This compilation is a resource for those seeking 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, 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.
Artist Residency
The Arts Club Dubai
Deadline: 10 October 2025
The Arts Club Dubai is pleased to welcome applications for its inaugural Artist Residency Programme. This opportunity is designed for two emerging UAE-based artists who wish to develop a new body of work while engaging with the club’s vibrant community.
https://www.theartsclub.ae/artist-residency-programme/
Open Call for Exhibition Proposals
421, Abu Dhabi
Deadline: 20 October 2025
Curators and curatorial collectives are invited to submit full proposals for an exhibition to be developed and presented at 421 during Winter/Spring 2027.
https://www.421.online/opportunities/open-call-for-exhibition-proposals/
Vantage Point Sharjah 13 Open Call
Sharjah Art Foundation
Deadline: 31 October 2025
Sharjah Art Foundation invites photographers from around the world to apply for the 13th edition of Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS), scheduled to take place in July 2026. Introduced in 2013 to cultivate public engagement with photography as an artistic medium, VPS has evolved from an exhibition of images by UAE-based photographers to a global event encompassing all forms of lens-based art.
https://www.sharjahart.org/en/open-calls/details/vantage-point-sharjah-13-open-call
Design Doha Prize 2026
Design Doha Biennial
Deadline: 31 October 2025
The Design Doha Prize is a prestigious biennial initiative providing recognition and support for exceptional talents in the fields of design across the the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region. Four designers are selected across four different design categories: Craft, Product Design. Furniture Design and Emerging Talent.
https://designdoha.org.qa/en/calendar/design-doha-prize/
Artist Residency
Art Explora and Cité internationale des arts, Paris
Deadline: 31 October 2025
The programme invites applicants to propose a project that questions contemporary issues, in particular new technologies, the links between art and science, and environmental and social issues.
https://www.artexplora.org/en/the-artists-residencies-programme-presentation
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 information shared here has been sourced from the online platforms of the listed institutions.