Artist Opportunities, May 2026

Read: Drawing by Anthony Gormley (Thames & Hudson)

‘Drawings have immediacy. In a good session, drawing can be like going for a rugged, physical adventure on a blustery day with changing conditions of light and rain. A day passed without drawing is a day lost.’

This new book follows Antony Gormley’s drawing practice from 1980 to the present, offering a look at a medium that runs parallel to his celebrated sculptural work, with many unseen works published for the first time. While he is best known for his monumental figures, the book reveals drawing as a central tool for thinking, feeling and exploration—an intimate space where ideas are tested and inner landscapes take form.

Read a recent interview that Thames & Hudson did with Anthony Gormley here and buy the book.

Enter: The Hogarth Prize

The Hogarth Prize is now open for entries from UK-based artists and makers. The Prize welcomes submissions artists working in any medium suitable for wall display. The selection panel will shortlist approximately 80 works for an exhibition at Hogarth’s House, London, from 28 July to 6 September 2026. The Hogarth Prize winner will receive £3,000 and a solo exhibition at Hogarth’s House.

Submit your work by Tuesday 2 June, 5pm.

Enter now.

Obi Agwam Better if I don't (detail), 2026© Obi Agwam

Join: Reimagining the Canon

Royal Academy, Wed 6 May, 6.30pm

Obi Agwam (artist, RA Starr Fellow 2026), Cynthia Igbokwe (curator and researcher), Bernice Mulegnga (artist and photographer) and Nikita Sena Quarshie (curator and writer) explore how artists can use imagination to rewrite histories, expand representation, and resist the confines of established cultural canons.

Book tickets

Apply: Online Drawing Development Year

Deadline: 29 July 2026

The Online Drawing Development Year (ODDY) is designed for arts graduates and artists with an evolving studio practice who seek live online drawing tuition and a structured critical dialogue with tutors, mentors, and peers. Spanning three terms, this programme offers sustained guidance and skill development while supporting each student's artistic practice. Once studdents complete the course there are exhibition and residency opportunities to continue to support them as they develop their work.  

This flexible course allows students to curate their own selection of courses each term, ensuring a balance between work, studio practice, and other commitments. Delivered entirely online, it is ideal for those based outside London, international students, or individuals with specific access needs. 

Find out more and apply

Listen to: A Brush with... Sanya Kantarovsky

Sanya Kantarovsky discusses his influences—from writers to musicians, and, of course, other artists—and the cultural experiences that have shaped his life and work. Kantarovsky was born in Moscow in 1982 and emigrated to to Providence, Rhode Island, when he was ten years old. He lives and works in New York City today. His paintings present scenarios that are at once arresting and alluring. He reflects on the influence of historic painters, including Francisco de Goya, Giorgio de Chirico and Philip Guston.

Listen here

Enter: Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize

The annual Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize is now open. The UK’s leading open exhibition dedicated to contemporary drawing allows artists UK and worldwide to submit up to three drawings for consideration. All selected drawings will be included in a high-profile exhibition held at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London from 17 September - 4 October 2026, with the exhibition then touring to venues across the UK into 2027.

Prizes include the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize of £15,000, the Trinity Buoy Wharf Student Prize of £2,000 and the Trinity Buoy Wharf Three Boroughs Award for local artists.

Enter by Tuesday 9 June 2026.