Emerging Artists Unite: 13 Must-Apply Opportunities for Creative Growth This Summer
- web4445
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
As the world of creativity continues to shift and grow, it brings exciting opportunities for emerging artists from all backgrounds. Whether you're a writer, dancer, visual artist, or a multidisciplinary creator, summer 2025 offers a rich selection of applications for residencies, grants, and fellowships designed to elevate your artistic journey. Here, we’ll highlight 13 fantastic opportunities available from May to July 2025 that can ignite your creative ambitions.
🎭 Performing Arts
Page73 Playwriting Fellowship (NYC – Theater)
Are you a playwright looking for guidance and financial help? The Page73 Playwriting Fellowship offers year-long support with a $10,000 stipend to help develop your script. This fellowship has previously helped playwrights bring their stories to stage productions, resulting in successful shows that have been featured at major festivals.
📅 Deadline: June 1, 2025
🔗 Submit
NPN Creation & Development Fund (USA – Performance Art)
If your performance art aims to provoke thought and push boundaries, consider the NPN Creation & Development Fund, which provides grants up to $15,000. A notable example is a previous recipient who utilized their grant to create an immersive installation that sparked important conversations about social issues.
📅 Deadline: June 1, 2025
📚 Literary & Film
Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency (NY – Free Retreat)
Escape to the picturesque Adirondacks with the Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency. This two-week retreat is designed for poets and fiction writers seeking a tranquil environment to focus on their craft. Participants often find that stepping away from daily life leads to profound breakthroughs in their writing.
📅 Deadline: May 19, 2025
🔗 Apply
Nonfiction Works-in-Progress Series (Film – Documentary)
Are you an aspiring filmmaker with a story to share? The Nonfiction Works-in-Progress Series provides mentorship and a $5,000 grant to refine your documentary project. Last year, filmmakers who participated enjoyed increased visibility and support, helping them reach wider audiences with their important narratives.
📅 Deadline: June 15, 2025
🔗 Submit
🎨 Visual Arts & Sculpture
Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence (VA – $10,000)
If your artwork addresses ecological themes and history, the Eliza Moore Fellowship might be perfect for you. The $10,000 award not only provides funding but also helps artists create works that resonate with current environmental conversations.
📅 Deadline: May 25, 2025
🔗 Details
Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grant (Sculpture – $20,000)
Big projects require substantial support! The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grant offers $20,000 aimed at large-scale public sculpture initiatives. Past funded projects include interactive installations that engaged communities and enhanced public spaces.
📅 Deadline: June 10, 2025
Da Vinci Art Alliance Fellowship (Philadelphia – $5,000)
This fellowship focuses on elevating underrepresented artists who work with the community. With a $5,000 stipend, this opportunity allows you to create meaningful art that fosters connections and discussions important to your community.
📅 Deadline: June 5, 2025
🔗 Apply
🌍 Multidisciplinary Residencies
Tulsa Artist Fellowship (OK – $150,000 Stipend)
The Tulsa Artist Fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity for artists focused on community narratives. With a staggering $150,000 stipend spread over three years, this residency promotes lasting relationships between artists and their communities, leading to collaborative projects that profoundly impact local residents.
📅 Deadline: May 28, 2025
🔗 Submit
ArT Omi Residency (NY – International)
If your goals have no borders, consider the ArT Omi Residency, which offers fully funded places for international artists. This chance to create in a collaborative setting could be pivotal for your artistic growth. Note that the application runs on a rolling basis, so apply early.
📅 Deadline: Rolling
Renaissance House Harlem Residency (NYC – Writers/Artists)
Nestled in a historic Harlem brownstone, the Renaissance House residency provides stipend and studio space for artists and writers. Surrounded by rich culture, you can dive deep into your work while soaking in the community's creative energy.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2025
🔗 Apply
💡 Digital & Experimental Arts
Adobe Creative Residency (Digital Arts)
Adobe’s Creative Residency nurtures digital creators, offering not only funding but also invaluable resources and mentorship. If your work involves technology in innovative ways, consider applying to harness Adobe's vast network and tools that can elevate your projects.
📅 Deadline: TBD
Lumen Prize for Digital Art (Global - $4,000)
For artists merging technology and creativity, the Lumen Prize offers international recognition and a $4,000 award. This award celebrates groundbreaking digital works—from AI-generated art to immersive VR experiences. Past winners have seen their careers skyrocket, with exhibitions at venues like London’s Barbican Centre. If your work challenges how we perceive art in the digital age, this is your platform.
📅 Deadline: May 23, 2025🔗
🆘 Emergency Support
CERF+ Emergency Grants (USA – Crisis Relief for Artists)When unexpected hardships strike—studio floods, medical emergencies, or natural disasters—CERF+ provides rapid grants up to $3,000 to keep artists afloat. Founded by craft artists for artists, this fund has saved countless careers over 40 years. One ceramicist used their grant to rebuild a kiln after a fire, while a glassblower recovered from injury. If you’re facing a sudden crisis, don’t hesitate to apply.
📅 Deadline: Rolling (Applications reviewed monthly)
Final Thoughts
Stepping into summer 2025 with these opportunities opens doors for emerging artists to expand their horizons. With support from grants, fellowships, and residencies, you can find the resources needed to flourish. Make sure to mark these deadlines and prepare your applications thoroughly.
The path of an artist is often filled with challenges, but with the right opportunities, it can lead to significant growth and success. Collect your ideas, refine your projects, and get ready to embark on a transformative creative journey this summer!
Which will you pursue?
🔗 Bookmark this list or share with a fellow creator.
Missed an opportunity? Drop it below—we’ll add it to next month’s roundup! 🌟
