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Open calls for artists, grants and the materials juries ask for

Creative opportunities are scattered across thousands of small calls, each with its own format. Residencies, grants and film and music open calls are one click away; the pages here help with what every call asks for: a statement, a bio, a CV and, for creators, a media kit.

Artist Bio Examples + Free Short, Medium and Long Bio BuilderWhat to put in a 50-, 100- and 150-word artist bio for galleries, open calls and residencies, plus a free builder that drafts a short, a medium and a long version to extend.2 min read · Updated Artist CV Template + Example in the Format Juries ExpectAn artist CV template in the standard format: section order, reverse chronology, how to list exhibitions, an example, and a free builder that formats your CV.2 min read · Updated Artist Statement Examples + Artist Statement GeneratorArtist statement examples, short and long, what juries look for, the mistakes that make statements unreadable, and a free generator that writes yours in plain language.2 min read · Updated Grants for Artists: Grant Finder by Type, Stage and MediumMajor grants for artists in one filterable list: unrestricted awards, project grants, emergency funds and fellowships, with amounts, deadlines and how to apply.2 min read · Updated Media Kit Examples + Media Kit Builder for CreatorsWhat goes in a creator media kit, examples of each section, how to show rates and results, the disclosure brands expect, and a free builder for a one-page kit.2 min read · Updated

Open now on Onward Scout

How do artists find good open calls and opportunities?

In short

Use trusted listings, check each call on the organizer's own page, prioritize free or low-fee calls from established organizations, and keep your statement, bio, CV and images ready so you can apply within days of finding something that fits.

Competition is real. The National Endowment for the Arts counts about 2.9 million artists in the US labor force in 2024[NEA, 2026 report], and individual grants are scarce: the Foundation for Contemporary Arts receives about 100 emergency grant applications a month and makes 15 to 20 grants[Foundation for Contemporary Arts]. Good calls reward artists whose materials are ready.

What materials does every open call ask for?

In short

An artist statement, an artist bio, a CV and strong images of the work. Creators pitching brands need a media kit instead of a CV. Prepare each once, keep them current, and adapt the emphasis to each call.

  1. Statement. Write it with the artist statement generator.
  2. Bio. Keep a short, medium and long version from the artist bio builder, trimmed to each form's limit.
  3. CV. Format it with the artist CV builder.
  4. Grants. Filter major awards in the grants for artists finder.
  5. Brand work. Build a media kit for partnerships.

Which calls are worth your time?

In short

Those you clearly fit, from organizations with a track record, with fees proportionate to what they offer. Free calls with real exhibition, money or residency time attached deserve priority.

Some of the strongest are free: Artadia's awards are free to apply and open-call for one month in each program city[Artadia], with $15,000 unrestricted awards. Browse residencies, grants and film and music open calls from the links on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Where can artists find open calls?

Arts councils, foundations, residencies, galleries and curated listings. Onward Scout's residencies and grants lists, and its film and music festival open calls, are linked on this page and checked against each organizer's official page.

Should artists pay to apply for open calls?

Many strong opportunities are free. Treat high fees with caution, check who runs the call and what past selections look like, and weigh the fee against the real benefit.

What do open calls usually ask for?

Work samples (often 10 to 20 images), an artist statement, a CV or bio, and sometimes a project proposal and budget.

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