This month’s theme invites artists to explore how light, shadow, and form shape visual expression through contrast, depth, and striking composition. Open to artists worldwide. All mediums are accepted, including 2D and 3D visual art. Selected works will be featured in a curated online exhibition, providing professional recognition and global exposure.

Fees or awards
Entry fee is $20. Awards, exhibition & promotions offered.

The North Carolina Literary Review (NCLR) is accepting submissions for the 2026 Jaki Shelton Green Performance Poetry Prize competition, co-sponsored by the North Carolina Poetry Society. This year’s final judge is Khalisa Rae, co-founder of Griot & Grey Owl Black Southern Writers Conference. She is an award-winning poet, author, and community organizer.

Fees or awards
1st prize is $250 and publication via NCLR's YouTube Channel.

The North Carolina Literary Review (NCLR) is accepting submissions for the 2026 James Applewhite Poetry Prize competition. This year’s final judge is Tyree Daye, author of the poetry collections a little bump in the earth, Cardinal, and River Hymns. Daye is an Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel Hill and has received numerous accolades, including APR/Honickman First Book Prize and Whiting Writers Award.

Fees or awards
1st prize is $250, publication in NCLR, and a Pushcart Prize nomination.

Published by Moonshine Review Press, Kakalak will accept entries in art and poetry for the 2026 annual contest. No set theme. Anyone is eligible. For more information, and to submit, visit KakalakAnthology.com.

Fees or awards
Fee: $10 to submit up to 3 poems or 3 art pieces. Various monetary prizes will be awarded (see website for breakdown).

Her Canvas invites women from around the world to showcase their unique visions, stories, and artistic talent. This exhibition, hosted by Blue Koi Art Gallery, is open to all mediums and styles, giving you the freedom to express your voice in the most authentic way. Share your creativity and be part of a collective that uplifts and honors women in the arts!

Accepting both 2D and 3D visual art, e.g., traditional art, mixed media, digital art, sculpture, and photography.

Fees or awards
Entry fee is $35. Awards offered.

Periods: 1 Month (29 days)
When: Oct / Nov 2026
Where: Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Fall into Focus residency program is for artists, writers and researchers who want to concentrate on their creative practice, projects, writing or research. The program brings together creative individuals from various different fields and backgrounds, offering flexible time and space to freely develop creative projects without external pressure.

Location
Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Fees or awards
No application fee. Regular fee: €1950; Financially supported fee (limited availability): €1350; Contributor's fee (optional): €2610. All fees include the registration fee (€120/person, non-refundable, to be paid only if/when selected).

The Hopper Prize is accepting submissions for Spring 2026 individual artist grants. They will be providing six grants totaling $13,000 USD. Two artists will each receive $4,500 and four artists will each receive $1,000. All visual art media is eligible. Additional exposure is available via a 30-artist shortlist, online journal, and Instagram currently reaching over 160k.

Fees or awards
There is a $40 submission fee due with your application.

Accomplished authors invite writers to ‘find their place’ at Tremont Writers Conference: October 21 - 25, 2026

Join renowned authors and professional park educators for a writers conference like no other set on a lush, secluded campus nestled within America’s most-visited national park. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont partners with Smokies Life to bring this five-day intensive retreat to a small group of selected writers.

Apply today to be a part of your chosen cohort: fiction, nonfiction, or poetry—and enjoy the benefits of award-winning author workshop leaders dedicated to focusing on you and your work. Days will be dedicated to learning and writing in small groups with meals and lodging provided; evenings will be focused around community dinners, some off campus, where you’ll enjoy faculty author readings.

Location
Townsend, TN

Fees or awards
$4 application fee; $1,725 per person if selected (including lodging and meals). Financial aid is available on request at application.

UMW Galleries welcomes submissions to its upcoming juried exhibition, the Mid-Atlantic New Painting Biennial, celebrating artists from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Begun in 1997, MANP is celebrating its thirteenth biennial of contemporary painting organized by the University of Mary Washington.

Location
Fredericksburg, VA

Fees or awards
A $25 non-refundable fee must accompany the application and covers up to three entries.

Trillium Arts residencies offer secluded space for rejuvenation and creating in a peaceful, remote setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our location is ideal for an individual artist to complete an existing work, or develop and incubate new material. Our facilities in the fall months are best suited to the disciplines of literary arts, photography, visual arts and arts administration.

Individual artists who do not require a rehearsal studio (such as writers and photographers) are encouraged to apply for a one week residency. Performing artists (such as choreographers and theater artists) are also welcome to apply, with the understanding that the Red Barn Studio is seasonal and availability is dependent on weather. There is ample land and outdoor space available for ideation and research.

Location
Mars Hill, NC

Fees or awards
There is no application fee.