North Carolina based artists may apply to one of the following opportunities. Please read the full eligibility requirements and FAQs before applying.

2027 Brightwork Fellowship: One artist will be selected to receive a year of free studio space at Anchorlight, a solo exhibition in our gallery, and unrestricted financial support of $50,000.

2027 Brightwork Professional Development Grant (Now open to artists in any NC county): One artist will receive $2,000 to use towards advancing the professionalism of their studio practice.

2027 Brightwork Studio Project Grant (Now open to artists in any NC county): One artist will receive $3,000 to use towards the creation of studio-based artwork.

Location
Raleigh, NC

Fees or awards
There will be a small application fee charged by SlideRoom, Anchorlight does not charge an additional fee to apply.

Baran Dance is a nonprofit contemporary dance company focused on performance, mentorship, and collaboration in the Charlotte community. Selected dancers are expected to actively participate in collaborative creative processes, a culture of reciprocal feedback, and consistent professional development. Choreographic and teaching opportunities may be available as well.

Baran Dance is comprised of a paid professional company, Baran Dance Company (BDC) and unpaid intern company, Baran Dance University (BDU). With few exceptions, all selected new/incoming dancers will be placed in BDU. Promotion to BDC is possible after one year of participation with Baran Dance. Please email abaran@baran.dance with any questions.

Audition details
Sunday, August 30th
1:00 - 3:00pm @ Open Door Studios
Charlotte, NC

Fees or awards
Audition Fee: $10 via Venmo or Paypal

Blue Koi Gallery invites artists worldwide to submit to the Echoes of Abstract Art Competition. Explore the power of abstraction through color, form, texture, and emotion. Whether your work is abstract, semi-abstract, representational, or experimental, we welcome all artistic approaches that challenge perception and express a unique creative vision. All visual art mediums, including photography and digital art, are accepted.

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

The Caldwell Arts Council invites you to participate in the 40th Annual Sculpture Celebration on September 12, 2026. Join emerging and established sculptors to compete for a total of $11,000 in cash awards. Sculptors can enter up to three works.

Registration includes free admission to the Friday Night Welcome Dinner and a continental breakfast on Saturday morning. Sales of competition entries and commissions are encouraged, with 100% of proceeds going to the sculptors. All mediums are accepted, including metals, glass, stone, wood, paper, plastic, fiber, found objects, natural and recycled materials, etc.

Event details
September 12, 2026
Broyhill Walking Park
Lenoir, NC 28645

Fees or awards
Registration fees vary. $35 for students and $50 for non-students if registered by June 30, 2026. $11,000 in total cash awards.

Great art brings people together. Arts in Community Grants support organizations that host Southern artists for meaningful public experiences that go beyond a single performance or exhibition. Projects include a public presentation alongside a community engagement activity such as a workshop, discussion, lecture, demonstration, or masterclass, creating opportunities for audiences and artists to connect in lasting ways.

Fees or awards
Awards of up to $10,000 are available for eligible projects featuring Southern artists working across film, literary, performing, traditional, and visual arts. The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Ten Moir Gallery invites artists and photographers worldwide to submit work to our monthly online art challenges. Each theme offers artists a chance to share meaningful work, receive recognition, and be featured in a curated online showcase. The first entry is free during the early entry period.

Fees or awards
First entry is free during the listed early entry/free entry period. Additional entries may be added for a fee within the same application.

Experience the beauty of eastern North Carolina at its most colorful during Fall on the Roanoke, a multi-day plein air event celebrating the rich landscapes, history, and culture of Plymouth and Washington County.

Artists are invited to spend several inspiring days painting along the scenic Roanoke River, exploring centuries-old historic sites, quiet waterfronts, wildlife refuges, and breathtaking natural preserves. Whether your passion is architecture, landscapes, or wildlife, you'll find endless subjects to inspire your work.

Event details
October 21st - 24th, 2026
Plymouth, NC

Fees or awards
Housing will be provided in a historic home in Plymouth. Artists will have the opportunity to sell their artwork at the Oysters & Art Showcase on October 24th.

Period: 2 weeks
When: 3-18 December 2026
Where: Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Residency Program for Creators & Visionaries of Tomorrow: Neo Future is a special short-term residency for people reaching beyond the familiar and investigating what may emerge next. Artificial intelligence, expanded consciousness, human transformation, singularity, future societies and realities not yet named form an open field for creative research. 

Location
Hämeenkyrö, Finland

Fees or awards
No application fee

Celebrate the energy, emotion, and impact of color in the Vibrant Colors International Art Competition. Blue Koi Gallery invites artists worldwide to submit artwork that embraces bold palettes, striking contrasts, and expressive use of color. Whether your work is abstract or representational, traditional or contemporary, we welcome art that captivates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression.

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

Raleigh Arts and the Block Gallery are seeking artists to submit works that relate to the theme “Celebrating the Greenways” for a group exhibition. This exhibition aims to bring attention to the importance of retaining and maintaining the Greenway System and vibrant network of public trails and open spaces.

Artists living or working in North Carolina are invited to submit their work for consideration by the September 4, 2026 deadline. The exhibition will be on view November 2026 through January 2027.

Location
Raleigh, NC

Fees or awards
No application fee.