Do you want to show the world the wonders of nature and contribute to its protection? Then don’t miss the opportunity to participate in The Nature Photography Contest, an international photography contest for professionals and amateurs. You can win cash prizes, international recognition and help plant trees. Enter https://thenaturephotocontest.com and find out how to participate. You have until November 15, 2026 to enter!

Fees or awards
Entry fee is €10 per photograph; awards include €2,000 in cash prizes, a trophy, and publication opportunities

Small Plates invites applications from U.S.-based dance makers across all genres for Small Plates Choreography Festival, a series of two curated dance performances to be presented on February 27, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. and February 28, 2027 at 6:00 p.m. at The Long Room Charlotte located at 1111 Central Avenue, Suite 230 Charlotte, NC 28204.

We are particularly interested in distinctive, impactful dance works that respond to or reflect our times. Dance works of any dance genre up to 10 minutes in length will be considered for inclusion in one of two performances. Large group pieces are acceptable, and student-choreographed work will be considered.

Individuals requiring assistance completing this form can reach out to smallplatesdance@gmail.com.

Location
Charlotte, NC

Fees or awards
Application fees vary from $35 to $65, depending on the means of the artist.

PlayMakers Repertory Company announces a call for new short plays by and about North Carolinians. We’re looking for short plays (10-20 minutes) that capture authentic North Carolina flavors and experiences.

A large selection of works will be featured in readings presented in Chapel Hill February 17-21, 2027, as part of Carolina Performing Arts’ "All. Together. Now." Festival. A smaller selection of plays will be fully produced for a state-wide tour as part of PlayMakers’ 2027/28 season.

Location
Chapel Hill, NC

Fees or awards
There is no entry fee.

The DownEast National Juried Sculpture Exhibition is located in Pitt County, North Carolina. The exhibition has two components: a month-long indoor exhibition at Emerge Gallery & Art Center and a year-long outdoor exhibition throughout Pitt County. We are currently seeking the outdoor portion of this exhibition.

Location
Greenville, NC

Fees or awards
$15 Entry Fee, $1200 honorarium, $500-$1500 in awards

Celebrating its 9th edition, Cosmic Rays Film Festival is an annual celebration of non-commercial, experimental short films that extend the idea of film as art. We are accepting submissions August 24 - November 16, 2026 and the festival will be held in March 2027 at the Chelsea Theater and other venues in and around Chapel Hill, NC. Interested filmmakers can learn more about the festival and see past programs at our website: https://cosmicraysfilmfest.com 

Fees or awards
$12 submission fee or discounted $10 submission fee for North Carolina filmmakers; Films selected to screen at festival will receive screening fee at end of festival

Grace Arts Center Gallery, Mills River, NC proudly presents the 22nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition! We accept all mediums and all types of visual artists with 2D and 3D work. All art must be ready to hang or display with a hanging wire on back. Artists may drop off their work to be judged in person Sunday, November 15th, from 3-5pm or Monday, November 16th, from 10am-12pm. Deadline for entries is Monday, November 16th at 12pm.

Location
Mills River, NC

Fees or awards
Submissions are $20 per piece; Max of 2 pieces per artist

The Hopper Prize is now accepting entries for Fall 2026 artist grants. They will be providing six (6) grants totaling $13,000. Two (2) artists will each receive $4,500 and four (4) artists will each receive $1,000. This is an open call to visual artists age 18 and older. All visual media eligible.

In addition to grants, 30 artists will be selected for a shortlist. Additional exposure is available via our online Journal as well as our Instagram feed, currently reaching an audience over 175k.

Fees or awards
$40 application fee

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Asheville, The “Miss Sarah” Fellowship for Black Women Writers is an annual award each July that aims to provide Black women writers a restful environment conducive to reflection and writing. It also offers uninterrupted time to plant the seed of an idea for a new writing project or to develop or complete a project underway. The awarded writer receives an honorarium, rental car, transportation and other benefits. The genre for 2027 is Nonfiction.

Location
Mars Hill, NC

Fees or awards
$1,000

ArtFundMe awards one artist an unrestricted $1,000 (USD) creative grant each quarter, plus 18 Honourable Mentions. Open to artists and creatives aged 18+ anywhere in the world, in any medium and at any career stage. Application fee $35 USD (non-refundable). Deadline: 20 November 2026, 11:59pm UK time.

Fees or awards
Award: $1,000 USD unrestricted grant; Entry fee: $35 USD (non-refundable)

OUR ANNUAL END-OF-THE-YEAR GROUP SHOW + PEEL'S 6TH BIRTHDAY PARTY!
We celebrate another year of Peel Gallery with an Open Call Group Show to spotlight all the amazing artists in our community. This year, much like previous years, we are looking for "peel" themed artwork, and that can be whatever that means to you!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: NOV 20, 2026
ON VIEW: DEC 9, 2026 - JAN 3, 2027
OPENING RECEPTION: DEC 11, 6-9 PM

Location
Carrboro, NC