program is internationally respected, annually awarding about 50 fully sponsored residencies to local, national, and international artists. Selected artists spend 4–10 weeks in the beautiful coastal campus north of San Francisco. The residency covers studio space, housing, chef-prepared meals, and travel and living expenses, fostering a dynamic community of artists across disciplines. Creators at any career stage working in all media – from painting and sculpture to writing, performance, social practice, architecture and more – are welcome. This is a highly competitive opportunity that offers time, space, and professional community to spur creative breakthroughs.
3. Aesthetica Art Prize 2025
Location: International (Exhibition in York, United Kingdom)
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Major global art award across all disciplines. Hosted by Aesthetica Magazine (UK), this annual prize is a celebration of contemporary art innovation. It offers a £10,000 cash award to the winner, an exhibition at a major public gallery, and publication inAesthetica. Shortlisted artists are featured in an exhibition and anthology, gaining exposure to curators, collectors, and a worldwide audience. The competition is open to artists at all career stages and welcomes all media – including painting, photography, sculpture, installation, performance, video, digital art, and more. Since its inception in 2007, the Aesthetica Art Prize has spotlighted thousands of artists, with alumni later exhibiting at institutions like Tate Modern, MoMA PS1, the V&A, and Centre Pompidou. This prestigious award is both a platform for visibility and a launchpad for career development, connecting artists to a global network of art professionals.
4. Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour 2025 (HOAST2025)
Location: Harlem, New York City, USA
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Participate in a community-driven open studio event. The Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour (HOAST2025), organized by artHarlem, invites artists based in Harlem to showcase their work directly in their studios and galleries during a weekend in September 2025. This event aims to affirm and unite communities through art, providing artists with the opportunity to reach a larger audience and increase awareness of Harlem's rich contemporary arts scene. HOAST2025 is open to all private studios and public venues in Harlem. Artists interested in participating are encouraged to email [email protected] for more information. An application fee of $50 for artists and $100 for galleries applies.
From the landscapes of Western Australia to the galleries of Harlem, these opportunities offer more than just visibility—they invite you into spaces where ideas evolve, networks expand, and new work can emerge. Whether you're applying for a competitive residency, entering a global award, or engaging with your local art community, these are chances to sharpen your focus and broaden your impact. Take your time, prepare thoughtfully, and make your application count—the next phase of your creative journey could start here.
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