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.


The Bagri Foundation Grant The Bagri Foundation, London Deadline: 15 November 2023


The Bagri Foundation provides support in the form of grants, ranging from £5,000 to £150,000, towards artistic and educational projects. Financial support can be requested by not-for-profit arts organisations actively working in the areas listed below.


● Promotion of arts and culture of all Asia and the diasporas. ● Supporting established and mid-career level artists. ● Partnerships that explore global topics in creative ways. ● Courses, lectures, research projects, exhibitions and symposiums that cover a wide range of topics from Asia. ● London is the prime city for showcasing talent. International projects and those in other parts of the UK are considered occasionally.


https://bagrifoundation.org/funding-opportunities/


Call for Entries: Tanween 2024 Tashkeel, Dubai Deadline: 19 November 2023


As part of the 11th edition of the Tanween design programme, practitioners are selected to embark on a journey of experimentation and learning that includes the development of products—from concept to completion—which contribute towards defining a UAE design aesthetic. The final products become part of the Tanween Collection and are revealed to the world at Dubai Design Week. Tashkeel then continues its support by providing funding, marketing and sales resources for a limited-edition product line, enabling each designer to gain entry into the market.


https://tashkeel.org/projects/call-for-entries-tanween-2023-2


First Chapter: ELF Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship Seddiqi Holding, Dubai Deadline: 4 December 2023


The First Chapter: ELF Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship is a year-long programme. Accepted writers or fellows will take part in:


● Six 60-minute one-to-one mentorship sessions. ● 40 hours of talks and workshops from experts spanning the whole of the industry and encompassing all stages of writing, publishing and promoting a book. First Chapter is aimed towards writers just beginning their journey as well as serious writers who are on their way to publishing a novel (adult fiction, YA and Middle Grade), but want to elevate their work to a global standard. Applications are open to anyone who calls the United Arab Emirates home.


https://www.elfdubai.org/en/first-chapter-writers-fellowship


Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform Art Jameel, Jeddah and the British Council, London Deadline: 15 December 2023


Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform is a new programme that supports ambitious arts projects that engage with the climate emergency. The open call invites applications from individual artists, collectives and cultural organisations based in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.


The programme supports practitioners in the Arab world through awarded grants, building on findings and key priorities that emerged through the Culture and Climate Summit organised by Art Jameel and the British Council in March 2023.


https://artjameel.org/sustainability/anhar-culture-climate-platform/


The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2024 New York University Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Deadline: 31 January 2024


Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2024 is given for the proposal and creation of an artwork that can be publicly exhibited and enjoyed. Applicants are invited to propose work in any form: photography, film, land art, sculpture, painting, illustration or multi-media. Work can be shown inside or outside.


https://www.nyuad-artgallery.org/en_US/the-christo-and-jeanne-claude-award/


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