Artist Residencies and Grants Calendar

Feeling creatively unhinged but also somehow exhausted? If you’ve already skimmed the trend forecasts and still want something that actually moves the needle, this list of artist residencies and grants for 2026 might be exactly what you need.Whether you’re craving a quiet stretch of time to make work without interruption, or you’re looking for support to build what comes next, these opportunities are worth a look.

Note: We’re not affiliated with any of these folks listed below. This roundup exists to help artists more easily find opportunities that support focused creative work. Always confirm details directly with the organization before applying.

JANUARY

Newberry Library Artists in Residence – Chicago, USA
A research focused residency supporting artists working with archives, history, or rare collections.
Ideal if your practice overlaps with writing, research, or deep inquiry.
Deadline: January 3, 2026
Apply: Newberry Library Residency

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA)

A long standing residency program offering private studios, meals, and flexible stays.
Locations include Virginia and Auvillar, France.
Deadline: January 15, 2026 (also May 15 and September 15 cycles)
Apply: VCCA Residency

Ucross Foundation Residency – Wyoming, USA
A sought after retreat in the high plains of Wyoming.
Residencies run two to six weeks and support focused, uninterrupted creative time.
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Apply: Ucross Foundation Residency

FEBRUARY

Center for Craft Windgate Lamar Fellowship
A prestigious fellowship supporting craft based research and practice for graduating students.
Nomination required.
Deadline: Early February 2026
Apply: Windgate Fellowship

Public Art Futures Lab Artist in Residence – Atlanta, USA
A residency for artists interested in public space, urban engagement, and socially responsive work.
Deadline: February 10, 2026
Apply: Public Art Futures Lab

Porcupine Mountains Artist in Residence – Michigan, USA
A two to three week residency in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Open to visual artists, writers, and performers.
Deadline: February 14, 2026
Apply: Porcupine Mountains AIR

Anderson Ranch Artists in Residence – Colorado, USA
A well known residency program offering access to facilities, peers, and time to develop work.
The current cycle includes Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 sessions.
Deadline: February 18, 2026
Apply: Anderson Ranch Residency

Hasselblad Masters 2026 Photography Competition
An international photography competition with multiple categories and global visibility.
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Apply: Hasselblad Masters

MARCH

Surel’s Place Residency – Idaho, USA
A month long live work residency in Garden City, Idaho.
Includes housing, studio space, and a modest stipend.
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Apply: Surel’s Place Residency

APRIL

Innovate Grants – Visual Art and Photography
Quarterly grants awarded to one visual artist and one photographer.
Open internationally and refreshingly straightforward to apply.
Deadline: Cycle based
Apply: Innovate Grants

MAY

Women’s Studio Workshop Studio Workspace Residency – New York, USA
A hands on residency offering access to studios for printmaking, papermaking, photography, ceramics, and more.
Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET
Apply: Women’s Studio Workshop

JUNE

Chiaro Award – Headlands Center for the Arts
A fully supported residency for mid career painters in the U.S.
Includes a private studio and a $15,000 award.
Deadline: Check program page for 2026 dates
Apply: Chiaro Award

Prospect Art: In Flux – New Work Commission
An open call supporting concept driven projects exploring digital and physical space.
Selected artists receive a commission and online feature.
Deadline: Mid June 2026 expected
Apply: Prospect Art In Flux

JULY

Grand Canyon Artist in Residence – Arizona, USA
Closed for 2026, but worth flagging for future years.
Residencies include housing, stipend, and access to the South Rim.
Status: Closed for 2026
Learn more: Grand Canyon AIR

AUGUST

Innovate Grants – Visual Art and Photography
Quarterly award cycle.
Deadline: Cycle based
Apply: Innovate Grants

SEPTEMBER

Jentel Artist Residency – Wyoming, USA
A month long residency offering private studio space, housing, and time to reset.
Open to visual artists and writers.
Deadline: September 15, 2026 at 12:00 noon MST
Apply: Jentel Arts Residency

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA)
One of three annual application cycles.
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Apply: VCCA Residency

OCTOBER

W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund Grant – Photography
Supports documentary and photojournalistic work with depth and compassion.
Awards include a major grant and additional finalists.
Deadline: Early October 2026 expected
Apply: Smith Fund Grant

Center for Craft: Craft Research Fund Grant
Supports new scholarship and research that advances craft practice and theory.
Deadline: October 2026 expected
Apply: Craft Research Fund

Earth Partner Prize – International (Ages 14–30)
Supports emerging artists responding to climate, community, and environmental change.
Deadline: October 2026 expected
Apply: Earth Partner Prize

DECEMBER

UMOCA Artist in Residence – Utah, USA
A year long studio residency for Utah based artists.
Includes public programming and community engagement.
Deadline: December 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm MT
Apply: UMOCA Residency

ROLLING OR ANNUAL DATES TO WATCH

Pollock Krasner Foundation Grants
Rolling support for visual artists with financial need.
Apply: Pollock Krasner Foundation

Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant
Emergency financial assistance for artists facing unexpected hardship.
Apply: Gottlieb Foundation

Creative Capital Awards
Major project funding and career support across disciplines.
Next cycle expected mid 2026.
Learn more: Creative Capital

Pro Tips:
• Applications often open months in advance. Bookmark key programs and set reminders.
• Keep a basic application kit ready. Bio, work samples, and a short project statement save time.