The A.D. Gallery at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke welcomes all interpretations of the theme Belonging. As our culture becomes increasingly divisive and exclusionary, what does it mean to belong? Why does it matter, and how do we find a sense of belonging?

• February 12-March 6, 2026
• Entry Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Entry Fee: $35.00
• Awards: $400 first prize, $200 second prize, and $100 third prize
• Juror: Annah Lee

All entries must be submitted on CaFÉ.

The City of Raleigh is looking for nine artists to create art for windscreens and cut metal railings at BRT stations as part of the planned Southern Corridor. Artist designs should be unique and aesthetically pleasing, and speak to the community character, stories, and/or histories associated with each station. The Artist fee for the project is $6,000 for one shelter design or $10,000 for two shelter designs. Artists will provide final vector files, City will fabricate and install.

Fees or awards
$6,000 - $10,000 budget, no fee to apply

The City of Raleigh is looking for an artist to create up to three public art elements along the Wake BRT: Southern Corridor (Raleigh to Garner). Artwork could be freestanding or integrated into the existing landscape and should engage both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Selected artist will receive $160,000 to design and fabricate up to three installations along the corridor and will work with the planning/design teams to integrate artwork into the landscape and built elements of the site.

Fees or awards
$160,000 budget, no fee to apply

America 250 Iredell is holding art, essay, and multimedia/video contests for Iredell-Statesville Schools students in grades 7-12 and those who live in the I-SS district area who attend private, home, or charter schools. The contest focuses on the importance of American history and its role in Iredell County’s experiences.

The Iredell Community Remembrance Project is sponsoring the $500 first prize and $250 second prize in each contest category. A panel of community judges, using a rubric provided to contestants after contest registration, will determine the winners in each category, with prizes awarded at a recognition ceremony.

To enter, students must complete an online application to enter one of the three contests at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uK8so8c4NJQ_OAqYcAOxn3qAmKWKlGkSWNVLkqnPsLQ by December 30.

The student’s contest product, which must follow all contest criteria, must be completed and turned in by May 23. 

This International Call for Mail Art: Celebration of Sapphire commemorates our 5th Seaside Sessions mixed media art retreat which will take place in Surf City, NC in March of 2026.
Artists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to submit a postcard-sized flat piece of art on the theme of sapphire, which will be exhibited online.

 

The City of Durham’s Cultural and Public Art Program invites artists and artist teams to submit portfolios as an entry to join the City of Durham Pre-Qualified Artist Registry. This registry will serve as a resource for the program’s selection of artists and artist teams to create City cultural and public art projects. Access to a predetermined network of qualified artists saves artists and staff members valuable time by making the process for responding to the numerous calls issued by the City more efficient. It also strengthens and streamlines the program by maintaining a database of artists in the community with particular skill sets.

The application process does not have a deadline. 

 

Hinds’ Feet Farm is a partner and neighbor of Cain Center for the Arts. This year Cain Center for the Arts and Hinds’ Feet Farm will collaborate on a mural to happen on Hinds’ Feet Farms property. This mural will be a joined effort of both organizations to lighten, and inspire the facility, staff, and residents of Hinds’ Feet Farm every day.

The mural will be based off work that residents (Participants) have created in class at Davidson College with Professor Tyler Starr. The mural is reminiscent of a “Barn Quilt” that will be displayed on finished wood hung on one of the Hinds’ Feet Farm buildings.

This is a unique opportunity for Artists/muralists to be a part of an amazing partnership and project in the Lake Norman region.

This is a paid opportunity with the artists receiving $2000 for the labor, and $1000 for supplies totaling in $3000 for the overall project.

Trillium Arts residencies offer secluded space for rejuvenation and creating in a beautiful, 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 current facilities are best suited to the disciplines of literary arts, photography, visual arts and arts administration. Applications are currently being accepted for residencies one week in length anytime between April 15-May 15, 2026.

Location
Mars Hill, NC

Fees
The fee for a residency starts at $600. A limited number of work exchange scholarships are available.
 

Each year outstanding disabled musicians from around the world are selected to participate in the Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program. In addition to receiving financial stipends, these talented young musicians (ages 14-25) participate in professional development workshops and performance opportunities.
This program is open to U.S. and international musicians (soloists or ensembles) of any genre or instrument, including voice. Multiple winners will be selected by a panel of music professionals.

The program includes:

• Sessions with a professional mentor
• Performance at the Kennedy Center
• Exclusive workshops covering key music business-related topics
• Networking opportunities

Young writers enrolled in senior high school (generally, ages 14-19) with disabilities are invited to submit a ten-minute script of any genre for the opportunity to participate in a playwrights program. Entries must be the work of an individual student. A panel of theater professionals selects winners.

Writers are encouraged to craft short (10 minute) works from their own experiences and observations through the creation of fictional characters and settings, writing realistically, metaphorically or abstractly about any topic, including the disability experience. Scripts may be non-linear.

Writers must be enrolled in senior high school (generally, ages 14-19) and have a disability. Please read the eligibility for participation.

Multiple winners will receive exclusive access to participate in workshops provided by the Kennedy Center. Workshops will take place both virtually and in-person. Winners will have the opportunity to work with industry professionals to further develop their script, receive coaching/mentorship, and participate in networking opportunities.

*PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES COMPLETELY BEFORE BEGINNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS*

Upon request, parents and legal guardians of Minors will have the opportunity to review the Personal Information collected regarding their Minors, make corrections, revoke consent, and request deletion. A parent or legal guardian shall not be subject to any discrimination for making such requests. If a parent or legal guardian would like to review the Personal Information collected and used by the Kennedy Center, revoke consent or request deletion, please contact: Privacy@Kennedy-Center.org.