Open calls ending soon

Check our handpicked opportunities for artists with deadlines within the next few days.

Visit our Resources page for a more comprehensive list of work, open calls and funding available to artists.

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Artists’ opportunities / Jobs

Kindred Studios: Curator Open Call → Apply by 26 October 2026
Open call for curators to develop an exhibition featuring artists from Kindred Studios’ network of around 500 artists. Includes a £1,250 curatorial fee, production budget and exhibition support, with opportunities in November 2026 and throughout 2027.
https://forms.gle/N1TbuD9SJKuKWqLV8

The Community Brain: Art for Tolworth Commissions → Apply by 1 November 2026
Open call for artists and creative practitioners to contribute to a creative programme for the new Tolworth Hospital. Current opportunities include commissions for the main entrance (£18,000), secondary entrance (£13,500), and a storytelling and co-design role (£7,200), supporting creative responses that shape the identity, atmosphere and everyday experience of the hospital.
https://www.thecommunitybrain.org/artfortolworth

UP Projects: Head of Partnerships and Consultancy → Apply by 8 November 2026
Senior leadership role supporting the growth of UP Projects’ partnerships and consultancy work. Permanent, part-time position (3 days per week) working closely with the Founder & CEO, Board and staff to develop income streams and support the organisation’s creative programme. Salary £50,000–£53,000 pro rata.
https://upprojects.com/we-are-hiring-head-of-partnerships

FIELDNOTES: Folio Prize → Apply by 11 November 2026
International prize for unpublished writers working in prose, poetry and hybrid forms. Two winners will each receive £1,000, editorial development and publication as part of the new FIELDNOTES Folios series, showcasing innovative and experimental writing from emerging authors.
https://fieldnotes.site/submit/

Funding, grants, scholarships, fellowships, residencies

Luminate Scotland: Older Artists’ Bursaries 2026 → Apply by 22 October 2026
Bursaries of £500–£1,000 for Scotland-based artists aged 50+ who are in the early stages of a new artistic career. Supports training, mentoring, networking, research and professional development.
https://luminatescotland.org/project/development-for-older-artists/older-artists-bursaries-2026/

Magic Acorns: Confluence Artist Residency → Apply by 25 October 2026
Residency opportunity for two mid-career multidisciplinary artists to develop their practice alongside babies, young children and families in Great Yarmouth. Part of Magic Acorns’ Sustain project, the residency includes mentoring, professional development, studio time and a bursary package of up to £4,050, with no previous early years experience required.
https://www.magicacorns.co.uk/open-call-confluence-artist-residency

Acme: Jonathan Harvey Tenant Award 2027 → Apply by 26 October 2026
Award for long-term Acme studio holders with a sustained artistic practice of at least 30 years. The award includes a £5,000 artist fee, up to £7,000 project funding, marketing support and access to Acme’s professional development programme, supporting projects that can make a significant difference to an artist’s practice and career development.
https://acme.org.uk/artist-support/jonathan-harvey-tenant-award-2027/

Shape Arts: Emergent Residency Programme → Apply by 1 November 2026
Opportunity for early-career disabled artists (within the first five years of their practice) to join Shape Arts’ Emergent programme in partnership with Tate St Ives and Porthmeor Studios. One selected artist will receive a one-week residency in Cornwall (January 2027), £3,000 bursary, mentoring and an opportunity to deliver a creative event with young people at Tate St Ives. Shortlisted artists will also receive mentoring and funded professional development support.
https://www.shapearts.org.uk/Blog/apply-to-our-emergent-residency-programme

Useful information for artists

Arts Council England: Freelancers’ Handbook and Resources Directory → Available now
Free practical guide for creative and cultural freelancers covering contracts, fees, funding, tax, business development, networking and professional wellbeing. Includes a live resources directory featuring opportunities, training and funded programmes, plus guidance for organisations working with freelancers.
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-creativity-and-culture/supporting-individual-creative-and-cultural-practitioners/freelancers-handbook

Metroland Cultures and ViBrent: Climate and Culture: What Role Can the Arts Play? → 20 October 2026
Free day of talks, workshops and conversations exploring how creativity can support climate action in Brent.
https://form.jotform.com/261651555278363

Cody Dock: Your River Lea Photo Competition 2026–27 → Apply by 2 November 2026
Photography competition celebrating life along the River Lea. Twelve winning images will feature in the 2027 Cody Dock Calendar and annual exhibition. Open to all perspectives on the river, with up to three images per entrant.
https://codydock.org.uk/your-river-lea-2024-photo-competition-call-for-entries-2/

Cody Dock: Eco-changemakers 2027 → Apply by 29 November 2026
Ten-week programme for 16–25 year olds in Newham and Tower Hamlets exploring nature, sustainability, creativity and social action. Includes AQA accreditation, travel support, project mentoring and paid participation at the final event.
https://codydock.org.uk/eco-changemaker-call-for-applications-sept-2026/