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Renewal & Intention: January 2026 Artist Opportunities for a Fresh Start

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we turn our focus to the themes of Renewal & Intention—the core principles that sustain creative practice year after year. This month's artist opportunities reflect that spirit, offering platforms to set clear goals, secure foundational support, and connect deeply with new communities. Whether you're finalizing a project, seeking financial aid, or planning your first major exhibition, let this be the year your creative intentions take flight.


People dancing energetically in a studio with red walls. Foreground shows a person with a headband and vest, raising an arm expressively.
Dancers energetically rehearsing a routine, with the focus on a man in a white shirt and headband, showcasing his dynamic moves against a mirrored studio backdrop.

🎨 Exhibitions, Fairs & Public Showcases


1. 2026 Capital Art Book Fair Call for Exhibitors

(Washington, DC – Zines, Artists' Books)

Showcase your publications at this premier Capitol Hill fair. Each accepted exhibitor receives a six-foot table in Eastern Market’s North Hall.

📅 Deadline: February 10, 2026💰

Participation Fee: $375 (if accepted)


2. Call for Artists – Arts'tination at National Harbor

(Prince George’s County, MD – Visual Arts)

The PGAHC recruits county artists to show and sell work or conduct public workshops at this new National Harbor art space.

📅 Deadline: Rolling (Email submissions to pablo@pgahc.org)


3. Call for Artists – Busboys and Poets

(Washington, DC Region – Visual Arts)

Display your artwork in high-traffic venues for six months. The space promotes sales, with 100% of proceeds returning to the artist.

📅 Deadline: Rolling (4-6 week review period)


4. OCCIPITAL Fashion Festival III Open Call

(Washington, DC – Fashion, Music, Visual Arts)A multidisciplinary festival seeking sustainable fashion designers, bands, visual artists, and vendors for a collaborative event at Rhizome DC.

📅 Event Date: July 25, 2026



🏛️ Public Art & Teaching Opportunities


5. NYC DOT Art Mural Artist Request for Qualifications(New York, NY – Mural Art)US-based artists can apply for commissions to create temporary, site-specific murals on NYC DOT property, with installations lasting 1-11 months.

📅 Deadline: February 8, 2026


6. 2026 Washington Square Park Teaching Artist Residency

(New York, NY – Community Arts)

A month-long summer residency for NYC-area teaching artists to lead free, public art workshops in Washington Square Park every Saturday.

📅 Deadline: March 1, 2026 (or rolling until filled)


💰 Grants & Financial Support

7. Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants

(USA – Experimental Visual/Performing Arts)

Monthly grants of $500–$3,000 for unforeseen opportunities or crises. Requires a US Tax ID Number.

📅 Deadline: Rolling


8. Café Royal Cultural Foundation NYC Grants

(New York, NY – Visual Arts)

Exhibition and project grants of up to $10,000 for NYC-based visual artists. The winter application cycle is currently open.

📅 Deadline: February 3, 2026


9. MAC's Individual Artist Fellowship Grant

(Mississippi – All Disciplines)

Competitive fellowships of up to $5,000 for Mississippi artists demonstrating exceptional merit in their field.

📅 Deadline: March 2, 2026 (11:59 PM)


10. Creativity Grants for Projects

(Maryland – Planning & Implementation)

Maryland State Arts Council grants support both early-stage project development and full execution. Applications are reviewed monthly.

📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Rolling from July 1, 2025)



🎵 Music & Performance

11. NPR's Tiny Desk Contest(National – Musicians/Songwriters)Calling all undiscovered musical talent! Submit your original song for a chance to win the ultimate prize: performing your own Tiny Desk concert for NPR, a national tour, and mentorship from the legendary Bob Boilen. This is the premier platform to launch your music career.

📅 Deadline: Feb. 9, 2026 (11:59 PM)


✨ Setting Your Creative Intentions with Artist Opportunities for 2026

  • For Immediate Goals: Explore rolling deadlines like Busboys and Poets (#3) or the PGAHC call (#2) to get your work seen quickly.

  • For Major Project Funding: Target the Café Royal (#8) or Mississippi Arts Commission (#9) fellowships to fund significant new work.

  • For Community Engagement: The Washington Square Park Residency (#6) and OCCIPITAL Festival (#4) blend art with public interaction.

  • For Emergency Support: The Foundation for Contemporary Arts (#7) provides a critical safety net for unexpected needs.


Which opportunity aligns with your creative resolution for this year? Share your plans in the comments—we’d love to cheer you on.


🔗 Here’s to 30 years of supporting artists, and to the powerful work you’ll create in the year ahead.

 
 
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