We have carefully curated some of the most exciting contests, fellowships and fundings for creatives (writers, artists, photographers or filmmakers)
Creative Opportunities For Writers, Filmmakers and Visual Artists in June 2025
Creative Writers (Poetry, Short Stories etc)
1. Akron Poetry Prize 2025
The Akron Poetry Prize invites poets to submit full-length poetry manuscripts for a chance to win publication in the prestigious Akron Series in Poetry. It’s an excellent opportunity for emerging and established poets looking to publish a debut or second collection.
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Deadline: June 15, 2025 (by 9:00 p.m. ET)
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Category: Full-Length Poetry Collection
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Eligibility: Open to all poets writing in English
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Entry Fee: Not specified
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Prizes/Benefits: $1,500 + publication
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Additional Notes: Judged by a nationally prominent poet; additional manuscripts may be considered for publication.
2. Norton Writer’s Prize 2025
The Norton Writer’s Prize seeks exceptional nonfiction by U.S. undergrads. Entrants submit original work such as memoirs, literacy narratives, essays, reports, literary analyses, or multimodal pieces written during their 2024–25 coursework. Each entry must be nominated by an instructor, in order to ensure quality and academic relevance.
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Deadline: June 15, 2025
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Category: Undergraduate Nonfiction (1,000–3,000 words)
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Eligibility: Legal residents of the U.S. or D.C., aged 18+, enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college during 2024–25; Norton employees and past prize winners are ineligible
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Entry Fee: None
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Prizes/Benefits: Three $1,000 cash awards—one each for a first-year student, a 2-year college student, and a 4-year college student
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Additional Notes:
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Instructor nomination is required, including a merit summary
Submitted work may be published in Norton textbooks
3. Vweta Chadwick Poetry Prize 2025
Organized by Project ASHA to honor the legacy of Vweta Chadwick, this prize elevates the voices of young Nigerian and African female poets. The 2025 theme, “Hear Our Voices; Heal This Land,” invites original, unpublished poetry that speaks to social change, empowerment, and healing.
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Deadline: June 22, 2025
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Category: Poetry (original, unpublished)
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Eligibility: Female poets aged 15–26, primarily Nigerian/African
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Entry Fee: Free
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Prizes/Benefits: 1 million Naira (~$1,300 USD) cash prize + potential publication in anthologies/event inclusion
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Additional Notes:
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One poem per entrant, up to 40 lines
- No previously published, AI-generated, or co-authored work
- English poems allowed (other languages permitted with glossary)
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4. New Voices Award 2025
This award supports writers of color and Native/Indigenous writers seeking to break into children’s publishing. Authors are invited to submit picture book manuscripts for children aged 5–12. The contest has launched numerous successful literary careers since its founding.
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Deadline: June 30, 2025
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Category: Picture Book Manuscript (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry)
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Eligibility: Unpublished writers of color or Native/Indigenous writers
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Entry Fee: None stated
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Prizes/Benefits: $2,000 cash + publication
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Additional Notes: Manuscript must be under 1,500 words; must not have been previously submitted to the publisher.
5. UMP Festival 2025 – Call for Creatives (THE ELEVATION)
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Category: artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, poets, and performers from around the world.
Eligibility: Creatives all around the world.
Entry Fee: None stated
Prizes/Benefits:
- International exposure at a globally recognized festival
- Opportunities to collaborate with top creatives and industry leaders
- A platform to showcase their talent in a dynamic cultural setting
- A chance to experience Cape Maclear’s rich artistic and tourism ecosystem
6. Drue Heinz Literature Prize 2025
This prestigious annual award from the University of Pittsburgh Press recognizes outstanding collection(s) of short fiction by established writers. It seeks full manuscripts—collections of short stories, novellas, or a combination thereof—crafted by authors who have published a previous book-length fiction work or at least three stories in major outlets. Winners earn a major cash prize, publication, and editorial support.
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Deadline: June 30, 2025 (submissions open May 1)
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Category: Short Fiction Collection (150–300 manuscript pages)
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Eligibility: Open to writers worldwide; must have published a fiction book or at least 3 short stories/novellas; excludes digital‑only/self‑published authors and those affiliated with University of Pittsburgh Press
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Entry Fee: None
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Prizes/Benefits: $15,000 cash + publication by University of Pittsburgh Press + national promotion
Additional Notes:
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Manuscripts must be unpublished in full (individual stories may’ve appeared and are acceptable)
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- Only content up to 300 pages; novellas allowed as part of collections; judged anonymously
7. EduLegit Essay Contest
EduLegit is hosting an essay contest to encourage creative writing on the topic of Artificial Intelligence. Participants are required to submit an 800-word essay using the EduLegit platform. The contest aims to promote academic honesty and originality.
