Open calls, opportunities and resources for artists and art practitioners

A resource for those seeking arts and culture opportunities in the UAE, in the region and around the world.

In addition to our year-round open calls and grants, which support emerging and established artists working in contemporary art, below is a compiled list of reputable local, regional and international open calls, opportunities and residencies for artists and art practitioners. In keeping with Sharjah Art Foundation’s commitment to supporting the community, this reference tool, updated on a regular basis, includes grants, exhibitions and educational opportunities.


Workshops Dubai Design Week Deadline: 15 August 2023


The Design Week workshops programme covers all design disciplines with the intention of inspiring and elevating skills of professionals and aspiring creatives at all levels of experience and interest and at all ages. Regional and international universities, independent makers, design collectives, small businesses and cultural institutions are encouraged to apply to facilitate and share their expertise.


https://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/open-calls-2023/


Artist-in-Residence Program Dastaangoi, Islamabad Deadline: 15 August 2023


Scheduled for October 2023, Dastaangoi’s second residency program will take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, at a 14-acre vineyard, farm and garden. Dastaangoi will offer artists a two-week residency with on-site accommodation and studio space. A program of talks, workshops and other events will be run in collaboration with the residents to promote interaction and an exchange of ideas, both among the residents and with the wider community. The residency is open to visual, sculptural and new media artists.


https://dastaangoi.com/pages/dastaangoi-artist-residency-program


Project Market The Red Sea Film Foundation Festival, Jeddah Deadline: 18 August 2023


The Red Sea Film Foundation Festival is now accepting film submissions for the 2023 edition from Arab, Asian and African filmmakers residing anywhere in the world. Included are the following sections:


Red Sea: Competition Red Sea: Shorts Competition New Saudi/New Cinema Features and Shorts


https://redseafilmfest.com/en/film-submissions/


Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award - Performing Arts Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Deadline: 5 September 2023


The Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award - Performing Arts award recognises creative excellence among youth in the performing arts. Submissions are open to Emirati individuals and groups (with at least one Emirati national member) who create an outstanding performance piece in music, dance or theatre. Finalists will perform before a live audience and compete for an 20,000 AED cash prize.


https://admaf.org/awards_admaf/award-1/


The Design Market Dubai Design Week Deadline: 30 September 2023


Individuals and small business owners with unique and exceptional products are invited to apply to participate in Dubai Design Week’s curated outdoor market taking place 11–12 November 2023.


https://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/open-calls-2023/


Grants for Artists’ Practice Mophradat, Brussels Deadline: 1 October 2023


Mophradat’s Grants for Artists’ Practice programme provides grants of either 4,000 USD or 8,000 USD to approximately eight artists, who also participate in six conversations organised by Mophradat. This is in accordance with the programme’s two components, which provide artists with flexible financial support that can be used towards their livelihood, periods of research, residencies, the production of new work and curating and presenting shows. Also included are other forms of artistic work, structured dialogue between the participating artists and one-on-one dialogue with peers (from the advisory committee).


https://mophradat.org/en/program/grants-for-artists-practice/


The information shared here has been sourced from the online platforms of the listed institutions.