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October 2025 Artist Opportunities: Residencies, Grants & Creative Calls

From studio residencies to festival premieres—discover funding, space, and platforms to advance your work this season.


Dance instructor guides student in studio with brick wall, mirrored reflection, others practicing. Focused atmosphere, black and white attire.
A ballet instructor guides a young dancer through a pose in a bright studio, where other students practice in front of a mirrored wall.

🎭 Theater & Performance



1. Patchwork Play Festival: A One-Act New Play Festival (Chicago, IL – Playwriting) Eclectic Full Contact Theater seeks new one-act plays on the theme of Hope for its 5th annual festival. Selected works will be staged at The Edge Theater in February–March 2026.

📅 Deadline: October 31, 2025💰 Award: $250


2. Players Theatre Improv Residency (NYC – Improv & Sketch Comedy)

The Players Theatre invites proposals for its Improv and Sketch Residency, offering space and support to develop new comedic work.

📅 Deadline: November 15, 20255




🎨 Residencies & Fellowships



3. Excellence Artist Fund Residency – Innovation in the Arts (Laramie, WY – Multidisciplinary)

A prestigious University of Wyoming residency supporting visiting artists, writers, and scholars in developing innovative work while engaging with campus and community.

📅 Deadline: December 8, 2025 (Round 1)


4. The Studios at MASS MoCA Residency (North Adams, MA – Artists & Writers)

Live and work at one of the world's most vibrant contemporary art centers. This residency offers 2- or 4-week sessions for national and international artists.

📅 Deadline: November 1, 2025


5. Indigo Arts Alliance Mentorship Residency (Portland, ME – BIPOC Artists)

A co-mentorship program for artists of the African Diaspora in the Northeastern US (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI). Build community while developing your creative practice.

📅 Deadline: Rolling


6. A.I.R. Gallery Fellowship Program(NYC – Women & Non-Binary Artists)

A 12-month fellowship offering a first solo exhibition in NYC, professional development, mentorship, and a $3,000 stipend for emerging underrepresented artists.

📅 Deadline: November 7, 2025

🔗 Apply




🏛️ Public Art & Commissions



7. Brooklyn Navy Yard Public Art Installation (Brooklyn, NY – Public Art)

Create a large-scale fence line installation along Flushing Avenue for a 6-month exhibition (May–November 2026). Open to Brooklyn-based creatives.

📅 Deadline: November 2, 2025


💼 Grants & Support

8. The Center for Art & Advocacy Fellowship (National – Justice-Impacted Artists)

The first fellowship of its kind offers $10,000 unrestricted + $10,000 project funds to formerly incarcerated artists.📅 Deadline: October 26, 2025


9. Musicians Foundation Grants(National – Professional Musicians)One-time financial assistance grants for musicians in times of need to help cover essential bills and expenses.

📅 Deadline: Rolling




🏢 Space & Resources



10. The Clemente Discounted Rehearsal Space(NYC – Performing Artists)Prioritizing BIPOC and underserved artists, this program offers $15/hour studio rentals in Lower Manhattan.

📅 Availability: Monday–Sunday, 10AM–10PM


✨ Final Notes

  • Urgent: Center for Art & Advocacy Fellowship closes October 26!

  • Local Focus: Brooklyn Navy Yard (NY), Indigo Arts (New England), Clemente Space (NYC)

  • Career Launch: A.I.R. Gallery Fellowship offers first solo shows

  • Themed: Patchwork Festival seeks hopeful one-act plays


Which artist opportunity aligns with your current creative goals? Share in the comments!


🔗 Follow for monthly opportunity updates.


 
 
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