Grants, Residencies and International Open Calls Artists Shouldn't Miss This Month

An artist at work in a studio during an artist residency programme. (Photo courtesy of Transit Artist Foundation.)

August is packed with opportunities for artists seeking funding, international exposure and residency programmes. From a UK government-backed grants scheme to a fully funded U.S. fellowship, here are some of the most compelling opportunities currently open, and what Nigerian and African artists need to know before applying.

British Council Connections Through Culture Grants 2026

Grants of £5,000–£15,000 support collaborative cultural projects between the UK and 35 participating countries, Nigeria included. The catch to know up front is that this is not a solo application. Every project must pair at least one UK-based partner with a partner legally based in an eligible country, meaning Nigerian artists will need a UK collaborator before applying. Successful projects are expected to run between December 2026 and December 2027.

Deadline: 12 August 2026, 23:59 BST.

Blu Sky Artist Award, August 2026 Edition 

Open worldwide to artists working in traditional media, mixed media, photography and digital art, the Blu Sky Artist Award offers two US$500 cash prizes—one for Traditional/Mixed Media and another for Photography/Digital Art. In addition, 20 finalists will receive catalogue features, certificates and permanent placement on the organisers' website. Entry costs US$28 for up to ten images.

Deadline: 15 August 2026.

Padimai's OOPS Onchain Artist Residency

One of the most exciting opportunities this month comes from Singapore-based Padimai Art & Tech Studio. The fully remote, three-month residency explores blockchain technology and NFTs as creative tools. Five artists will be selected, with each participant receiving an honorarium of SGD15,000 and an additional SGD5,000 for documentation. The programme is open to applicants worldwide, including artists across Africa.

Deadline: 15 August 2026. Residency runs from 20 September to 20 December 2026.

Mondriaan Fund Residency Grant

This Dutch residency programme is worth mentioning because of its international reputation, but there is an important eligibility restriction. Applications are limited to visual artists, curators and art observers who are professionally based in the Netherlands or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. It is not open to applicants based in Nigeria or most other African countries. Knowing this can save artists valuable time when planning their applications.

Deadline: 27 August 2026.

For artists specifically seeking international residencies, the bEam Arts Residency in Thessaloniki, Greece, remains an attractive option. The artist-led programme welcomes up to four visual artists and two writers for one or two-month residencies, culminating in a group exhibition. Although self-funded at €1,850 per month, the fee includes accommodation and the programme is open to applicants worldwide.

Deadline: 24 August 2026.

Meanwhile, the MacDowell Fellowships in New Hampshire, USA, continue to rank among the world's most respected artist residencies. Open to artists of every nationality and discipline, the fellowship provides a private studio, accommodation and three prepared meals daily for residencies lasting between two and eight weeks. Although the application deadline falls in September, applications are already open, making this an ideal time to begin preparing a strong submission.

Deadline: 10 September 2026.

Open calls are more than funding opportunities; they offer artists the chance to expand their professional networks, develop ambitious new projects and gain international visibility. Even when an application is unsuccessful, the process of preparing a portfolio, artist statement and proposal often strengthens future submissions.

Arts and Culture Place encourages Nigerian artists and cultural practitioners to monitor reputable opportunity platforms regularly and submit their applications well before the stated deadlines. Eligibility requirements, partnership rules and supporting documents vary widely, so always read the guidelines carefully before applying.

For more updates on grants, residencies, exhibitions and opportunities for artists in Nigeria and around the world, continue following Arts and Culture Place.