As we step into a new year, many artists are taking stock of their creative ambitions — whether that’s expanding their portfolio, dedicating more time to applications, or seeking new avenues for visibility and growth.
To support those intentions, we’ve curated a fresh selection of early-2026 artist opportunities across the UK and beyond.
Brooks International Fellowship Programme 2026
This fully funded fellowship is hosted in the Tate Modern Curatorial Division at Tate for six months in 2026, complemented by a residency at Delfina Foundation.
The work will provide a critical reassessment of classical modernist histories of our international collection. The research will spotlight two groups of artworks focused on two issues: 1) gender and queer ecologies; and 2) ecology of migrating identities.
Deadline: 8 January 2026 at 17:00 GMT
Who can apply: International practitioners based outside of the UK.
Jackson’s Art Prize 2026
Jackson’s Art Prize was launched in January 2016, with the aim of spotlighting artistic talent within the Jackson’s community. It welcomes entries in all two-dimensional media including painting, drawing, and original printmaking from amateur to professional artists.
Deadline: 11 February 2026 at 12:00 GMT
Who can apply: UK & International artists (amateur, emerging, and established artists)
Prize: Multiple prizes on offer, including a first prize of £6,000 + £2,000 art materials
The Derwent Art Prize
Created in 2012 by Derwent, the Derwent Art Prize celebrates and rewards excellence in contemporary pencil art, inviting artists to submit the very best in 2D and 3D artworks created in any pencil, including colour, water-soluble, pastel, graphite and charcoal pencils.
Deadline: 13 January 2026 at 17:00 GMT
Who can apply: Artists worldwide
Prize: exhibition opportunity, and multiple prizes worth over £13,500
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP) – Annual Exhibition 2026
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters invites artists around the world to submit portraits for its annual exhibition It welcomes entries in paintings, drawings and original prints.
Deadline: 3 February 2026
Who can apply: UK & International artists (aged over 18)
Prize: Exhibition opportunity and multiple prizes, such as The William Lock Portrait Prize (£20,000).
Body and Place Residency: Landscape
A 4-day residency in the Cotswolds with exploratory drawing workshops led by tutor Martin Morris.
Deadline: 3 February 2026 at midnight
Who can apply: UK & International artists shall not have previously participated in past BODY and PLACE residencies (English speaker)
Prize: An artists fee of £30,000 for the iron panel designs in addition to travel and workshop costs.