Artist Opportunities

CERF+ emergency relief assistance includes grants, no-interest loans, access to resources, waivers and discounts on booth fees, and donations of craft supplies and equipment.

Cucalorus Film is open for submissions! We’re looking for original works, world premieres, secret videos, and amazing love bombs!!! Creative crowd surfing encouraged.

Longleaf Film Festival, a program of the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh, is officially accepting entries for the sixth annual Longleaf Film Festival, to be held Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, 2020. For 2020, Longleaf Film Festival is thrilled to announce its partnership with Come Hear North Carolina, which is Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event. @ComeHearNC—a yearlong initiative between the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Arts Council—celebrates the rich legacy of North Carolinians’ groundbreaking contributions to American music while also recognizing the contemporary artists who continue this tradition of making innovative music.

To be eligible for selection in Longleaf 2020, filmmakers and/or films must have a North Carolina connection and/or be one of Longleaf’s former Official Selection filmmakers. Submission information is available at LongleafFilmFestival.com.

Grant support, outreach, and engagement for social issues documentary film and other storytelling projects. Rolling deadline.

New Plays Needed by Womxn, Femme, and Non-Binary Playwrights for #ShePERSISTED: a festival of staged readings presented by Coalescence Theatre Project. The company, based in Bloomington-Normal, IL, will select four plays to be presented in staged readings open to the public on January 25th and 26th, along with discussions about the work. Plays should be at least 75 minutes in length. Selections are made based on merit, and in consideration of forming quartet of plays that, together, bring notable focus or useful contrast within the series. Please include your name, pronouns, and best contact information on your script, as well as in the email.

Celebrating excellence in Poetry & Short Fiction, the Award is hosted by the international art and culture publication Aesthetica Magazine. Supporting new writing talent, it presents a fantastic chance for writers to further their involvement in the literary world. There are two entry categories: Poetry and Short Fiction. Works previously published are accepted and there are no limitations on themes. Publication, cash awards, and non-cash awards. 

Seeking poetry submissions for online poetry journal. Publication. 

Antenna publishes new Comic Books, Chapbooks, or Guidebooks, all through open call processes. Selected projects receive funding, project development support, and books! 

The literary journal Inch is looking for flash fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Rolling deadline.

In celebration of Lucille Clifton, Mentor & Muse: Essays from Poets to Poets wishes to compile an issue of craft-centric essays that honor Clifton’s work. We seek essays that explore Clifton’s poetic choices—her voice, diction, figurative language, allusions, music, subject, aesthetic, risks, and so on—and explore how her poetry has influenced your own poems and/or subsequent generations’ poems. We envision—and are open to!—different approaches to the Clifton tribute. For example, one approach is to consider how one of her poems helped you better understand a specific poetic principle. Another approach is to interview someone who apprenticed with Clifton’s poetry, whose own poetic knowledge and inspiration arose from studying Clifton’s language and lines. Another approach is to consider what you learned from workshopping with Clifton, or how you introduce Clifton’s work to your own students. (Surprise us. We are excited to love—and learn from—Clifton further!) To submit to the Clifton tribute, please email the editors. While we occasionally print longer work, we suggest essays range from 750 to 2,500 words. Please query us with your questions about subject, style, or mode via email.

Electric Literature has partnered with Academy for Teachers to host the 2020 “Stories Out of School” Flash Fiction Contest. Teachers have one of the most fascinating, difficult, and important jobs on the planet, and their work days are filled with stories. Yet teachers seldom appear in fiction. This annual contest was created to inspire honest, unsentimental stories about teachers and the rich and complex world of schools. 

Gibson House Press seeks fiction manuscripts for their Fall 2019-Spring 2020 list.

Hamline Lit Link intends to connect current and past students within, or interested in, the realm of the English major. We are constantly looking for submissions of various types of writing. Rolling deadline.

History Through Fiction is interested in publishing high quality fiction that is based on historical research. We are looking for stories about real people and real events. Though fictionalized, our books include nonfiction elements such footnotes, endnotes, and/or a bibliography. When submitting, consider whether your historical novel is informative and educational in addition to being a compelling fictional story.

Seeking fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for publication. Cash awards. Rolling deadline.

Beginning in 2019, we will offer two awards, one for prose and one for poetry. Eligible Submissions: Any publisher, author, agent or any legal representative or an author may enter full-length books published in the 2018 calendar year. Submissions may be made in ANY GENRE. Submissions may NOT be self-published. Entering the title indicates the author’s willingness to attend and give a reading at the UCA Arkatext Literary Festival spring 2019. All work must be submitted in English. Each book must be a self-contained entity. No anthologies, collaborations, however, are acceptable.

