We’re gliding into the new year with a curated selection of opportunities that matter this February. From short courses and residencies to exhibitions, art fairs and museum vacancies, the month offers multiple ways to learn, show work, exchange ideas, and advance your practice.
Several deadlines land early and mid-February, so this one’s worth a proper read-through.
As always, we’ll keep the good things coming.
1. Fine Arts Appreciation: African Contemporary Art (Short Course)
Deadline: 7 February 2026
Location: Johannesburg
An accessible entry point into African contemporary art for beginners and aspiring collectors. The course introduces key movements, visual languages and conceptual concerns, while unpacking how the art ecosystem functions, from artists and galleries to auctions and institutions. Designed to build confidence in viewing, discussing and collecting art with intention.
Apply: Email mmadolo@gmail.com for application details
2. Pro Helvetia Residency Programme
Deadline: 1 March 2026, 23:59 (CET)
Pro Helvetia offers up to three-month residencies at partner institutions in West, Central, East and Southern Africa for artists and cultural practitioners based in Switzerland. The programme supports research, exchange and collaboration within local cultural contexts.
The residency is fully funded and includes accommodation, travel costs, daily allowances, professional coaching, and optional workspace and production support. Childcare support is available on request.
Language: Applications must be submitted in English
Eligibility: Swiss-based artists and cultural practitioners (individuals or duos)
Apply: https://prohelvetia.ch/en/find-support/residency-in-west-central-east-and-southern-africa/
3. Lakritz the Magazine: Call for Art
Deadline: Open, year-round
Lakritz is a contemporary art magazine publishing six issues annually, presenting selected artists to an international readership of collectors, gallerists, curators and art enthusiasts.
🔗 Submit: www.lakritz.co.za/call-for-art
4. Wolvengat Artist Visit and Short Residency
Deadline: 10 February 2026
Dates: 2–7 March 2026
Location: Western Cape
Artists are invited to spend time in Wolvengat, a rural hamlet affected by recent wildfires. The visit focuses on witnessing regeneration, engaging with land custodians and firefighters, and responding to a transformed landscape. The residency is self-directed, with simple accommodation arranged. Other costs are covered by the artist.
📱 Enquiries: WhatsApp 083 269 9128
5. Imbeleko – Zizipho Poswa
Opening: 12 February 2026, 18:00
Exhibition dates: 12 February – 12 March 2026
Venue: Southern Guild Cape Town
A major new solo exhibition by Zizipho Poswa, exploring motherhood, ancestry and inherited strength through sculptural clay forms. The work reflects on the body as a site of lineage and continuity, grounded in isiXhosa traditions and the artist’s evolving material language.
6. Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2026
Dates: 20–22 February 2026
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
The largest international art fair on the African continent returns with its most ambitious edition to date. Featuring 126 exhibitors from 34 global cities and over 490 artists, the fair is guided by the curatorial concept Listen, positioning it as a space for discovery, dialogue and global exchange.
🔗 Tickets: https://www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za/
7. Conservator: Art (Permanent Position)
Organisation: Iziko Museums
Closing date: 13 February 2026, 16:00
A senior conservation role focused on collection care, research, acquisitions, risk management and departmental leadership. Requires extensive professional experience, conservation qualifications and museum practice expertise.
📧 Apply: recruitment@iziko.org.za
8. Curator: Information Services
Organisation: Museum Africa, Johannesburg
Closing date: 10 March 2026
A curatorial and information management role overseeing collection databases, documentation systems, digital image archives and public research services. Ideal for candidates with strong museum documentation and data management experience.
Salary: R8,242 – R14,828 per month
📧 Contact: sandrad@joburg.org.za
9. BAT Centre Artist-In-Residence Programme (Durban)
📅 Deadline: 27 March 2026
A 12-month, full-time residency for visual artists and musicians aged 18–25. Designed to nurture emerging creatives and help them reach their artistic potential.
📩 Apply: visualarts@batcentre.co.za
10. RMB Latitudes 2026: Nigeria Focus
📅 Applications open now
Artists and cultural practitioners from Nigeria are invited to participate in a curated exhibition in Lagos and at RMB Latitudes Art Fair in South Africa. The focus supports cross-border exchange, collector engagement, and visibility for emerging and established talent.
🔗 More info: RMB Latitudes
11. ARAK Collection Annual Curatorial Fellowship
📅 Deadline: 15 February 2026, 23:59 GMT
A fellowship promoting knowledge and understanding of African contemporary art in the Middle East and beyond. Open to curators worldwide.
🔗 Apply: ARAK Collection
12. AU–EU Youth Action Lab: Cooperation Grants
📅 Deadline: 12 February 2026, 13:00 CET
€50,000 funding for youth-led partnerships across Africa and Europe. Supports joint advocacy and creative collaboration with meaningful policy impact.
🔗 Apply: aueuyouth.com/cooperation-grants
13. Forecast: International Mentorship Program
📅 Deadline: 16 February 2026, 23:59 CET
Mentorship for artists and cultural producers of all disciplines. Submit projects that align with the expertise of this year’s mentors, exploring innovation in practice, material and knowledge production.
🔗 Apply here: https://forecast-platform.com/
14. DSAC Youth Talent Database (South Africa)
📅 Deadline: 13 February 2026, 12:00 SAST
Register your profile to be considered for future contract placements in arts, culture, heritage, creative industries, and related sectors. Open to South African youth aged 18–35 with relevant qualifications.
🔗 Register: DSAC Youth Employment Opportunities
15. Series Mania Forum 2026 (Television Producers)
📅 Deadline: 16 February 2026, 17:00 SAST
For experienced South African TV producers seeking international co-production, distribution, or financing partners at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France (24–26 March 2026).
🔗 More info: https://www.nfvf.co.za/call-to-participate-at-series-mania-forum-2026/
16. Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism
📅 Deadline: 27 March 2026
$15,000 grant supporting African artists aged 18–45 to produce work imagining Africa in 2100. Includes an international residency. Open to all disciplines.
🔗 Apply here: https://www.1952africa.art/chizi-wigwe-prize
17. Mother/Other Symposium: Motherhood as Cultural Force
📅 17 February 2026
One-day symposium exploring motherhood and mothering through art, culture, and politics. Includes panel discussions and participatory sessions.
🔗 RSVP: Iziko Museums
18. Cape Town Furniture Week 2026
📅 18–21 February 2026
Four-day design festival featuring contemporary furniture, lighting, and homeware. Exhibitions, installations, talks, and tours across showrooms, studios, and pop-up spaces. Free public access to exhibitions.
🔗 More info: Cape Town Furniture Week