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Deadline: June 30, 2025
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Category: Essay Writing
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Eligibility: Open to all students
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Prizes: 1st place: $3,000 scholarship; 2nd place: $1,000 scholarship; 3rd place: $500 scholarship
8. African Writers Awards 2025
Now in its 8th edition, the African Writers Awards celebrates African storytelling through poetry and short fiction. This year’s theme, “African Pride: A Cultural Narrative,” invites writers to explore heritage, identity, and culture in powerful, original voices. Sponsored by Anthony ‘Penboss’ Onugba, the award encourages authenticity and originality. However, AI-generated or previously published work will not be accepted.
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Deadline: July 1, 2025
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Category: Poetry or Short Story (choose one only)
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Eligibility: Open to African writers; previous winners excluded
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Entry Fee: None
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Prizes/Benefits: $250 per genre winner
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Additional Notes: Stories: 3,000–5,000 words; Poetry: 14 lines minimum
9. Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature 2025
This prize honors the legacy of Wakini Kuria by recognizing excellence in children’s literature by African writers. Now in its 7th edition and sponsored by Nahida Esmail, the award seeks engaging, unpublished stories for readers aged 6 to 12. This year’s theme, “Reclaim Roots, Imagine Futures,” encourages writers to craft culturally rooted yet forward-looking tales.
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Deadline: July 1, 2025
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Category: Children’s Literature (prose only, max 1,200 words)
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Eligibility: Writers of African descent; past winners excluded
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Entry Fee: None
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Prizes/Benefits: 1st – $200, 2nd – $150, 3rd – $100 + certificates
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Additional Notes: AI-generated and previously published work not accepted
10. African Teen Writers Awards 2025
Now in its 4th edition, the African Teen Writers Awards encourages young African voices to celebrate culture and identity through the theme “My Culture, My Pride.” Organized by Writers Space Africa, the competition aims to combat negative stereotypes by giving early teens a platform to express themselves through poetry and prose.
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Deadline: July 1, 2025
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Category: Poetry or Prose (one entry per category)
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Eligibility: African teens aged 13–16
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Entry Fee: None
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Prizes/Benefits: $100 + certificate per category winner
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Additional Notes: AI-generated work is not allowed; proof of age will be required for shortlisted writers
11. Hubert Butler Essay Prize 2025
Inspired by the legacy of essayist Hubert Butler, this UK/EU contest challenges writers to explore profound social and philosophical questions. The 2025 topic draws on Shakespeare’s King Lear, encouraging entrants to tackle questions of autonomy, life, and death.
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Deadline: July 4, 2025
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Category: Essay (up to 3,000 words)
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Eligibility: Citizens or residents of the UK or EU, age 18+
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Entry Fee: Not specified
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Prizes/Benefits: €1,500 (1st prize); two runners-up receive €500
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Additional Notes: 2025 Theme: “Have we no more active rights over life, birth and death?”
12. HG Wells Short Story Competition 2025
Celebrating storytelling in the spirit of H.G. Wells, this international competition offers prizes for both young and adult writers. The 2025 theme, “The Middle Ground,” invites bold and imaginative takes on contemporary issues or timeless themes.
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Deadline: July 8, 2025 (by 11:00 p.m. BST)
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Category: Short Story (Theme: The Middle Ground)
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Eligibility: Open worldwide; Junior (under 21), Senior (21+)
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Entry Fee: £10 (Senior), £5 (Senior students); Junior entries are free
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Prizes/Benefits: £1,000 (Junior), £500 (Senior); shortlisted entries published in an anthology
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Additional Notes: Entries must be original, unpublished, and under 5,000 words
13. Joe Ushie Poetry Prize
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize seeks to honor outstanding Nigerian poets. Entrants can submit up to three unpublished poems, each not exceeding 50 lines. The prize emphasizes originality and the celebration of Nigerian literary talent.
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Deadline: July 31, 2025
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Category: Poetry
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Eligibility: Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above
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Prize/Benefits: $500 and potential promotional opportunities through the Joe Ushie Literature Foundation.
14. Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition 2026
This globally recognized annual competition is open to emerging playwrights writing in English. It seeks original, unpublished full-length plays with strong narrative and theatrical appeal. The winning manuscript receives not just acclaim but a publishing deal and a professional reading, making it a prime opportunity for breakthrough talent. The theme is open, but plays must not have been previously produced or published.
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Deadline: August 15, 2025 (submissions open June 1, 2025)
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Category: Full-length stage play (minimum 65 pages)
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Eligibility: Open to writers worldwide; only solo-authored submissions accepted; prior winners excluded
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Entry Fee: None
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Prizes/Benefits: $10,000 cash prize, publication by Yale University Press, and a staged reading at Yale
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Additional Notes: Must be unpublished and unproduced; no musicals, children’s plays, or co-authored scripts allowed
15. Oxford Poetry Prize 2025
The Oxford Poetry Prize is back and ready to crown the next champion of crisp, cutting, unforgettable verse. Hosted by Oxford Poetry, this annual contest invites poets from around the globe to submit a single poem (in English, up to 50 lines). If your lines carry weight, sting, beauty, or bite—this one’s for you.
This year’s guest judge is the acclaimed poet and essayist Rebecca Tamás. Winners not only walk away with serious cash but also earn the prestige of being published in one of the most respected poetry magazines around. Just make sure your words are yours—no AI, no previously published pieces, no exceptions.
- Deadline: August 31, 2025 (midnight UTC)
- Category: Poetry (Single Poem, max 50 lines)
- Eligibility: Open worldwide; 18+
- Entry Fee: £10 per poem
- Prizes:
- 1st Prize: £1,000
- 2nd Prize: £200
- 3rd Prize: £100
- Publication: All winning entries will be published in Oxford Poetry
16. The Writers’ College Annual Short Story Competition 2025
- Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Category: Short Fiction (max 2,000 words)
- Eligibility: Writers worldwide with fewer than four publications
- Entry Fee: Free before June 30, NZ£/£15 afterward
- Prizes/Benefits:
- 1st Prize: NZ$1,000 cash. Additional distinctions include “Highest Honours” and “Honours,” with shortlisted works published on their blog
- Theme-based entries only; one submission per writer
- Judged by award-winning authors
- No AI-generated content permitted
17. Raleigh Review Flash Fiction Prize 2025
This annual U.S.-based competition champions the art of flash fiction by awarding imaginative, succinct narratives (up to 1,000 words) that resonate emotionally and intellectually. Winners gain publication and gain wider recognition through the magazine’s platform. Submissions from both U.S. residents and international writers are welcome, with U.S.-based winners receiving cash and everyone else acknowledged with publication and subscriptions.
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Deadline: October 31, 2025
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Category: Flash Fiction (≤ 1,000 words)
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Eligibility: Open globally; U.S. winners paid in cash; international winners receive publication and subscription
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Entry Fee: $7 USD (fee waived June 1–30; tip jar optional)
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Prizes/Benefits:
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1st Prize: $300 + publication in Spring 2026 issue
Finalists: $15 + publication; plus 2‑year subscription
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Additional Notes:
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Submit up to two unpublished stories in one file
No personal identifying info; simultaneous submissions allowed
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Staff and board members of Raleigh Review are ineligible
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Filmmakers (Cinematographers, Actors etc.)
1. Lagos Fringe Festival – Call for Short Film
The Lagos Fringe Festival is accepting film submissions for its upcoming edition. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to diverse audiences.
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Deadline: June 13, 2025
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Category: Short Film
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Eligibility: Open to filmmakers
2. Slick Films Fund
Slick Films offers funding opportunities for filmmakers working on short films. The fund aims to support innovative storytelling and provide resources for film production.
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Deadline: July and 15, 2025
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Category: Short Film Production
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Eligibility: Open to filmmakers
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Prizes/Benefits:
A grand prize of £10,000.
- The fund includes a special category exclusively for first-time filmmakers for a prize of £3,000, ensuring a broad support spectrum for creative voices.
- The main prize winner will also receive mentorship from Slick Films Academy Award® winners Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton, consultations with London Flair PR, Adrian Barber of Bolton Film Festival and Network Ireland Television for distribution, an in-depth festival strategy crafted by Festival Formula, a full technical DCP package from Cinebox, and a feature in Directors Notes.
