This time, we’re keeping it sharp. No long lists — just a focused selection of international open calls that actually offer something substantial: strong institutional backing, meaningful prizes, and real visibility. All deadlines below are confirmed, and application conditions are clearly stated. We keep our fingers crossed, dear artists, keep going and don’t give up.
Arte Laguna Prize
The Arte Laguna Prize is one of the most prestigious and influential competitions for contemporary art. Organised by the Museum of Contemporary Art Venice (MoCA), it has a history of supporting emerging talents for over two decades. The selected 120 finalists will exhibit at the esteemed Arsenale Nord in Venice between November 6th and 29th.
The award welcomes a wide range of artistic expressions: from traditional techniques to modern media. Arte Laguna Prize partners, including galleries, foundations, and other establishments, each select one winner for bespoke prospects and opportunities, from residencies to festival participation. Amongst them are a three-month-long residency in Shanghai and three cash prizes awarded by FOMAS (Forgiatura Moderna Acciai Speciali).
Prizes: 10.000 € first prize for the Overall Winner by MoCA and Arte Laguna + 3 weeks of exhibition at the Arsenale Nord in Venice + E-commerce on artelaguna.world
Additional Prizes: Art Residencies, Cash Prizes and more
Deadline: 30 June 2023
Application fee: € 97,6 for artists under 35 €, 122 for artists over 35
How to apply: To participate, artists must register on the Arte Laguna World platform, create their personal profile, and complete the registration process, which includes paying a fee. The fee allows each artist to present five works to the international jury, submit a specific project for each Special Prize, and have their own online page on the artelaguna.world portal.
Read more: https://artelagunaprize.com/21-edition/
Prix COAL 2026: La Nuit
The COAL launches its international open call dedicated to art and environmental issues.
The 2026 theme, La Nuit, invites artists to explore ecological, political, and symbolic dimensions of night—ranging from light pollution to invisible ecosystems and nocturnal narratives.
The prize is one of the most solid ecology-focused opportunities in Europe, combining financial support with long-term institutional visibility.
Prize: €12,000 + residency (main award)
Additional prizes: €3,000 + €2,000 + residencies
Deadline: 28 April 2026, 23:59 (CET)
Application fee: none
Read more: https://projetcoal.org/en/actions/prize/
C/O Berlin Talent Award 2026
The C/O Berlin Foundation invites emerging artists working with photography and visual storytelling.
Each edition is built around a thematic framework, encouraging critical engagement with contemporary issues. The selected artist receives a solo exhibition and a publication.
Prize: solo exhibition + publication + production budget
Deadline: 15 April 2026, 23:59 (CET)
Application fee: none
Read more: https://co-berlin.org/en/program/co-berlin-talent-award
Lumen Prize for Art and Technology 2026
The Lumen Art Projects supports artists working with digital practices, including AI, immersive media, and generative systems.
The prize is highly visible within the art & tech ecosystem, offering global exposure through exhibitions and partnerships.
Prize fund: over USD 11,000
Deadline: 23 May 2026, 23:59 (BST)
Application fee: free during early entry period (later paid tiers apply)
Read more: https://lumenprize.org/
National Museum of Singapore
The National Heritage Board, through the National Museum of Singapore, invites early-career researchers, scholars, and practitioners to engage with Singapore’s history and heritage using its national collections.
The fellowship supports original research projects grounded in museum archives, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to cultural history and material heritage.
Prize: Monthly stipend (SGD2,000–SGD5,000) + access to museum collections + research support
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Application fee: none
Read more: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/contribute/fellowship
Residenze Lievito Residency Program
Residenze Lievito is a residency initiative for curators, artists, and makers under the age of 36 working across visual, performative, choreographic, and audiovisual practices. The program foregrounds experimental approaches to bodies, images, and narratives in motion. The main topic of the residency is yeast as a symbol of process and care. It takes place in a creative centre based in Sinalunga, Tuscany.
Prize: €500 monthly grant, studio and shared space access, participation in workshops and seminars, and development of a collectively curated exhibition with an online catalogue.
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Application fee: none
Read more: https://www.residenzelievito.com/
