Exciting Creative Opportunities for Artists: September 2026 Edition

As September unfolds, artists and designers around the globe are presented with a plethora of opportunities to showcase their talents. From residencies to grants and open calls, there’s something for everyone looking to elevate their creative practice.

The Hayama Artist Residency in Japan invites visual artists to apply for a month-long experience from June 1 to 30, 2027. Selected participants will receive roundtrip airfare, a private bedroom, and an $800 stipend for meals and transportation. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and the deadline for submissions is September 30, 2026, with a $95 application fee.

Visual artists and photographers can also apply for the $1,800 Innovate Grants. This initiative awards two $1,800 grants each quarter, in addition to honoring 18 applicants with mentions and features on their website. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. PDT on September 17, 2026.

Several notable open calls are also currently active. The Hunt Museum in Limerick is hosting an Open Submission Exhibition, with a €15 entry fee for the first image and a deadline of September 7, 2026. Meanwhile, the Wayne Art Center is seeking submissions for CraftForms 2026, which showcases contemporary fine craft. Artists can submit works in various mediums, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. MDT on September 8, 2026.

Filmmakers in Scotland and Northern Ireland can apply for the Bridging the Gap Open Call, which is focused on short documentary proposals. Selected projects will benefit from workshops and potential commissions, with a submission deadline of September 9, 2026. The Hiding in Plain Site International Public Art Short Film Festival invites innovative filmmakers to submit short works, with a deadline of September 10, 2026.

Australia's Dobell Prize for Drawing is another prestigious opportunity, offering a AUD$30,000 prize and an exhibition at the National Art School. The deadline for submissions is September 14, 2026. Similarly, the Queensland Regional Art Awards present a prize pool of AUD$326,800 for artists residing in regional Queensland, with entries due by September 18, 2026.

For photographers, the All About Photography Open Call: STREET encourages submissions exploring urban life, with an application fee and a deadline of September 29, 2026. The Global Lens Photography Awards will also recognize exceptional photographers, offering a top prize of €1,000 and a deadline of September 30, 2026.

Finally, various grants are available, including the Henry Moore Institute Travel & Research Grants, which provide up to £2,500 for those researching sculpture. Applications are due by September 1, 2026. The Dezi Art Prize also invites global submissions, enhancing the landscape of opportunities available this month.

Source: www.thisiscolossal.com