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

Open Call for Artists/Writers/Zine-makers

Bayt AlMamzar, Dubai

Deadline: 7 November 2025

This is an open-call for all UAE-based designers/artists/writers/creatives. Do you have any books, artist books, booklets, zines, pamphlets, manifestos, field notes, catalogues, text-objects, experimental writing, annotated things, prints, posters, postcards, stickers, comics, collages, doodles, letters, essays, poems—or any other folded, bound, copied, drawn or otherwise unruly work on paper? You can submit up to three materials to be represented on the BAMBAM! (Bayt AlMamzar Books and Magazines!) table at Focal Point this year.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezTg5ziURvSoyPQRgswh_ugxAqHrOX_KuU7GT1aISdsE6Ckw/viewform?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafqJJrWLqN_dxuZjQPnUBPkF2jeeyvHOmUH8fVzsnPW-kEliUqTKNbxW4LtnQ_aem_VP9-XFhX7pkhvkmJOQ4U8w

Residency open call for Palestinian artists

Gasworks, London

Deadline: 12 January 2026

This residency open call is for emerging and mid-career Palestinian artists based anywhere in the world. The 11-week, fully funded residency will take place at Gasworks in London from 7 July to 21 September 2026. 

https://www.gasworks.org.uk/opportunities/residency-open-call-for-palestinian-artists-2026

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2026

NYU Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

Deadline: 30 January 2026

This award is given for the proposal and creation of an artwork that, in the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work, can be publicly exhibited and enjoyed.

Applicants are invited to propose an artwork that can be exhibited outside at Abu Dhabi Art, New York University Abu Dhabi and Um El Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi. It can be any media that allows the piece to be publically enjoyed, whether photography, film, land art, sculpture, multimedia etc.

https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-art-gallery/about/the-christo-and-jeanne-claude-award.html

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