Savvy: Celebrating Life after 55, publishes monthly as an information service for those 55 and over. The "Trail Tales" column is accepting submissions between 550 and 750 words. You don't necessarily even have to be a hiking enthusiast! But it helps.... The story must be accompanied by an author bio with contact information, and headshot photo. Stories should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document to Vincent Vezza. Stories must be submitted by the 10th day of the month prior to publication date. Rolling deadline.

To celebrate 100 years of playmaking at UNC-Chapel Hill, PlayMakers Repertory Company is soliciting unproduced scripts that speak to the rich legacy of one of North Carolina’s most famous writers: Thomas Wolfe. The prize is named after the novelist whom William Faulkner called “the greatest talent of his generation.” Wolfe’s writings reflect a largeness of spirit and an expansive vision of life, while anchored in what, where, and whom he knew.

The University of New Orleans Press is looking for full-length fiction manuscripts, either novels or short story collections, for the fifth annual Publishing Lab Prize. The selected author will receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) advance on royalties and a contract to publish their winning manuscript with UNO Press. The work does not have to be regionally focused. There is no word limit. There is no limit on subjects covered.

The festival focuses on the concept of ANIMA MUNDI, that according to several historical cultures, religions and philosophical systems, is an intrinsic connection between all living entities on the planet, which relates to the world in a similar way as the human soul is connected to the human body. Artists are invited to talk about ANIMA MUNDI through photo reportage of cities, hidden places, photographic documentaries and personal experiences. 

The Emerging Artists Program (EAP) is a project grant program that provides financial support to developing or established professionals by funding a project pivotal to the advancement of their careers as artists. 

This emergency grant provides financial assistance to painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation. Rolling deadline.

Palaver is UNCW’s online interdisciplinary journal housed in the Graduate Liberal Studies program; we seek creative and academic submissions that defy the confines of a single discipline, as well as art submissions in any medium, including video, still image, and multimedia.

Roots Artist Registry is an online registry and directory of visual, performing, and literary artists. Listing fee.

The Hopper Prize is a grant-making institution and digital archiving platform offering a series of individual artist grants on a bi-annual basis totaling $10,000.00 USD. Rolling.

Seeking applicants to showcase their work in a unique outdoor environment. Rolling deadline. 

10-minute play competition for playwrights living in NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, AL, MS

SEEKING: Complete original stage musicals which play between seven and twenty minutes. Works which have been previously produced are acceptable, as are excerpts from full-length shows, if they can stand up on their own. MUSICAL STYLE AND THEATRICAL FORMAT: Any musical style: pop, rock, C&W, show, opera, etc; or theatrical format: comedy, mystery, drama, etc. CAST SIZE: Maximum of ten performers—five women and five men.

10-minute play competition for playwrights living in NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, AL, MS, VA

The 2019-20 season will feature great repertoire for every instrument, increased opportunities to connect with fellow musicians and the community, and excellent performances.  

The Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant in the Arts and the Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant in Human Services seek to foster innovation and model solutions in North Carolina communities. Each program offers a $100,000 project-specific grant. To date, eight organizations from across the state have received the grant.

In partnership with Black Public Media, (BPM), a non-profit organization committed to funding and distributing stories about the African-American and global African Diaspora experience, Southern Documentary Fund is hosting the Black Media Story Summit in Durham, a half day convening of media professionals exploring new strategies to support diverse Black stories about social change, from development to distribution.  

Offering professional development courses through their podcasts, Thriving Artist.

The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund provides development funds to documentary projects taking on in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories and integrating journalistic practice into the filmmaking process. Inclusion and diversity, both in terms of the filmmaking team and subject matter, are a priority of the fund.

Offering business and marketing courses with some specifically for artists.

The NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre provides grants to support women working in the fields. The program provides finishing grants for film, television, and digital projects; funds for the creation of music recordings or videos; and production funds for live theatre.

Offering online courses and certificate program in cultural planning and development. Fees.

Greensboro Downtown Greenway seeks submissions of interest and qualifications from professional artists residing in the United States. The selected artist will design, fabricate and install the Freedom Cornerstone, the last of four major public art cornerstones for the Downtown Greenway. The theme of "freedom" was inspired by the City's role in the Civil Rights Movement, especially the pivotal 1960 Greensboro lunch-counter sit-ins that served as a catalyst to the larger movement.

