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QEST Apprenticeship
QEST offers three grants for training, education and skills development to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. We support contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. We define craft as: the skilled making, by hand, of tangible objects, or the conservation/ restoration of such objects.
Since 1990, QEST has funded the training and education of almost 900 makers. Training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one tuition with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses. If you’re looking to develop your skills and have identified training that will enable you to advance your craft practice, then one of our grants may be for you.
These grants help enable a hands-on collaboration between a skilled master and a talented apprentice looking to start a career in craft. Focused on the transfer of expertise through practical workplace learning, the apprenticeship offers funding of up to £12,000. The grant is designed to supplement the apprentices wage over the course of the training.
QEST Emerging Maker Grant
QEST offers three grants for training, education and skills development to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. We support contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. We define craft as: the skilled making, by hand, of tangible objects, or the conservation/ restoration of such objects.
Since 1990, QEST has funded the training and education of almost 900 makers. Training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one tuition with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses. If you’re looking to develop your skills and have identified training that will enable you to advance your craft practice, then one of our grants may be for you.
For early-stage craftspeople, typically practicing for 4 years or less. These grants aim to support the next generation of craft professionals to develop core skills and techniques through essential training. Grants between £3,000 and £10,000 are available to applicants who show strong potential, a growing body of work and a commitment to progressing their craft.
QEST Scholarship
QEST offers three grants for training, education and skills development to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. We support contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. We define craft as: the skilled making, by hand, of tangible objects, or the conservation/ restoration of such objects.
For mid-career to established craftspeople to refine their craft, deepen their specialism or innovate. These grants support talented individuals to sustain vital skills through targeted training. Grants between £3,000 and £18,000 are available, plus a place on the Cockpit PDP. Applicants should have a high level of skill, a strong body of work and be aiming to elevate their craft further.
Sales & Exhibition Opportunity with Boomer Gallery: Contemporary 7th Edition
This exhibition seeks to explore and affirm the intrinsic value of art, aiming to inspire artists by showcasing a broad range of artistic expressions. It challenges preconceptions about what makes art "good enough," encouraging a rich dialogue between artists, their works, and viewers.
Eligibility: Open to artists creating in any medium, including paintings, sculptures, digital art, and more.
What you get: Participation includes printed catalogs, professional event photography, and no commission on sales; printing and framing offered.
Fee: £189 (VAT included) for selected artists.
Deadline 04 February 2026
DX Associates Programme
Deptford X is launching a new DX Associates Programme designed to support and elevate early-career artists and curators from under-represented Global Majority and working class backgrounds. Over nine months, three selected artists or curators will work closely with the Deptford X team, receiving structured and responsive support to help develop their practices, networks and opportunities.
Who can apply: Early-career practitioners seeking structured support and professional development. By early career we mean an artist, regardless of age, who is within the first 7 years of commencing their practice, whether from completion of formal or non-accredited learning programmes, or completely self-taught. This also include artists who may have had a significant break from their practice and within the first 7 years of recommencing their practice. Artists and curators who identify as having working class or Global Majority backgrounds (e.g. Black African, Black Caribbean, South Asian, East Asian, South East Asian) Artists and curators who live or work in the London Borough of Lewisham or around its borders.
What you get: Monthly meetings with the Deptford X team: Check-ins, resource-sharing, skill development and introductions. Input into DX programme development: including our Artist Weekender 2026 and Festival 2027 where the cohort helps shape aspects of the future DX programme. Introductions, signposting and brokering opportunities: including potential gallery connections, curatorial guidance and sector access. A supportive community: working as a small cohort of three, fostering collaboration, solidarity and shared learning. A fee of £2,000 for each DX Associate to participate in the programme.
Deadline 26 January 2026
Collective Voices Exhibition 2nd Edition
Collective Voices is an exploration of the profound reasons behind artistic creation and the diverse methods employed by this group of artists. Through this exhibition, JustArt invites the public to engage with the dynamic connections forged between individuals through art—an expansive theme that resonates deeply with everyday life.
As the artworks converse with one another, we aim to redefine the essence and significance of the Collective, highlighting the transformative power of creativity in fostering connection and understanding among people.
Who can apply: Age 18+, Based UK or London, Emerging Artist or Mid-Career Artists, NO AI
What you get: Feature your work in a prominent gallery located in the heart of London. Connect with fellow artists, collectors, and the public. Participate in opening events, artist talks, and panel discussions. Gain visibility through JustArt’s social media campaigns and professional press release coverage, introducing the exhibition and participating artists Exhibition review will be included in the next issue of the JustArt Newspaper Club. JustArt will assist artists in selling their works during the exhibition and will not charge any commission fees. Social Media Exposure: Your work will be highlighted on our platforms - JustArt Collective Instagram, Artflow Instagram, Xiaohongshu, and website. (Over 4K+ viewers, we are a new art collective growing rapidly!)
