Creative Catalyst · November 2026–January 2027
Funding the Play: Deadlines Through January
The end of the year is one of the busiest times for artist deadlines. Many foundations and residencies close their applications before the holidays and announce in the spring, which means the time you spend applying now can set up your whole 2027.
I know this time of year gets full. There are holidays, family, studio work and the pressure to wrap everything up. But I've learned that a few focused applications can open doors I never expected, so I always set aside time in November and December to apply.
This list picks up where my Fall–Winter list left off. These are new opportunities with deadlines between now and the end of January, plus a few reminders for big ones that are still open.
Pick two or three that really fit your work, give them your best, and don't count yourself out before you apply. And remember to have fun making art.
Updated November 2, 2026. Grant and residency opportunities are subject to change. Always confirm eligibility requirements, application fees, funding details, and deadlines directly with each organization before applying.
Want to discover more opportunities? Join my mailing list for future updates on artist grants, residencies, creative resources, and opportunities worth sharing.
Studio tip of the month
Oil painting notes from my own practice.
Let texture and detail work togetherI build my backgrounds with cold wax mixed into my oil paint, so the surface has depth, movement and texture. Then I keep the portrait itself smooth and detailed. That contrast pulls the eye straight to the face. Try it on your next study: add cold wax to the background only, and see how it changes the energy of the piece.
Shoot your own referencesI photograph my sitters myself, often on film, and style them with clothing and objects that tell their story, like the kimonos I brought back from my residency in Japan. Your reference photo is the first draft of your painting, so plan the light, the outfit and the setting before you ever pick up a brush.
Fully funded grants
Cash awards that go straight to you and your practice.
Wave Hill Van Lier Fellowship$10,435 + studio + solo showNYC-based visual artists 30 or younger from historically underrepresented communitiesNov 9
A.I.R. Fellowship ProgramFirst NYC solo show + mentorshipEmerging and underrepresented women and non-binary artists based in the area. Six fellows a year, no fee.Nov 10
Asian Cultural Council FellowshipsHidden gemTravel and research fellowshipsArtists working on exchange between the U.S. and Asia. Great if your work connects to Japan, Korea, China or beyond.Nov 10
The John Ruskin PrizeFive winners share £10,000Any medium, any career stage, any country. Selected work shows in London.Nov 17
Hopper PrizeStill open$4,500 & $1,000 grantsVisual artists worldwide, all media. $40 fee.Nov 17
Beam Camp ProjectHidden gem$5,000 + about $15,000 to build itArtists who want to design a large hands-on build with young peopleNov 30
Raia ProjectStill open$50,000 over six monthsEmerging NYC artists in any visual medium. You keep your sales from the closing pop-up.Dec 30
Ingrid's tipApply with the project you're already planning. If you have a show or public event coming up in 2027, a grant like LMCC is built for exactly that. Write it up as the event it will be: where it happens, who it's for, and how people will experience it.
Residencies in the USA
Free or low-cost housing and studio, many with a stipend.
Chulitna LodgeHidden gemFully covered fellowshipA wilderness residency in Alaska. Reduced-fee spots too.Nov 28
EFA Studio ProgramNYCSubsidized Manhattan studioProfessional visual artists within commuting distance of Manhattan. No application fee.Dec 1
VCCA Alonzo Davis FellowshipHidden gemFully funded residencyVisual artists, writers and composers of African or Latin American descent. Virginia.Jan 15
Bryson County RetreatFree stay + studio2027 residencies in one of three houses. U.S. artists, any medium.Rolling
Ingrid's tipGive yourself one thing to try at each residency: a new material, a bigger scale, a series you keep putting off. Say it in your application. Panels love an artist who knows how they'll use the time.
International residencies
Time to work abroad with living and studio costs covered.
Jan van Eyck AcademieLast call€1,500/month + studio & housing11-month research residency in Maastricht, Netherlands, for 2028Late Nov
Ingrid's tipStart your passport and visa check now. Some international programs move fast once you're accepted, and having your documents ready means you can say yes right away.
Grants for self-care
Your health is part of your practice. These help when life hits.
Ingrid's tipIf you're going through something hard right now, please apply. Emergency grants exist for exactly these moments. Keep receipts, doctor's notes and your last two tax returns in one folder so you're ready.
Stay on top of every deadline
The tool I made for my own applications, now available in my shop.
Know an opportunity I should add? Message me on Instagram. Join my mailing list to get the next list first.