- Main Competition Full Support Package
- The Winner will receive £10,000 funding towards the production of their short film, mentorship from Oscar® winning filmmakers as well as a comprehensive production package via Slick Films with access to banking, legal, insurance, accounting, and much more.
- A PR Consultation with Publicist Catherine Lyn Scott from London Flair PR, one of the top PR agencies for shorts. Catherine and the London Flair PR team have successfully led 6 Oscar® Winning campaigns, along with numerous other nominees and BAFTA winners.
- Sadhbh Murphy is the Acquisitions and Sales Executive at Network Ireland Television. NITV is one of the world's leading sales and distribution agencies for short films, distributing 6 Oscar® Winning Shorts and many nominees and BAFTA winners.
- Festival Formula Founder Katie Bignell and her team will create a custom festival plan for the competitive film festival world. Festival Formula is a powerhouse due to their passion for networking and attending the world's most important festivals.
- Full Technical Package: Cinebox, who collaborate with the UK's top film festivals, will ensure that the winner's film will be expertly managed, handling the technical aspects of film delivery, including digital formats, online platforms, and digital cinema packages, providing extensive technical support
- Post Production: Based in the heart of Convent Garden, Onsight are an award winning, pioneering post production company that is internationally renowned for its creative technology skills. Onsight will be providing picture finishing post and colour grading with a dedicated Post Producer.
- Feature In Directors Notes: The winner will have an exclusive feature in the coveted publication Directors Notes which has scoured the globe for the very best that independent cinema has to offer, whilst sharing the inspiration and production stories behind the filmmaking of some of the world’s most talented directors.
- Consultation with Bolton Film Festival Director: Very few have the experience of Adrian Barber when it comes to short films. His dedication to watching submissions and attending the worlds leading festivals has connected him in the bedrock of the short film industry. He will offer unique festival and career advice from a rare angle.
- FIRST TIME FILMMAKER COMPETITION SUPPORT PACKAGE
- Script Development: The winner will be assigned a dedicated script editor to develop their script, ready for pre-production.
- Oscar® Mentors: The winner will receive mentorship from Oscar® winning filmmakers and a comprehensive production package via Slick Films with access to banking, legal, insurance, accounting, and much more.
- £3,000 Funding: The winner will receive £3,000 in funding towards the production of their short film.
- Camera Package: The winner will receive £1,500 in camera package contribution from PixiPixel - one of the UKs leading camera & lighting specialists.
- Post Production: Award winning post house, Onsight will be providing picture finishing post and colour grading with a dedicated Post Producer.
Visual Artists (Artists, Photographers etc.)
1. Macquarie Group Emerging Artist Prize
The Macquarie Group is offering an Emerging Artist Prize to support and recognize new talents in the visual arts. The prize aims to assist artists in developing their careers and gaining exposure.
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Deadline: June 13, 2025
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Category: Visual Arts
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Eligibility: Emerging artists
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Prizes/Benefits: The winner will receive $A20,000 prize money. Each finalist will also receive a $A1,000 art transport voucher from International Art Services. Finalists' art will also be displayed in the Emerging Artist Prize exhibition in The Art Space at 1 Elizabeth, Sydney.
2. Anna Award 2025
Deadline: June 27, 2025
Category: Visual Arts
Eligibility: Women artists
Prizes/Benefits:
- First Prize: R100,000 cash prize from ANNA Pure Organic, a profiling opportunity at RMB Latitudes Art Fair, a dedicated feature in Latitudes newsletter and social media, well as a year’s supply of ANNA Organic products.
- Audience Award: The top twelve finalists selected will all receive a profile on Latitudes and be considered for an artist residency programme hosted by SAFFCA. The public will be invited to vote for an Audience Award winner from the top twelve. This artist will receive a year’s supply of ANNA products as well as a newsletter and social media feature.
- One of the Top 12 ANNA Award finalists will be invited to one of five beautiful residency locations including, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sands in Mpumalanga, UNESCO World Heritage site Witklipfontein, The Entabeni Urban Farm in Knysna, Abbaye de la Cambre in Brussels and the Gallery MOMO Residency in Johannesburg.
3. Malta Biennale 2025 – International Call for Artists
The Malta Biennale 2025 extends an invitation to artists worldwide to participate in its upcoming edition. This prestigious event aims to showcase contemporary art that resonates with the Biennale's themes, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue. Selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their works in various venues across Malta.
