Now in its third year, the Publisher Work Grant program offers funding to independent presses with a history of artists’ book publishing, acknowledging awardees’ accomplishments in past work and providing the capacity-building funds to enable future book projects and publisher sustainability. In 2026, three unrestricted grants of $10,000 USD will be awarded to three independent artists’ book publishers.

Applications will be reviewed by Printed Matter and a guest jury, taking into account past work and contributions of the imprint, the strength of upcoming projects outlined, and the potential impact of the award.

Fees or awards
No application fee

Take part in an exploration of Light and Shadow and how contrast shapes mood, reveals emotion, and transforms the way we experience art. Blue Koi Gallery invites artists worldwide to submit original 2D and 3D artwork that explores light, shadow, atmosphere, and visual tension. Selected works will be presented in a thoughtfully curated online exhibition, offering artists international exposure and professional recognition.

Fees or awards
Entry fee is $20; $150 cash award for first place as well as exhibition feature, social media promotion, and certificate offered to finalists

Artspace’s 12×12 Member Showcase is an annual celebration of the creativity of our incredible artist community while providing a unique opportunity for our patrons to add affordable works of original art to their collections during the holiday season. This is a non-juried exhibition open to Artspace Members, Studio Artists, and Staff. All works must be 12×12 inches in size, completed within the last three years, and priced at $100, $250, or $500.

Exhibition dates: Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027

Location
Raleigh, NC

Fees or awards
No entry fee

The Southern Prize for Literature supports writers developing book-length manuscripts and represents one of the South’s largest recent investments in literary artists. One writer will receive a $25,000 unrestricted fellowship, and two runners-up will each receive $10,000 awards.

Fees or awards
$25 application fee

Literary Arts Project Grants offer up to $5,000 to literary organizations and small presses supporting contemporary poetry, fiction, creative and literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama.

Selected awardees will have the option to publish completed work in a summer 2027 edition of the Oxford American.

Fees or awards
South Arts will award up to $5,000 per project to eligible literary arts organizations and small presses.

Held in Charlotte, Confluence is the must-attend annual gathering for music professionals, artists, and industry leaders across the Carolinas and the Southeast. Whether you’re shaping the business of music, innovating behind the scenes, or creating the soundtrack of tomorrow, Confluence is where the region’s music community comes together to share ideas, make connections, and drive the industry forward. Passes are on sale now!

• Meet the people shaping the region’s music scene
• Learn from people actually doing the work
• Get practical ideas you can take back to your career or business
• Make connections that could lead to your next collaboration, opportunity or big idea
• Be part of the conversation about what’s next for music in the Carolinas

Confluence 2026 will be held October 7–10.

Location
Charlotte, NC

Fees or awards
Prices for passes vary

Calling all emerging and established artists who offer work that is:

• Handmade
• Original
• Affordable
• High-Quality
• Easy-to-Transport
• Giftable

The application to participate in our Solstice Market is now OPEN! Solstice Market is a curated winter art market that serves to anchor our annual Solstice Lantern Walk under Hillsborough’s Farmers Market Pavilion. In addition to local artists, Solstice Market will feature themed food & beverage vendors, live music, special programming, and more! Solstice Market will celebrate the Winter Solstice on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 5-8 PM.

Location
Hillsborough, NC

Fees or awards
Application fee: $20; Spot reservation (if accepted): $80

Event details
Fri – Mon, Oct 16 – 19, 2026, from 4 - 8pm
Studio opens at 3pm for warm-up
*Attendees must attend all hours*

Location
ADF Scripps Dance Studios
721 Broad Street, 2nd Floor
Durham, NC 27705

Fees or awards
$125 registration fee

The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is seeking qualifications from professional artists and artist teams for a new public art commission at the Mecklenburg County Bryant Park. This opportunity calls for the creation of a distinctive, interactive public art experience at Lover’s Leap, a unique destination located on the west side of the park adjacent to Suttle Avenue.

For the complete RFQ, please visit: https://artsandscience.org/calls-to-artists/ 

Location
Charlotte, NC

Fees or awards
Free application at https://asc.slideroom.com/; Art Project Budget - $130,492

VAE invites artist groups to submit proposals for exhibitions to be held in the Birdland gallery space. We are seeking groups of 2–4 artists for a 6-week exhibition run, offering an opportunity to present cohesive, ambitious, or experimental work in a professional gallery setting. This opportunity is for creatives looking for the opportunity to build their skills in installation, curation, and exhibition management.

*Note* Because of the scarcity of gallery space in the area, we will not be doing solo shows in order to give more artists opportunities to exhibit.

Gallery Space: Birdland, 706 Mountford Ave., Raleigh, NC

Fees or awards
$250 stipend