Deadline 15 February 2026
Open Call: Street Gallery Group Show
UCLH Arts are calling for 2D artworks relating to the theme of ‘thaw’ for this group exhibition in the Street Gallery at University College Hospital from 19th February -14th May 2026.
Who can apply: Anyone regardless of experience.
What you get: Free opportunity to take part in a group show at the Street Gallery at University College Hospital, which receives over 1000 visitors daily and is open 24/7.
Springfield Village Public Art Open Call
The open call invites artists to propose 3–6 permanent public artworks for Springfield Village, a new mixed-use neighbourhood in Tooting Bec, London Borough of Wandsworth, London, UK.
The goal is to create site-specific, permanent public art that enhances the identity of the area and connects to mental health and wellbeing themes, celebrating the history of the site and fostering inclusion and community engagement.
Who can apply:
Be based in the UK (ties to Wandsworth are desirable).
Have experience or strong interest in participatory or socially engaged practice.
Have experience in designing and delivering permanent public art.
Be eligible to work in the UK.
What you get: Artist fee costs are covered by the overall project budget of £95,000
The New English Art Club Open Call 2026
The New English Art Club (NEAC) invites artists worldwide, aged 18 and over, to submit artwork for the NEAC Annual Exhibition 2026 at Mall Galleries. The annual exhibition champions meaningful, observational art and offers emerging and established artists visibility within a historic and respected context.
Who can apply:
Open to artists wishing to submit work for consideration alongside members of the New English Art Club, including emerging and aspiring practitioners.
What you get:
Opportunity to exhibit alongside NEAC members, with eligibility for multiple prizes and awards worth over £10,000, including the NEAC Climate Emergency Prize.
Deadline 20 March 2026
Open Call For Young Creatives Aged 16-21 At NPG
NPG LAB is back for a second year following a successful launch in 2025 and invites 50 young people aged between 16 to 21 to participate in a paid 10-month creative programme.
You will be part of a brilliant collective of other young people. You will get hands-on with a variety of exciting projects at the Gallery. This includes planning and promoting events, creating resources, and coming up with creative ways to respond to the Collection. The biggest project you’ll be involved in is planning and co-hosting a huge Youth ‘Late’ event in Autumn 2026.
Who can apply:
You don’t need to be aiming for a career in the arts to apply. This project is perfect for you if you are: -
Curious about the world and excited to share your ideas.
A team player who enjoys collaborating.
Wondering what goes on behind-the-scenes at a Gallery like this one.
Interested in making new friends and building your network.
Open to discovering more about art and history (even if it’s new to you).
Looking to pick up skills that’ll help you in the future e.g. events management, research, communications and marketing.
Ready to learn more about yourself and boost your confidence.
Curious about creative career pathways and creative industries. - Keen to have a say and creative control in a Gallery setting.
Ready to bring energy and commitment throughout 2026.
We believe in equal opportunities and want the programme to reflect the diversity of UK society. That’s why 50% of the places will be reserved for young people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, working-class, care-experienced, young carers, and/or are part of the global majority. We also particularly welcome applications from those who aren’t currently in education or employment.
What you get: you’ll receive a bursary of up to £600 to help cover your time, travel, food and other expenses.
Collaborative opportunities: work alongside different teams at the Gallery, like exhibitions, communications, visitor experience, events, and public programming. You’ll also collaborate with artists, makers, and creative professionals outside the Gallery.
Complimentary exhibition tickets: enjoy free access to the NPG exhibition programme when you attend sessions.
A LAB programme pack: a selection of art materials and Gallery merch to keep! - Free snacks and drinks available at all sessions.
Ongoing community connection: after the programme, you’ll graduate to our creative community network, NPG LOOP, to stay connected and keep momentum.
Deadline 26 January 2026
Jerwood Royal Court Commissioning Scheme
A new open-access national fund supporting the commissioning of ambitious new plays. The scheme unlocks risk and investment by underwriting first payments for new play commissions through joint applications from playwrights and producing organisations.
Who can apply:
UK-based playwrights applying in partnership with a producing theatre, venue, or company through a joint proposal.
What you get:
Six annual grants of up to £6,000 each to support first payments for new play commissions, enabling theatres and producers to invest in new writing.
