| Visual Art |
1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art The Gibbes Museum and Society 1858’s Prize for Contemporary Southern Art is awarded to an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South. Presented annually, the Prize recognizes the highest level of artistic achievement and welcomes applications from artist working across any media. Artists who reside, work in, or are from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia are encouraged and eligible to apply. Location Charleston, SC Fees or awards $35 non-refundable entry fee; $10,000 prize |
Monday, September 14, 2026 |
| Visual Art |
Eikon Gallery Imposter Exhibition This exhibition is called "Imposter". We're looking for art that isn't quite what it seems. ALL mediums are welcome, but you must use the medium in a way that is NOT the intended purpose OR it must mimic a different material. The Imposter Exhibition Opening Ceremony will be held at Eikon Gallery on October 2, 2026. The exhibition will run from October 2 - October 16, 2026. You may submit up to 2 pieces and must be present at the ceremony to receive one of the cash prizes. Location Asheville, NC Fees or awards Entry fee is $20/piece. There will be a $300 First Place cash prize, a $150 Second Place cash prize, and a $150 People's Choice cash prize. |
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 |
| Grants & Fellowships, Visual Art |
Innovate Artist Grants Summer 2026 open for submissions — Innovate Grant is thrilled to introduce our newly increased award amounts of $1,800. Innovate Grant awards (2) $1,800 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. Our newly increased $1,800 grants act as mighty sparks of financial support that ignite your creative development. Fees or awards $35 application fee |
Thursday, September 17, 2026 |
| Stores, Sales & Shows |
Southeastern Art Show and Market The 2026 Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM) and SEASAM Youth will be October 2nd - 3rd on the Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol Building grounds in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. The competition art show and market is open to artists from federally recognized Southeastern tribes. The deadline for entry for adults is August 29th and September 18th for youth. Location Tishomingo, OK Fees or awards There will be awards for both adult and youth categories, including Best of Show. |
Friday, September 18, 2026 |
| Visual Art |
STORIES OF IDENTITY – The 3rd Edition 2026 🗓 October 16 - 25, 2026 📍 Lecce, MUST - Museo Storico della Città di Lecce ⏳ Deadline: September 21, 2026 (11.59 PM your local time) “Every piece of art tells a story made up of emotions, memories and experiences that are part of the lived of each artist”. Dr. Carmela Loiacono, Art Historian and Independent Curator is opening submissions for the International Art Exhibition STORIES OF IDENTITY | The 3rd Edition 2026. Location Lecce, Italy Fees or awards The submission proposal is free.
A participation fee is required only for selected artists. |
Monday, September 21, 2026 |
| Performing Arts, Professional Development |
The Basics of Sync Licensing (Lunch & Learn) Are you a performing artist, singer, or songwriter who has wondered how songs end up in movies, TV shows, commercials, podcasts, or video games? Curious about what sync licensing is and how it can create new opportunities for your music? Sync licensing is the process of licensing music for use in film, television, advertising, video games, podcasts, and other visual media. It has become one of the fastest-growing revenue streams for independent musicians. Join manager Billy Maupin for an introduction to the world of sync licensing. You'll learn how the industry works, who the key players are, what music supervisors are looking for, and practical steps you can take to prepare your catalog for licensing opportunities. There will be time provided for Q&A, so that attendees can share and learn from discussing real issues facing musicians in the sync industry. Event details Tuesday, September 22nd 12:00 - 1:30 PM Zoom Fees or awards Early bird pricing through August 25th: $10 General pricing August 26th through September 22nd: $15 |
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 |
| Visual Art |
Drinking Gourd Gallery | "M" is for Menopause 2026 Exhibition Drinking Gourd Gallery is seeking submissions for "M" is for Menopause, our annual group exhibition. This non-juried show raises awareness about menopause and offers information to challenge the myths, stereotypes and stigma surrounding the menopausal journey. We’re looking for works reflecting each artist’s unique vision, technique, and perspective related to the theme. Submissions can be 2D or 3D to include paintings, drawings, mixed media, collages, digital art, textile art, and photography. Location Fuquay-Varina, NC Fees or awards No fee |
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 |
| Public Art |
Town of Chapel Hill | Homestead Skate Park Murals Chapel Hill is looking for a Triangle-based artist or team to design and install outdoor murals at the newly reconstructed skate park at Homestead Park. The murals will be on two exterior walls of a building, with total areas of 285 square feet and 276 square feet. The mural design and style should reflect skate culture. The selected artist(s) will work with ~10 high school students and their art teacher to finalize their design and install the murals. Location Chapel Hill, NC Fees or awards $20,000 stipend for selected artist/team; $750 stipend for each finalist |
Thursday, September 24, 2026 |
| Professional Development |
Making Effective Marketing Videos for Visual and Performing Artists You know video matters, but it just feels like too much. Whether you need promotional videos for grant applications, show juries, booking agencies or festival committees, it can seem overwhelming. This workshop shows you a simple three-step way to create short promotional videos that help people notice your work, understand what you do, and take the next step, whether that’s buying your art or signing up for a class. This event covers: - A 3-step structure that makes videos clear and effective
- What to say (so you don’t freeze or ramble)
- How to film with simple tools you already have
- How to use these videos to promote your art, classes, or events
Event details Thursday, September 24th 6:00 - 8:00 PM Zoom Fees or awards No registration fee |
Thursday, September 24, 2026 |
| Stores, Sales & Shows, Visual Art |
Beatles Art Contest, Exhibition & Sale Calling all creatives, school-aged artists and seasoned professionals! Expand your vision of the Beatles' influence on music, art and culture. FabFest-Charlotte's Beatles Festival aims to inspire different generations and cultures to come together through the music of the Beatles. From psychedelic style to cultural revolution, the Beatles helped shape the 1960s and beyond, and their music, messages and legacy continue to inspire new generations of artists. We’re looking for art that interprets how the Beatles influenced and were influenced by the world around them — all the themes of the era are fair game! Event details Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10 am - 5 pm Parr Center, Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NC Fees or awards Entry fees vary by number of works submitted: $20 for one artwork, $35 for two artworks, etc. *Fees waived for youth artists. Cash prizes totaling over $3,500 include Adult Best in Show: $1,000 and Youth Best in Show: $250. |
Friday, September 25, 2026 |