Along with announcements of our year-round open calls and grants, which support emerging and established artists working in contemporary art, Sharjah Art Foundation has compiled a list of reputable local, regional and international open calls, educational opportunities, grants and residencies in other institutions. In keeping with the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the art community, this reference tool is updated on a regular basis.
The Arab Documentary Photography Program
Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Beirut
Deadline: 12 September 2024
The 11th cycle of the Arab Documentary Photography Program invites emerging Arab photographers to apply for a production grant, mentorship and access to a professional network.
The programme provides up to eight photographers with a 7,000 USD grant to work on projects in their country of residence over a period of 10 months. The grant may be used to begin a new project or to complete an existing project.
https://www.arabculturefund.org/Programs/17
The Art Circle Award 2024
The Art Circle, Abu Dhabi
Deadline: 15 September 2024
The mission of this award is to support the local art scene and spotlight talented artists through an exhibition platform presenting the artworks of the finalists. The winner will receive financial support and all finalists will receive a certificate of participation and social media coverage.
The Art Circle Award is particularly for painters and mixed media artists. This year’s theme invites participants to respond to their view of a map, maps or mapping, and how they see the world from their position and perspectives. The award is open to nationals and residents of the United Arab Emirates, over the age of 18.
https://www.theartcircle.ae/award
International Awards for Art Criticism
International Awards for Art Criticism, Shanghai and Edinburgh
Deadline: 15 September 2024
The 10th Edition of the International Awards for Art Criticism invites international candidates to submit a review—1,500 words in English or 2,500 Chinese characters—about any contemporary art exhibition held anywhere in world or online between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024.
The First Prize will consist of a cash award of 10,000 Euros (pre-tax) or the RMB equivalent of this amount. Each of the three Second Prizes includes a cash award of 3,500 Euros (pre-tax) or the RMB equivalent of this amount.
Open Call: Chennai Photo Biennale 4
Chennai Photo Biennale, India
Deadline: 20 September 2024
The Chennai Photo Biennale 4 (CPB4) International Open Call invites international photographers and artists of any age. A diverse range of photographic work will be exhibited at CPB4, including genres such as documentary, portraiture nature, climate and environment.
Submissions must be photographic or lens-based but can include combinations with other art forms such as performance, painting, sculpture, music, literature and more.
https://opencall.chennaiphotobiennale.com/
LitFest Launch Pad
Emirates Literature Foundation, Dubai
Deadline: 20 September 2024
UAE-based authors have a chance to be a part of the 2025 Emirates LitFest.
You must be a resident of the UAE at the time of the festival
You must be a debut or first-time author who has not been previously published. Your book must also:
- Have been released by a publishing house, as we are unable to consider self-published works at this time
- Respect local culture and customs, allowing it to be sold in UAE bookstores and online retailers
Your book’s publication date must fall in 2024
You must be in Dubai at the time of the festival as we are unable to cover transportation and accommodation costs
https://www.elfdubai.org/en/litfest-launch-pad-application
Biennials Connect Grants
British Council, UK
Deadline: 22 September 2024
The Biennials Connect Grants encourage visual artists to participate in UK and international festivals and biennials by facilitating opportunities to build skills, produce new work, travel, network and showcase artworks. We offer grants of up to £10,000 to UK and international biennials and festivals in eligible countries.
https://www.britishcouncil.org/arts/opportunities
Grants for Artists’ Practice
Mophradat, Brussels
Deadline: 1 October 2024
Grants for Artists’ Practice fosters structured dialogue amongst participating artists and with peers from the advisory committee. The program also provides artists with flexible financial support.
https://mophradat.org/en/program/grants-for-artists-practice/
13th Sikka Art & Design Festival
Dubai Culture
Deadline: 8 October 2024
Dubai Culture launches an open call for the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival, which will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, from 31 January to 9 February 2025, in the historic neighbourhood of Al Shindagha. All Emirati and UAE & GCC-based artists, creatives and designers are invited to participate in the festival with their works across the arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, design, murals, multimedia, culinary art and more.
https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/events/Sikka-25-Open-Call
Artistic Research Grant
421, Abu Dhabi
Deadline: 23 October 23 2024
Open to local and regional early-to-mid-career creative practitioners, the 421 Artistic Research Grant supports research-based art that investigates contemporary social issues through interdisciplinary methodologies and community engagement.
In the 2025 edition of the grant, projects that engage with questions of ecology and our relationship to nature are encouraged to apply, although not mandatory.
A minimum of two grantees will be awarded a budget up to 75,000 AED each to fund their projects.
https://www.421.online/opportunities/artistic-research-grant/
Production Awards Program
Culture Resource (Al-Mawred Al-Thaqafy), Beirut
Deadline: 31 October 2024
The Production Awards Program platforms artists and writers below the age of 35 from the Arab region, including both residents and the diaspora. Production grants are offered in the following disciplines: literature, visual art, music and sound art, performance and cinema.
The program supports up to 25 projects yearly, 5 in each discipline.
https://mawred.org/artistic-creativity/production-awards/?lang=en
The information shared here has been sourced from the online platforms of the listed institutions.