The Tarboro Development Corporation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Main Street Program, requests proposals from artists interested in creating a commissioned public art mural in Tarboro. This project is one of several initiatives intended to create a welcoming environment and enrich the downtown Tarboro experience for community members and visitors. The project budget is $10,000.00 for one mural by an artist or team of collaborative artists. Details.

The City of Raleigh invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications to work as a public art consultant for the upcoming Law Enforcement Training Center. Applicants should have knowledge of and interest in incorporating archival objects and other memorabilia into public artwork through storytelling, installations, and/or exhibitions.

Wake County seeks to commission a professional artist to create site-specific exterior art work to be placed at the new Southeast County Park. The project budget is $120,000, including design and construction. 

The Santa Fe Art Institute is accepting applications for the 2020 HARPO Foundation Emerging Artist Fellowship Residency. The HARPO Fellow will receive a one-month residency at SFAI, which includes a private room and bath, a semi-private studio, access to common facilities and basic tools, breakfast food items, two communal meals, participation in open studios, and a $500 travel stipend.

 Antenna offers two residency opportunities for Artists and Writers to produce new work in New Orleans. The Antenna::Spillways Residency aims to develop creative feats within the greater New Orleans region, supporting ambitious works that question, transform, or expand the vibrant visual and literary culture of the area. Residents are selected based on past work, provided resources for an initial visit, and from their visit experience encouraged to develop a proposal for a project. 

The Keyholder Residency Program offers emerging artists free 24-hour access to printmaking facilities to develop new work and foster their artistic careers in New York City. Keyholders work independently in the Printshop’s shared Artists’ Studio and have access to a vibrant community of peers. Artists from all disciplines are eligible to apply; printmaking skills are not required, but some familiarity with the medium is recommended.

The STARworks Clay Studio is accepting applications for residency positions of one to six months duration.  The residency allows artists the opportunity to expand studio practices, and experiment with a stipend of STARworks manufactured local clay and work with visiting artists and the opportunity to become connected with nearby Seagrove, NC potters.

The Black Mountain Press is pleased to announce its new writer/artist in residence program.The selected writers/artists will spend up to 6 weeks this Asheville location and be expected to provide one reading or exhibit at the end of the residency. Entry fee and honorarium.

Seeking applications for 2018 residencies. Rolling deadlines.

Seeking entries for their Writers-in-Residence program for N.C. natives, current residents, or those with significant ties to the state. Rolling deadlines.

The Art Therapy Institute hosts 2nd Friday ArtWalks monthly! Throughout the year, we showcase our clinical programs, individual clients and community-based artists. Artists from marginalized backgrounds are especially encouraged. We welcome submissions from any and all artists. Current priority is to secure artists for August and September 2019! Rolling deadline for submission.

Arts Council of Wayne County’s 40th National Juried Art Show Prizes $1000 Best In Show $500 Second Prize $250 Third Prize $100 Best In Wayne County $100 People’s Choice Award Prizes provided by our loyal sponsors. Eligibility and Entries Open to all artists 18 years and older. All work must be for sale. Work must be original and executed in the past two years. A maximum of 4 works may be submitted. 

Festifall is an annual celebration that brings the community together around a diverse array of arts experiences.  The festival advances our mission of inspiring creativity and celebrating community for a better Chapel Hill and is curated along the lines of our values of inclusion, experience, and understanding. 

On Saturday, November 16, Holly Springs hosts its third annual Holly Springs Book Festival. Approximately two dozen adult and children's authors, featuring presentations and readings, panel discussions, and more. Apply online to participate in the festival. A vendor fee applies for those who participate.

Accepting applications for the Fuquay-Varina Festival's Artist Village. The Artist Village is hosted by the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center and is open to all artisans and craftspeople who create original work for display and sale. The Festival will take place Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 10 am – 4 pm. To register for a booth space in the Artists’ Village, please read through the event details. 

Individual Visual Artists or Collaboratives working in any media are encouraged to apply to the Antenna: Exhibition Open Call. Selected artists receive: a solo show for the 2020 calendar year, include funding for travel, an honorarium, accommodations in Antenna’s residency space, and the publishing of an exhibition catalog or artist book. Entr fee, publication, and honorarium.

All interpretations of the theme , “Art in Times of Anxiety,”  are welcome in a variety of media, subjects, and approaches.  Artists are invited to submit two-dimensional, three-dimensional, installation or digital media (including video based media). Composition, technique, style, expression, and craft will be considered in the selection process.

