ARTIST RESOURCES
Resources & Opportunities for artists from throughout the contemporary art field.
Transformer is committed to connecting artists with information on resources and opportunities to support them.
On a rolling basis, we share helpful artist listings and links from colleagues throughout the contemporary art field. Please check back on our website & Instagram regularly for these updates.
List Updated: December 2, 2025
SUBMISSIONS
FLATFILE
Along with specific exhibition proposals, artists may submit samples of their work to be considered for inclusion in our FlatFile program - a growing collection of works on paper in a variety of two-dimensional mediums including photography, painting, drawing, and printmaking, approximately 16" x 20" in size and smaller, & priced under $500.
To submit to the FlatFile, please email your artist bio, website, and a small selection of images and corresponding artwork details to submissions@transformerdc.org. Artwork details to include for each piece: title, year made, medium, dimensions, price. Please format artwork file names as follows: LastName_ArtworkTitle.
EXHIBITIONS
With a unique store-front exhibition space at 1404 P Street, NW, Transformer’s Exhibition Series, consisting of six to seven exhibitions per season, encourages artists to be site-responsive, often producing a deeper and more thoughtful exploration of ideas and solutions to the presentation of their work. Exhibitions run five to six weeks and are organized by Transformer staff in conjunction with participating artists, guest curators, and advisors.
Artists are never charged fees for participating in Transformer’s exhibition series nor to have their work considered. We are not a commercial gallery, we do not offer artist representation, and only offer ONE solo exhibition per year - for which we do not accept applications.
To submit an exhibition proposal: please email a copy of your artist bio, CV, and proposal to submissions@transformerdc.org for consideration.
Include photos (proposed or representative pieces), an artist statement, and as much detail as possible in the proposal; What do you hope people will take away from your exhibition? Why is Transformer a good fit to exhibit your artwork?
If we have an opportunity for you, you will be contacted in 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, check out our artist resources page for additional local and national opportunities, and our upcoming events calendar for free and public Transformer programs.
Artist Resources
YICCA Art Contest – International Competition for Artists
YICCA is a competition aimed at all artists or groups of artists, both professionals and non-professionals from any country in the world. All types of contemporary artworks are allowed.
Deadline: December 4, 2025
Call for Proposals for The Vision is Yours 2026: Placemaking & Placekeeping Forum
At this year’s The Vision is Yours Placemaking & Placekeeping Conference, we’re shining a spotlight on the strategies that spark momentum, sustain energy, and bring lasting impact to communities. We’re looking for dynamic voices and creative ideas to share what works — and what others can learn from. All speakers will receive complimentary registration to the 2-day conference.
Deadline: December 12, 2025
Folger Institute Long-term Public Humanities Fellowship
The Long-term Public Humanities Fellowship is designed to draw on the strengths of the Folger’s collections, exhibitions, and programming themes to conduct research on a public humanities project. In their fellowship application, applicants must propose and detail at least one instance of public humanities engagement to be developed and implemented in conversation with Folger Institute staff. Applicants are not required to hold a terminal degree but should describe their equivalent training and industry-specific experience in their CV. The Long-term Public Humanities Fellowship will be offered at $70,000 for a standard period of 9 months; up to 3 months may be taken virtually.
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Alexander Brest Gallery: Annual Open Call for Exhibition Proposals | Jacksonville, FL
The Alexander Brest Gallery at Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, FL) is seeking exhibition proposals for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. The 2300 square foot gallery space welcomes proposals for 2D, 3D, installation, and video work. Both solo and group exhibition proposals will be considered. Free to apply.
Deadline: December 17, 2025
The 18th edition of the Prisma Art Prize is an international award celebrating creativity and innovation in the visual arts, open to all living artists, with no restrictions on age, gender, nationality, or ethnicity, and welcomes works of painting, drawing, and engraving in any size and on any medium. Awards include a cash prize, honorable mentions, artistic residencies (at Dar Meso, Tunisi, and Casacon Sirolo, Italy), solo exhibitions, and the opportunity to exhibit in the final show at Contemporary Cluster in Rome. Application fees apply.
Deadline: December 19, 2025
2026 WOPHA Research Fellowship
The fellowship supports exemplary research by emerging and established writers examining themes related to women and non-binary voices in photography. It facilitates the creation of scholarly essays that engage with primary and secondary sources while supporting authors through access to mentorship, networking, and publication opportunities. It offers a $2,000 stipend, a 15-day residency in Miami, mentorship, and round-trip airfare. Application fee: $10
Deadline: December 21, 2025
Mudhouse Full Fellowship Award – 2026 | Crete, Greece
The Full Fellowship Award for 2026 includes accommodations, studio space and two meals each day for the two week duration of the residency at no cost to the artist. The artist is responsible for their own travel to the residency, and for any groceries, art supplies or excursions outside of the village. The Mudhouse Residency sponsors two Full Fellowships for the 2026 season in Crete, Greece. The Full fellowship is determined by a selection committee based on the merit of the applicant’s work.
