Creative Opportunities Round-Up: Residencies, Grants, Open Calls and Prizes
From artist residencies and curatorial open calls to funding and exhibition opportunities, a number of programmes are currently open to creatives across South Africa and the broader African continent. Here are some key opportunities worth exploring, with deadlines approaching in March and later this year.
1. Curatorial Open Call: Fall Programme 2026–2027
Deadline: 15 March 2026
Mussawir Contemporary is inviting emerging and mid-career curators, artists, designers, researchers and PhD candidates to submit proposals for its upcoming Fall Programme.
Three selected proposals will be developed into exhibitions taking place between November 2026 and January 2027.
Proposals should demonstrate:
- A clear research question or conceptual framework
- Engagement with theoretical, historical, material or social contexts
- A strong curatorial methodology
- Awareness of site, audience and ethics
- Openness to experimental formats including performance, archive, publications or workshops
Apply: Applicants must submit a project proposal, feasibility timeline, CV and optional supporting material as a single PDF to: info@mussawircontemporary.com
Subject line: Curatorial Open Call — Fall Programme 2026–2027
2. Mobility Grants for Artists and Cultural Professionals
Deadline: 15 March 2026
The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Sub-Saharan Africa – Connect & Create Programme is offering mobility grants to support international collaboration between African and European cultural practitioners.
The grants support travel linked to:
- Peer learning and professional exchange
- Research and co-creation
- Exhibitions and creative practice development
Eligible disciplines include visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, film, media arts, design, architecture, fashion and cultural heritage.
Apply: Mobilities must begin after 1 June 2026, and applications are submitted individually via the Goethe Application Portal: https://www.goethe.de/prj/aep/en/cal/ssa/mga/img.html
3. BAT Centre Artist-in-Residence Programme (Durban)
The BAT Centre has opened applications for its 2026 Artist-in-Residence Programme, a 12-month full-time residency designed to support young creatives through mentorship, facilities and professional development.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 25 years old
- Practise as a visual artist or musician
- Be available for the full residency period
Applications require a CV, ID, proof of residence, qualifications, a motivational letter, portfolio (for visual artists) and a reference.
Apply: Applications can be emailed to: visualarts@batcentre.co.za
4. Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism
Deadline: 31 March 2026
The 1952 Africa Foundation, in partnership with the HOW Foundation, has launched the Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism, awarding $15,000 to an African artist whose work imagines the continent’s future.
The 2026 theme, “Africa in 2100”, invites artists to explore questions around technological change, cultural continuity and speculative futures grounded in African realities.
The prize is open to artists aged 18–45 working across all disciplines including visual art, design, digital media and performance.
Applications require:
- Project proposal
- Portfolio
- CV
- Reference letter
- Statement of purpose
Apply: Submissions are made through the online application form: https://www.1952africa.art/chizi-wigwe-prize
5. Solo Exhibition Open Call: Oliewenhuis Art Museum
Deadline: 29 May 2026
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is inviting South African visual artists to submit proposals for solo exhibitions to be included in the museum’s exhibition calendar over the next four years.
Proposals will be assessed on artistic merit, conceptual relevance within the South African context and the applicant’s exhibition history.
Selected artists will receive:
- Exhibition space within the museum
- Artwork transport within South Africa
- Insurance while artworks are on site
- Promotional support
Apply: Artists must submit a completed application form and supporting documents to: publicart@nasmus.co.za
More information can be found here: https://nationalmuseum.co.za
6. National Arts Council (NAC) Project Funding 2026–2027
Deadline: 13 March 2026
The National Arts Council’s annual funding round offers project-based grants of up to R350,000 for individual practitioners and organisations working in the arts.
Priority areas include:
- Indigenous arts
- Social cohesion
- Digital arts
- Capacity building
- Support for vulnerable groups
Apply: Applications are submitted through the NAC’s online grants system
7. Alliance Française Pretoria: Exhibition Call
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Alliance Française Pretoria is inviting submissions for its 2026 exhibition programme, seeking innovative visual art projects across mediums including painting, installation and digital work.
Apply: Applicants must apply through the Alliance Française website and submit their contract via email to culture@pta.alliance.org.za
More information can be found here: https://pta.alliance.org.za/call-for-applications-visual-artists-for-2026-exhibitions/#/
8. Springs Art Gallery External Exhibition Programme
Deadline: 16 March 2026
Springs Art Gallery is accepting proposals for its 2026–2027 External Exhibition Programme, open to emerging and established artists, curators and collectives.
Selected applicants receive:
- Free gallery space
- Installation support
- Marketing and PR assistance
- Administrative and professional guidance
- Insurance coverage for artworks
Artists are responsible for framing, transport and exhibition materials. Proposals should include a concept statement, artist bio, CV and work samples.
Apply: Submissions must be emailed as a single PDF to: sag@ekurhuleni.gov.za
More information can be found here: https://springsartgallery21-crypto.github.io/SpringsArtGallery/
9. Spier Light Art 2026
6 March – 6 April 2026 | Spier Wine Farm
Spier Light Art returns this year as a large-scale outdoor exhibition transforming the Spier estate into a night-time art experience featuring light-based installations.
The event is free to attend, though booking is required, with additional ticketed food experiences available.
For more information visit: https://www.spier.co.za/events/spier-light-art/
