May 2026 Opportunities for Artists
- caribalent
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
May 2026 brings a wide range of opportunities for artists working across visual art, digital practice, film and interdisciplinary fields. From major international grants and residencies to open calls and competitive awards, this month highlights multiple pathways for creative development, funding and global visibility. Opportunities are grouped below to support easier navigation and selection.
Exhibitions and open calls
Feminitt Caribbean Open Call Safe Cycle Week Exhibition
Focuses on gender, health, climate and structural inequality.
Deadline: May 10, 2026
Location: Trinidad and Tobago with virtual component
Eligibility: Caribbean artists across the region
Theme: Menstruation and social justice intersections
Award:Â Exhibition opportunity with 100 percent of sales retained by artists
Caribbean Brushstrokes Caribbean and Diaspora Exhibition
An physicial gallery supporting visibility and exchange across Caribbean practices.
Deadline: Ongoing
Location: Barbados
Eligibility: Caribbean artists across the region and diaspora
Submission: Artist statement, practice summary and work links to info@caribbrushstrokes.com.
Grants and funding opportunities
Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant
A major unrestricted grant supporting established studio practice.
Deadline: Rolling
Award: Up to 50,000 US dollars for one year
Eligibility: International painters, sculptors and artists working on paper
Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation Emergency Grant Programme
Financial support for artists facing unexpected hardship.
Deadline: Rolling
Award: Up to 50,000 US dollars
Eligibility: International painters, sculptors, printmakers and artists working on paper
CIMAMÂ Travel Grant Programme Harare 2026
Supports curatorial exchange and international mobility.
Deadline: May 4, 2026
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Eligibility: Curators, museum professionals and researchers, with priority for emerging and developing regions including the Caribbean
Award: Travel, accommodation, conference access and membership
The Hopper Prize Spring 2026
Includes funding and editorial visibility for selected artists.
Deadline: May 12, 2026
Award: 13,000 US dollars total funding pool
Eligibility: International artists at all career stages
Note: 40 US dollars submission fee
Residencies
Studio Museum in Harlem Artist in Residence Programme
A leading international residency for artists of African and Afro Latinx descent.
Deadline: May 18, 2026
Location: New York, United States
Duration: 11 months
Award: 37,500 to 50,000 US dollar stipend, studio space, curatorial support, exhibition and publication
BEERS London 40 Day Residency
Short term residency focused on studio development and professional support.
Deadline: Rolling
Location: London, United Kingdom
Eligibility: International artists
Award: Studio space, living and materials support, mentorship
Note: 20 pound application fee
Arroscia Residency
Painter focused residency with an emphasis on exhibition outcomes.
Deadline: May to June 2026 cycle
Location: Liguria, Italy
Duration: 3 to 4 weeks Eligibility: International artists
Award: Accommodation, studio space, 300 euros weekly stipend, exhibition opportunity and flight reimbursement
Bundanon Artists in Residence Programme 2027
Research led residency in a remote natural environment.
Deadline: June 1, 2026
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Eligibility: International artists
Award: Accommodation and studio space. No stipend provided.
The Farm Margaret River Residency 2027
A site responsive residency focused on land and ecology based practice.
Deadline: June 1, 2026
Location: Margaret River, Western Australia, Wadandi Country
Duration: 8 to 10 weeks Eligibility: Australian and international artists
Award: 15,000 Australian dollar fee, travel support, accommodation, studio space and mentorship
Competitions and awards
CIFRA Award RestArt Reality
Explores fictional archives, constructed realities and alternative histories.
Deadline: May 8, 2026
Award: 1,000 euros for five selected artists
Eligibility: International artists
Focus: Digital art presented through video
Lumen Prize 2026
A leading international award for digital and experimental art.
Deadline: May 23, 2026
Location: Online
Eligibility: International artists
Award: 5,000 US dollars cash prize plus global exposure
Eligibility: Digital, AI, XR, generative and technology based practices
Light Space and Time Landscapes Competition
Open interpretation of landscape across visual disciplines.
Deadline: May 27, 2026
Eligibility: International artists
Medium: All media
Award: Cash prizes and online exhibition
Sharjah Film Platform Short Film Production Grant
Supports short film production with international exhibition pathways.
Deadline: May 28, 2026
Location: United Arab Emirates
Eligibility: International filmmakers
Award: Production funding and festival premiere opportunity
Final note
May 2026 reflects a balanced mix of funding, residencies, exhibitions and competitive platforms. For Caribbean and diaspora artists, these opportunities continue to expand access to international networks while supporting both experimental and practice led work. For more regularly updated listings, visit caribalent.com/opportunities where new calls are added throughout the month.