Deadline: January 1, 2026
Pollock-Krasner Foundation grants
The Foundation welcomes applications from visual artists who are painters, sculptors, and artists who work on paper, including printmakers. Grants are intended for a one-year period of time. The Foundation will review expenditures relating to an artist’s professional work and personal expenses, and amounts range up to $50,000. Artists must be actively exhibiting their current work in professional artistic venues, such as gallery and museum spaces.
Deadline: Rolling
Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants
Emergency Grants is the only active, multidisciplinary program that offers immediate, project-based assistance of this kind to artists living and working anywhere in the United States, for projects occurring in the U.S. and abroad. Grants range from $500 to $3,000, and the average grant is $2,300.
Deadline: Rolling
Indigo Arts Alliance mentorship residency | Portland, ME
Indigo Arts Alliance fosters mentorship by pairing two artists together during a residency period of 1-2 months to cultivate rich conversation, collaboration, and exchange experiences, knowledge, art industry information and technical skills. Housing, stipend, and 24-hour access to community studio provided. For Black and Brown artists.
Deadline: Rolling
Alterwork Residency | Long Island City, NY
This residency allows emerging contemporary artists time and space to create new work exploring their practice. The residency culminates in a solo closing reception that is promoted across an extensive network. Proposals should have a contemporary art focus showing experimentation and career reach for the artist. The program is especially interested in projects that involve conceptual art, practice or theory, or involve the public in their creative process.
Deadline: Rolling
ART14 Residency | Patton, Pennsylvania
During their stay, artists’ objectives are self-prescribed. The program welcomes all types of artists, writers, musicians, etc. of all skill levels, welcomes creators to explore new media and techniques, and encourages collaboration but does not require it. Residents are encouraged to explore and engage with the local community.
Deadline: Rolling
The Foundation welcomes applications from visual artists who are painters, sculptors, and artists who work on paper, including printmakers. Grants are intended for a one-year period of time. The Foundation will review expenditures relating to an artist’s professional work and personal expenses, and amounts range up to $50,000. Artists must be actively exhibiting their current work in professional artistic venues, such as gallery and museum spaces.
Deadline: Rolling
DC Arts Center Call for Curators | Washington DC*
Apply to curate and exhibition at the DC Arts Center, send your resume and cover letter/artist statement to info@dcartscenter.org
Deadline: Rolling basis, apply now!
Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant
The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program provides interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident.
The maximum amount of this grant is $15,000; an award of $5,000 is typical.
Deadline: Rolling
DC Arts Center Open Call For Artists | Washington DC*
The DC Arts Center accepts applications to exhibit in their Main and Nano Galleries on a rolling basis.
Deadline: Rolling
Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants
Emergency Grants is the only active, multi-disciplinary program that offers immediate, project-based assistance of this kind to artists living and working anywhere in the United States, for projects occurring in the U.S. and abroad. Grants range in amount from $500 to $3,000, and the average grant is $1,900.
Deadline: Rolling
The Awesome Foundation is a global community advancing the interest of awesome in the universe, $1000 at a time. Each fully autonomous chapter supports projects through micro-grants, usually given out monthly. Projects include initiatives in a wide range of areas including arts, technology, community development, and more. Many awesome projects are novel or experimental, and evoke surprise and delight.
Deadline: Rolling
Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund
The Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund provides support to creators during times of extraordinary hardship. Current Fund efforts are focused on supporting creators who have been directly impacted by the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. If selected, you will receive $10,000 from the Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund.
Deadline: Rolling
Awesome Foundation on the Water Grant
This grant awards $1,000 per month to a water-focused project that brings creativity, culture, and inclusion to the water or provides a new way of thinking about the water. Applicants can be based anywhere in the world.
Deadline: Rolling
Creative Capital Artist Lab is a new online professional development curriculum designed to help artists build thriving practices at any career stage and in any discipline. Free for individual use, courses are created by art professionals, industry experts, and fellow artists who share vital concepts, skills, and tools to help grow artists’ careers—including courses on crafting artist statements, grant proposals, managing multiple income streams, and more.
Deadline: Rolling
Artist Communities Alliance Job Postings
ACA is hiring for a wide variety of positions. Apply ASAP!