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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
UNESCO AI Ethics Residency
A remote international residency commissioning three artists to develop new online works critically engaging with AI, ethics, and intercultural perspectives. The programme includes mentorship, policy engagement, and presentation at UNESCO’s Global Forum on the Ethics of AI.
Who can apply:
Mid-career international artists (6+ years experience), aged 18+, based outside the UK, from any discipline. Especially welcomes non-Western perspectives and artists engaging critically with AI, ethics, governance, and human-rights frameworks.
What you get:
£7,500 artist fee plus £7,500 production budget, mentorship from Somerset House Studios and UNESCO experts, travel and accommodation for UNESCO’s Global Forum, and online presentation on Somerset House’s Channel.
Deadline 15 January 2026
Lee Miller Open Call
An open call for photography and film responding to Lee Miller’s work and themes of community, resistance, surrealism, and activism. Selected works will be exhibited at Late at Tate Britain in February 2026.
Who can apply:
Women, trans+ and non-binary artists aged 16–25 who are members of Tate Collective. Open to emerging creatives working in photography or film.
What you get:
Selected works will be exhibited at Late at Tate Britain on 13 February 2026, offering public exposure within a major UK cultural institution.
Deadline 07 January 2026
Existing Outdoor Artwork for Light Up Kilburn 2026
Hive Curates and Camden Council invites artists, designers and architects working with outdoor light installations to submit existing artworks for Light Up Kilburn 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to respond to the festival’s themes of biodiversity and women’s night-time safety, both with the aim of uniting communities. On Friday 27th and Saturday 28th of February, Light Up Kilburn 2026 will illuminate Kilburn Grange Park during some of the darkest winter nights, transforming it into a captivating immersive experience of light.
Who can apply: Any artist with pre-existing artwork that matches the above themes, is available, is high quality and artistically innovative, and is suitable for an outdoor setting.
What you get: There is an artist fee of £2500 (plus VAT). The fee must include hire fees, transport, install and de-install.
Deadline 05 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
Art Studios and Shared Art Co-Creative Space
Bleur Studios invites artists to apply for affordable co-working desks and short-term studio spaces inside our contemporary gallery on Baker Street, Central London. Join an inspiring, inclusive environment ideal for creating new work, developing exhibitions, or collaborating with fellow creatives.
Who can apply: Open to all artists aged 18+, working in any medium. No residency, nationality, or specific experience requirements. We welcome emerging and established artists alike.
What you get: Selected artists receive affordable studio access, a creative community, WiFi, storage, discounts on workshop space hire, business mentoring, access to gallery programming, and digital installation displays.
Studio rental: £80/week or £300/month.
QE Artists-in-Residence
A funded four-month residency opportunity for emerging and mid-career artists working across all disciplines in London. We invite you to apply and encourage you to share this opportunity with fellow artists in your community.
Who can apply: We're looking for two visual artists working with a distinct and compelling voice who demonstrates clear mastery of their chosen media. Our selection committee is particularly interested in providing opportunity and a platform to underrepresented artists in the early or middle stages of their careers.
What you get: The residency offers £3,000 per month over four months (£12,000 total), plus an allowance of up to £1,000 for art materials. At the conclusion of the residency, we'll mount an exhibition of the work created, and at least one piece will be incorporated into our permanent collection.
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.
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
Deadline 11 January 2026
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.
Public Art Commission Open Call: National Memorial to Journalists on the Frontline
On The Record has launched a national design competition with the goal of creating the UK’s first permanent memorial dedicated to British and UK-based journalists who have lost their lives while reporting from conflict zones.
Eligibility: All UK-based artists and sculptors with experience in nationally and internationally important public commissions.
What you get: The total budget is £550,000 inclusive of artist design fee.
The Gwen May Recent Graduate Award
The Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE) is offering a student membership of two years plus £1000 from the Gwen May Trust to two recent printmaking graduates. Membership to the society includes the opportunity to participate in RE exhibitions for two years both nationally and internationally. Any printmaking graduate who has graduated in 2025 can apply, there will be two winners.
Eligibility: Graduates of 2025.
What You Get: £1,000 and 2 years student membership to the RE including exhibition opportunities.
Deadline 09 January 2026
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026
Entries are now open for the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award. The annual painting competition returns to the National Portrait Gallery for 2026, celebrating the best in contemporary portraiture. One of the most important platforms for portrait painters today, the competition showcases the variety of approaches to portraiture and encourages artists to focus upon, and develop, the theme of portraiture in their work.
Who can apply:
The competition is open to all artists, age 18 or over, from around the world.
What you get:
Selected artists will be exhibited in the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, from 25 June – 7 October 2026.
Selected artists will be considered for the following prizes:
First Prize: £35,000
Second Prize: £12,000
Third Prize: £10,000
All artists chosen to exhibit in 2026 and 2027’s Portrait Award exhibitions will be considered for the bi-annual Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Artist Commission (value £14,000), to be announced in 2027.
All selected artists aged between 18 and 30 will automatically be considered for the Young Artist Award (value £9,000).
Entry fee: £40 (Artists in receipt of Universal Credit or Pension Credit can enter this year’s competition for free, and a 50% discount is in place for artists who receive Disability Benefits, who are students, or who are between the ages of 18 and 25.)
Deadline 06 January 2026
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
The Royal Society of British Artists Open Call 2026 is Now Open!
The Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) invites artists worldwide, aged 18 and over, to submit artwork for the RBA 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: Painting, sculpture, drawing and original prints.
What you get:
Selected artists will have their work exhibited at Mall Galleries, London, with potential for sales and commissions. There are £20,000 worth of incredible prizes and awards on offer, including The Huaicun Zhang Award of £10,000 for a work (or works) of exceptional quality.
Deadline 09 January 2026
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