If you’re an emerging or practicing artist
looking for opportunities to grow, exhibit,
or gain international exposure, here are
some current open calls and programmes
worth applying to.
From fellowships to residencies and
exhibitions, these opportunities span
across Africa and globally.
Zeitz MOCAA & UWC Museum
Fellowship Programme (2027)
Open to: African applicants (emerging
art and museum professionals)
Deadline: 30 June 2026
This is a highly competitive, year-long
pan-African fellowship designed for
individuals interested in museum
practice and curatorship. The programme
combines hands-on experience at Zeitz
MOCAA with postgraduate study at the
University of the Western Cape.
Fellows gain exposure across key
museum departments including curatorial,
education, and exhibition design, while
also completing academic coursework in
museology. The programme includes mentorship,
a stipend, accommodation, and tuition support.
Nightshade Gallery Open Call – The Flower Market
Open to: Artists globally
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Nightshade Gallery is inviting artists to submit work for The Flower Market, a group exhibition centered around floral themes. The show explores creative interpretations of flowers, symbolism, and nature across different mediums.
Selected artists will be featured in the Spring/Summer 2026 exhibition in Texas.
LIMCAF Residency 2026
Open to: Early-career African artists
Deadline: 30 April 2026
The Life in My City Art Foundation (LIMCAF) residency supports emerging artists working within contemporary African art. The programme focuses on skill development, mentorship, and providing a structured environment for artistic growth.
Participants will have the opportunity to create new work and present it within a professional setting.
“Rebirth” Art Exhibition Open Call
Open to: Artists globally
Deadline: 15 April 2026
Curated by Monica Mardare, Rebirth is a London-based group exhibition exploring themes of transformation, renewal, and resilience. The exhibition welcomes a wide range of mediums including painting, photography, installation, textile, and video.
Selected artists will exhibit in a contemporary gallery space and benefit from networking opportunities, artist talks, and exposure to collectors.
Artcore Mobile Festival 2026
Open to: Artists, performers, and cultural practitioners (global, with a focus on Nigeria)
Deadline: 30 June 2026 (midnight)
Artcore Mobile Festival is a nomadic, community-driven arts festival taking place across Lagos and Warri. It focuses on public interventions, performance, installations, and socially engaged practices.
The festival reimagines urban spaces as platforms for storytelling, resistance, and collective expression.
Nhaka Gallery Exhibition Open Call – Voices of Peace
Open to: Artists (with a focus on emerging Zimbabwean artists)
Deadline: 02 May 2026 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, in-person submission)
Nhaka Gallery presents Voices of Peace, a group exhibition centered on themes of unity, healing, and social harmony. This opportunity is aimed at nurturing the next generation of Zimbabwean artists. Unlike most open calls, this requires physical submission of artworks.
Submission Details:
Artists must submit their work in person on 02 May 2026, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at:
Nhaka Gallery
110 Livingstone Avenue
Corner of 9th Street and Livingstone Avenue
Harare, Zimbabwe
Final Note
Opportunities like these are not just about visibility, they are about growth, positioning, and access. If your work is ready, apply.
Your work deserves to be seen.