BIG INK is traveling to Artspace in Raleigh. Artspace has invited BIG INK to host a two-day event where prints will be pulled from large-scale woodblock plates. BIG INK is seeking image proposals from emerging, mid-career, and established visual artists who would like to carve a woodblock, at least 24″ x 36″ inches in dimension, to print at each event. No prior printmaking experience is required. Any artist that has an interest in print media and wants to achieve a deeper understanding of woodblock carving is welcome to apply.

The CAB Art Gallery at UNCW is now accepting submissions for a juried exhibition entitled: The Self-Portrait. Artists can submit artwork of any format or medium.

Illumination 2019 continues the tradition, exhibiting original lanterns by artists from coast to coast. Cameron Art Museum recognizes the crucial role of artists and art in creating an exceptional quality of life for a community. CAM believes that art, like a lantern, illuminates the mystery, empathy and wonder of human existence. Artists are invited to submit proposals of original designs for this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

The Caswell Council for the Arts is pleased to announce our 39th Juried Art Show. We are currently seeking entrants: adult artists (18 and older) through North Carolina and Virginia are invited to enter the show.

CarolinaEast Medical Center has partnered with Craven Arts Council & Gallery to seek submissions of large scale works for their new SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center and Alyward Diagnostic Center located on CarolinaEast’s main campus in New Bern. CarolinaEast will purchase a minimum of 3 works to form the basis of a permanent collection for their new facility. Entry fee and cash awards.

Calling all artists (photographers, quilters, sculptors, new media and digital artists, etc.). Have your work exhibited at Durham County Library.

Embracing Our Differences is seeking submissions for an outdoor juried art exhibit featuring 50 billboard size images created by local, national, and international artists and writers. The display reflects the artists' interpretations of the theme "enriching lives through diversity." The exhibit is displayed annually at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota. Awards are given for "Best-in-Show Adult," "Best-in-Show Student," and "People's Choice" categories totaling $3000.

Are you interested in displaying your work at the GPAC? We are always interested in seeing new works and helping artist gain the exposure they deserve! Complete our free online application to get started. Rolling deadline.

The Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery’s mission is to empower local artists to forge productive cultural and socio-economic ties with their community through professional exhibit opportunities in HAC Gallery. We are a gallery founded on the principle that art is a vehicle for intellectual, cultural, and socio-economic growth and that it is the community’s responsibility to collectively support the arts. We provide a free space with no commercial pressure so that you can make your best work and actively engage with this community in the way you choose. Rolling deadline.

Accepting submissions for an exhibition on the theme of "the color orange". All artists age 16 and older, working in any media, may apply to this show. Entry fee and cash awards.
 

The Midwest Sculpture Initiative is proud to be organizing three outdoor sculpture exhibits for 2019-20 Fall Series. 

Murze issue eight artist call ‘portraiture’. We are inviting contemporary artists to submit a portfolio of work relating to the theme portraiture, embracing the human figure, communicating emotion and expression ultimately telling a story behind the person. This artist call is open to artists who work in any medium, including but not limited to; painting, collage, drawing and photography. 

Each month, ATI hosts 2nd Friday ArtWalk artists! Throughout the year, we showcase our clinical programs, individual clients and community based artists. If you are interested in showing your work, apply to be an artist! Rolling deadline.

Paadmaan Video Event is an international video event born in Tehran, Iran, seeking to explore video documentations of recent interdisciplinary works of art (e.g. installation, performance, new media). Organized by Paadmaan Projects, the Video Event considers ‘video’ as its central theme. The event emphasizes on video in the context of the art documentation, while addressing the challenges embedded within the so-called ‘documentation’ of interdisciplinary art works. 

The City of Raleigh Department of Transportation is seeking artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to create artwork from recycled roadway signs and signals.

This is The Carrack’s last exhibition. We hope that all artists will participate in this show! 

The exhibition will open on Friday, August 30 and will remain on view through September 21, 2019.

Drop-off your art: Tuesday August 20, 4-8pm.
Pick up your art: Sunday September 22, 11am – 3pm.

The Transylvania Community Arts Council has placed a call for artists to enter this open show with the theme “Small Wonders – Small Works”.  All mediums will be accepted, artwork just needs to fit the theme. The exhibit will run November 22 thru December 20.  For more information and to get an application call TC Arts at 828-884-2787 or email tcarts@comporium.net. $5 entry fee for non members of TC Arts.

Abstract art, photography, food art, blue art, pig art–it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s BIG art. VAE and Dock 1053 are excited to display the biggest and best art to the folks at Dock 1053, including Lynwood Brewing Concern, Glas, Trig Modern, and Loading Dock Raleigh. Luckily, we’ve got a ton of wall space to fill, which is where y’all come in. If you’ve got some big ass art, we’d love to see it.