Deadline 23 January 2026
Choreodrome 2026 Residency Callout
Choreodrome is our annual residency programme aimed at supporting experienced artists to develop their own choreographic work or ideas
Who can apply: Be based in the UK Be applying for a work with a strong and distinctive movement element - we welcome applications from dance artists as well as artists from other disciplines who use movement in their practice Your idea should have the potential to be presented in The Place’s Theatre (occasionally other projects are considered). You can find out more about our Theatre programme here. Have previous experience of making and touring high quality work. Not currently be in education (unless at PhD level). Artists applying for the £2,000 commissions must: Apply with an idea that has not been submitted to Choreodrome before unless it has been substantially reworked. Artists applying for the £4,000 commissions must: Have already undertaken at least one research and development phase at The Place or elsewhere. This must be a defined period of studio-based research or making. Have at least 3 minutes of video material recorded in the studio of that research and development phase. Have at least one additional partner/funder in place supporting their project.
What you get: For 2026, we've re-designed the Choreodrome residency programme to better support artists at different stages of the making process. This year, two levels of commissioning support are available: 4 x £2,000 commissions, 1 week of studio space and pitching opportunity at Choreodrome: making progress for ideas in the first stage of development that have had limited/no studio development time. 6 x £4,000 commissions, 2 weeks of studio space, and a performance opportunity at Choreodrome: making progress for ideas that have been substantially developed with at least one previous studio-based research and development phase.
Deadline 23 January 2026
Jackson’s Art Prize 2026
Jackson’s Art Prize, now in its eleventh year, invites artists working in all two-dimensional techniques to enter their work and be in with the chance of winning £6,000 + £2,000 in art materials.
There are 31 awards to be won this year: First Prize, six Guest Judges Choice Awards, five Jackson’s Choice Awards, the Student, Amateur, and People’s Choice Awards, plus eight Material Awards and Runners Up supported with prizes sponsored by notable brands. Over ten seasons, the established prize has awarded more than £98,000 in prize money and shortlisted 554 works of art, supporting artists through the competition and beyond with representation on Jackson’s online art gallery.
This year’s exciting Guest Judges are Deborah Smith, Caroline Walker, Faye Wei Wei, Brogan Bertie, Max Naylor, and Eleanor Johnson.
Eligibility:
The competition is open internationally, to artists working in all two-dimensional techniques including (but not limited to) painting, drawing, and printmaking, in any subject matter.
What you get:
£6,000 + £2,000 in art materials. Shortlisted artists will be invited to exhibit at the Affordable Art Fair on Hampstead Heath, and a group show at Bankside Gallery in central London.
Entry fee:
£5 early bird entry | 12 November – 17 December
£6.50 standard entry | 18 December – 11 February
Deadline 11 February 2026
Springfield Village Public Seating Open Call
The Public Seating Open Call invites architects, designers, and creative practitioners to propose two bespoke street-furniture pieces for Springfield Village in Tooting Bec. Benches will be installed on hard-standing areas and must be practical, durable, distinctive, and accessible. Designs should support St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust’s mission by promoting mental wellbeing and reducing stigma. Selected consultant(s) will engage local stakeholders, especially disability groups, to ensure accessibility and may provide capacity-building sessions.
Who can apply:
Be based in the UK (a Wandsworth connection is desirable).
Have experience or interest in participatory or socially engaged practice.
Be able to design and manage fabrication and installation.
Have the right to work in the UK.
Hold Public Liability Insurance (min £10 million).
Be available for the full delivery timeline (2025–2027)."
What you get:
Winners will be paid their artist fee, which will come out of the overall project budget of £40,000.
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters Open Call 2026 | Now Open!
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP) invites artists worldwide, aged 18 and over, to submit artwork for the RP Annual Exhibition 2026 at Mall Galleries.
Selected artists will have their work exhibited at Mall Galleries, London, with potential for sales and commissions.
Eligibility:
Artists may enter a maximum of four artworks each.
Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension.
All works must be an original creation by the artist
Acceptable media: Paintings, drawings and original prints - including digital/iPad prints. Sculpture and photography are not admissible.
What you get:
There are £35,000 worth of incredible prizes and awards on offer, including The William Lock Portrait Prize of £20,000 for the most timeless portrait with a real feeling for paint and its aesthetic potential.
The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours Open Call 2026 | Now Open!
The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) invites artists to submit artwork for the RI Annual Exhibition 2026 at Mall Galleries.
Eligibility:
Any artist aged 18 or over may enter, from anywhere in the world.
Artists may enter a maximum of six artworks each.
Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension.
All works must be an original creation by the artist
Acceptable media: Watercolour or water-soluble mediums including watercolour, watercolour pencil, acrylic, ink or gouache.
What you get:
Selected artists will have their work exhibited at Mall Galleries, London, with potential for sales and commissions. There are £10,000 worth of incredible prizes and awards on offer, including The Winsor & Newton Award of £3,000!
Deadline 23 January 2026