This monthly compilation highlights arts and culture opportunities in the UAE and beyond

Along with announcements of our year-round open calls and grants which support emerging and established artists working in contemporary art, we have compiled a list of reputable local, regional and international open calls, educational opportunities, grants and residencies in other institutions. In keeping with Sharjah Art Foundation’s commitment to the art community, this reference tool is updated on a regular basis.

Open Call: Gwangju Biennale, 17th Edition Artistic Director
Gwangju, South Korea
Deadline: 3 August 2026

For the first time, the Gwangju Biennale Foundation is selecting the Artistic Director of its 17th edition through an international open call rather than a recommendation-based process. Candidates submit an application form, exhibition proposal and portfolio, with shortlisted applicants invited to present and interview in September and the appointment announced in October 2026. The shift marks the biennale's 30-year milestone with a more open and transparent curatorial selection.

https://www.gwangjubiennale.org/en/Board/12098/detailView.do

Open Call: The British Art Prize 2026
London, UK
Deadline: 7 August 2026

Presented by STAEDTLER, the British Art Prize is an international competition open to amateur, emerging and professional artists, with a prize fund worth more than 10,000 GBP, including cash, materials and a solo show. All styles and media are considered except AI-generated work, and shortlisted pieces are exhibited at Oxo Gallery in October. Winners and finalists are also featured in a dedicated editorial in Artists & Illustrators magazine. 

https://artopps.co.uk/opportunities/britishartprize26

Open Call: Wassaic Project 2027 Summer Exhibition
Wassaic, New York, USA
Deadline: 10 August 2026

Wassaic Project's annual open call welcomes artists across all media, including two-dimensional work, sculpture, video, new media, site-specific installation, performance and text. Selected work is shown in and around historic Wassaic and Maxon Mills, free to the public across the summer season, with all accepted artists receiving an honorarium. Those proposing site-specific installations may also be considered for an Exhibitions Fellowship. 

https://www.wassaicproject.org/apply

Grant: British Council – Connections Through Culture 2026
United Kingdom
Deadline: 12 August 2026

Connections Through Culture supports partnerships and long-term collaboration between the UK and participating countries, offering grants of 5,000 to 15,000 GBP. It funds artists, cultural professionals, organisations, festivals and collectives across a broad range of disciplines and heritage practice. Applications must include at least one UK-based partner and one partner from an eligible country. 

https://arts.britishcouncil.org/connections-through-culture

G42 Advanced Technologies Art Award 
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, UAE

Deadline: 14 August 2026

In collaboration with Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the competitive programme supports the integration of advanced technologies into UAE-based visual arts practice. The award encourages projects by cross-disciplinary creatives that reimagine cultural heritage, reinforce national identity and engage with global conversations across art, science and technology.
 

https://admaf.org/award/g42-advanced_technology-arts-award/

Open Call: DOM Art Residence & Loop City Screen 2026
Barcelona, Spain
Deadline: 15 August 2026

This international residency and festival open call invites moving image and video artists to submit proposals for structural curation, production support and public screening placement. Selected artists will showcase their works across designated urban video formats throughout the city during the annual LOOP Barcelona programming cycle.

https://domartresidence.com/opencall

Open Call: Dubai Design Week (UAE Designer Exhibitions)

Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE 

Deadline: 15 August 2026

At Dubai Design Week, exhibitions serve as a platform for cultural organisations, educational institutions, collectives and individual designers to express their unique perspectives, as well as tell compelling stories and showcase innovative design solutions across disciplines. The programme welcomes work that moves beyond traditional formats—integrating architecture, design and emerging technologies to address contemporary cultural, social and environmental conditions.

https://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/open-call-2026/exhibitions/

Open Call: Sikka 2027

Dubai, UAE

Deadline: 17 August 2026

Dubai Culture has launched an open call for Sikka 2027, which supports Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy, inviting creatives, artists, designers, photographers, performers, culinary professionals and retailers specialising in creative and cultural products to take part in the festival. 

https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/events/Sikka-Open-Call---2027

Open Call: Light up Burj Khalifa with your art: A Projection Design Competition
Dubai, UAE

Deadline: 18 August 2026

Emaar invites applicants to submit a stunning audio-visual projection for the chance to have the work showcased on Burj Khalifa’s iconic façade. The selected design will celebrate innovation, artistry and the vibrant spirit of Dubai through one of its most iconic landmarks.

https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/open-call/

Liu Shiming Art Foundation Artist Grants 2026
New York, USA
Deadline: 31 August 2026

The Liu Shiming Art Foundation offers project-based grants to support artists developing new work, released in two payments across the project's timeline. Support is flexible and independent of gallery representation, aimed at practitioners at various career stages. Eligibility centres on artists who earned a studio arts degree between 2016 and 2024, or held a debut gallery or juried show between 2016 and 2026.

https://www.lsmartfund.org/artistgrants2026

Open Call: On Mending – The Art Circle Award 2026

Alserkal Arts Foundation, Dubai

Deadline: 10 September 2026

The annual Art Circle Award supports the local art scene by showcasing talented artists. With this year’s theme ‘On Mending’, a jury of art and culture professionals will select winners among curators and cultural leaders. The award winner will receive a financial prize and the artwork will be part of The Art Circle collection.

https://www.theartcircle.ae/award

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The information shared here has been sourced from the online platforms of the listed institutions.