JANUARY

Overview

A curated roundup of artist residencies and grants for 2026 supporting focused creative work. The list is organized by application deadline month, from January through December, plus rolling/annual opportunities. Note: Not affiliated with any listed organizations; confirm details directly with each program before applying.

January Opportunities

• Newberry Library Artists in Residence (Chicago) – research-focused residency for artists working with archives, history, or rare collections. Deadline: January 3, 2026
• Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) – long-standing program offering private studios, meals, and flexible stays in Virginia and Auvillar, France. Deadline: January 15, 2026 (also May 15 and September 15 cycles)
• Ucross Foundation Residency (Wyoming) – two to six week retreats in the high plains supporting focused creative time. Deadline: January 15, 2026

February Opportunities

• Center for Craft Windgate Lamar Fellowship – prestigious fellowship for craft-based research and practice for graduating students; nomination required. Deadline: Early February 2026
• Public Art Futures Lab Artist in Residence (Atlanta) – residency for artists interested in public space, urban engagement, and socially responsive work. Deadline: February 10, 2026
• Porcupine Mountains Artist in Residence (Michigan) – two to three week residency open to visual artists, writers, and performers. Deadline: February 14, 2026
• Anderson Ranch Artists in Residence (Colorado) – well-known program offering access to facilities, peers, and development time; current cycle includes Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 sessions. Deadline: February 18, 2026
• Hasselblad Masters 2026 – international photography competition with multiple categories and global visibility. Deadline: February 28, 2026

March–May Opportunities

• Surel's Place Residency (Idaho) – month-long live-work residency in Garden City; includes housing, studio space, and modest stipend. Deadline: March 1, 2026
• Innovate Grants (Visual Art and Photography) – quarterly awards to one visual artist and one photographer; open internationally. Deadline: Cycle based
• Women's Studio Workshop (New York) – hands-on residency offering access to studios for printmaking, papermaking, photography, ceramics, and more. Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET

June–September Opportunities

• Chiaro Award (Headlands Center for the Arts) – fully supported residency for mid-career painters in the U.S.; includes private studio and $15,000 award. Deadline: Check program page for 2026 dates
• Prospect Art: In Flux – open call for concept-driven projects exploring digital and physical space; selected artists receive commission and online feature. Deadline: Mid June 2026 expected
• Jentel Artist Residency (Wyoming) – 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
• Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) – annual application cycle. Deadline: September 15, 2026

October–December Opportunities

• W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund Grant – supports documentary and photojournalistic work; awards include major grant and finalists. Deadline: Early October 2026 expected
• Center for Craft: Craft Research Fund Grant – supports new scholarship and research advancing craft practice and theory. Deadline: October 2026 expected
• Earth Partner Prize (International, Ages 14–30) – supports emerging artists responding to climate, community, and environmental change. Deadline: October 2026 expected
• UMOCA Artist in Residence (Utah) – year-long studio residency for Utah-based artists; includes public programming and community engagement. Deadline: December 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm MT

Rolling and Annual Opportunities

• Pollock Krasner Foundation Grants – rolling support for visual artists with financial need
• Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant – emergency financial assistance for artists facing unexpected hardship
• Creative Capital Awards – major project funding and career support across disciplines; next cycle expected mid 2026

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
• Bookmark this post and check back for updates