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Deadline: August 31, 2025
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Category: Visual Arts
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Eligibility: Open to international artists; submissions should align with the Biennale's thematic focus.
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Prizes/Benefits: Opportunity to exhibit at the Malta Biennale 2025; increased visibility and engagement with a global audience; eligible financial support of €13,000 per artist accepted for the maltabiennale.art
4. Makifaa Lens on Africa Challenge 2025
Makifaa's Lens on Africa Challenge encourages photographers to capture the essence of African stories through their lenses. The competition seeks to showcase diverse perspectives and narratives from across the continent.
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Deadline: September 15, 2025
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Category: Photography
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Eligibility: Open to African photographers
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Prizes: Launch Bonus: $35 for the first 10 contributors with 100 approved images Weekly Challenge: $50 to the contributor with the most approved images each week Top 3 Finalists (over 3 months): 1st Place: $500; 2nd Place: $350; 3rd Place: $250
5. A4 Art Museum Residency Program 2026–2027
The A4 Art Museum in Chengdu, China, announces its open call for the 2026–2027 residency program. This interdisciplinary initiative invites creators from various fields to engage in a dynamic environment that fosters artistic innovation and community interaction. Residents will have access to resources and platforms to develop and showcase their work.
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Deadline: October 31, 2025
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Category: Residency Program
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Eligibility: Open to:
- Multidisciplinary artists: Including but not limited to visual arts, performing arts, music, film, sound, and architecture.
- Curators: Engaged in cross-disciplinary exhibition-making, curation, and project development.
- Designers: Spanning product design, fashion design, spatial design, interactive design, and related fields.
- Creatives with interdisciplinary backgrounds capable of integrating art, business, and cultural sectors
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Prizes/Benefits:
- Studio & Accommodation: Access to a dedicated creative workspace and living quarters.
- Travel Support: Round-trip airfare (economy class) or train ticket (second class) within a set budget.
- Production Grant: RMB 10,000 per person/team for creative production and material costs (excluding living expenses).
- Resource Network: Engagement with local communities, commercial brands, and cultural institutions.
- Cultural Immersion: Exclusive guided experiences exploring Chengdu’s cultural landscape.
- Media Exposure: Promotional support via official online platforms.
- Events & Networking: Participation in salons, talks, and open studio events.
- Presentation Opportunities: Showcasing residency outcomes through exhibitions, performances, publications, and public art projects.
Performers (Musicians, Producers, Spoken Word Artists etc.)
1. Sage at Words Contest
Sage at Words is calling for submissions in spoken word artists. The contest aims to discover and promote new literary talents by providing a platform for their work.
Deadline: June 9, 2025
Category: Spoken Word
Eligibility: Open to Nigerian Teens and Adults only
Prizes: 1st Prize: N500,000 + Golden-Luxe Award Plaque + 2 Years Long Supply of Premium Ballpoint Pens. 2nd Prize: N150,000. 3rd Prize: N50,000
Additional Note: The original poem doesn't have to be brand new. It may be a poem you have written or recited in the past. What matters is that it was written originally by you. Also, your poem can be centered on any theme. Just ensure you know what theme it is and what inspired your poem. Because you will be asked to fill it in when registering.
2. Busara Music Festival 2026 – Call for Artists
Sauti za Busara, one of Africa's prominent music festivals, is seeking performers for its 2026 edition. The festival celebrates African music and aims to provide a platform for artists to reach wider audiences.
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Deadline: July 31, 2025
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Category: Music Performance
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Eligibility: Open to African musicians
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Prizes/Benefits: If selected, Sauti za Busara will cover the following expenses for participating artists (+ 1 crew member):
- Modest honorarium, aka performance fee
- Per-diems, for meals and incidentals
- Accommodation in Zanzibar
- All local transport related to the performance
- Tanzanian visa costs
- Festival passes, including access to all shows for the duration of the event
- Invitations to Movers & Shakers (networking for professionals), press conferences and other events
- Artist’s profile in festival programmes, press releases, website and social media platforms.
- Travel sponsor logo with link in our website ,festival programmes and social media.
3. Merck Foundation Song Awards – “More Than a Mother”
The Merck Foundation invites musicians to create songs that address issues of infertility stigma and empower women. The initiative aims to use music as a medium to foster social change and awareness.
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Deadline: 30th September 2025
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Category: Music Composition
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Eligibility: All African Singers and Musical Artists.
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Prizes: $500 for each category.
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