Call for Artists: Emerging Artist Prize

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

Posted by: Cultural Council

September 11, 2026

The Emerging Artist Prize is a professional development and recognition program designed to support visual artists in the early stages of their careers. Through the 2027 prize, five emerging visual artists will receive the opportunity to strengthen and refine their artistic voice while building the professional and business foundations necessary for a sustainable career.

The program will foster a cohort of peers at a similar career stage and provide mentorship, guidance and resources to help participants successfully navigate and advance their professional pathways.

Highlights of the 2027 Emerging Artist Prize:

  • $3,500 in funding for each selected artist to support the unique needs of their artistic practice.
  • Educational support and learning opportunities focused on establishing and strengthening the business side of an artistic practice.
  • Networking opportunities with peers, mentors and professional artists that foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration and career growth.
  • Four weeks of working studio space at the Norton Museum of Art between June and August 2027.
  • Visioning and strategic planning coaching.
  • One-on-one mentoring with an established professional in the artist’s field.
  • Group training sessions focused on the business of being an artist.
  • A professional headshot.
  • Recognition as an Emerging Artist Prize recipient in Cultural Council press materials, communications and other marketing efforts.

Qualifications & Eligibility

Applicants must:

Competitive applicants will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to their creative practice, a willingness to work cooperatively with mentors and colleagues, and the time and dedication needed to develop and implement a strategic plan for their career.

Timeline & Key Dates

  • Reside in Palm Beach County at the time of application.
  • Be available for all scheduled in-person and virtual events.
  • Identify as an emerging visual artist in the early stages of a professional career.
  • September 11, 2026 – Application window opens
  • October 23, 2026 – Application deadline
  • Week of November 16, 2026 – Panelists meet to select recommended recipients
  • Week of December 14, 2026 – Recipients notified
  • January 14, 2027 – Recipients announced at the Kruger Family Gallery opening
  • Week of January 25, 2027 – Program begins
  • June–August 2027 – Norton Museum of Art studio sessions
  • September 2027 – Program concludes

Apply here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ccpbc

New Wave

Call for Artists: New Wave and The Bunker Artspace Curatorial Residency

New Wave

Posted by: Cultural Council

August 26, 2026

New Wave and The Bunker Artspace launch curatorial residency offering unique access to the collection of Beth Rudin DeWoody.

The nonprofit New Wave Art Residency has formally partnered with The Bunker Artspace to offer a yearlong program, both virtual and in person, for emerging and independent curators. Applications opened August 12, 2026. The selected curator will be announced in fall 2026.

Applications open August 12, 2026, and close September 30, 2026. The selected curator will be announced publicly in December 2026, with their exhibition opening at The Bunker Artspace in December 2027.

The residency was conceived to provide access, open new pathways, and offer meaningful professional development to aspiring curators who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work with a dynamic contemporary art collection of this nature. Structured across remote and in-person phases, the program pairs sustained engagement with Beth Rudin DeWoody’s collection and curatorial team with mentorship from leading figures in the field, a $5,000 stipend, and housing during the on-site residency period in West Palm Beach.

“We’ve always valued supporting emerging artists and galleries and extending that support to emerging and independent curators felt like a natural next step. I love seeing different perspectives on my collection. I’m excited to give the resident the chance to spend time with the work and make their own discoveries. Who knows what will inspire them,” said Beth Rudin DeWoody.

“The idea for a curatorial residency at The Bunker Artspace came from wanting to create an opportunity that is still relatively rare in the field. There are few curatorial residencies, and even fewer that give curators the chance to spend real time with a private collection of this size and breadth. The Bunker is an incredible environment and resource for research and discovery, and I’ve always felt compelled to share it,” said Laura Dvorkin, co-curator of The Bunker Artspace.

“We are all quite excited to open the collection and welcome a young independent budding curator into the DeWoody collection archives to freely imagine and curatorially create an exhibition of their conceptual desire,” said Maynard Monrow, artist and co-curator of The Bunker Artspace.

“Since New Wave’s founding in 2017, we’ve taken care to align opportunity and resource for artists who may not have been exposed to the dynamic community here in Palm Beach County. The curatorial residency is a natural outgrowth of this continued commitment to opening doors for the next generation of artistic voices,” said Sarah Gavlak, founder of New Wave.

Eligibility and How to Apply

The residency is open to independent and emerging curators based in the United States with 2–7 years of curatorial experience, working without full-time employment or an exclusive contract with a gallery or museum. Applicants must demonstrate a record of at least two curated exhibitions. Co-curated projects are welcome, with the applicant’s role specified.

Applicants must also be available for the full in-person residency period in West Palm Beach in September 2027, as well as the December 2027 exhibition opening.

Applications opened August 12, 2026, and close September 30, 2026.

View the application >

About The Bunker Artspace: Collection of Beth Rudin DeWoody

The Bunker Artspace opened in December 2017 as a private art space in West Palm Beach, Florida, presenting rotating exhibitions drawn from the Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection. Housed in a 1920s Art Deco building once used as a toy factory and, during World War II, a munitions armory, The Bunker showcases a vast range of contemporary art, iconic furniture, and other curiosities and is open to the public by online reservation as well as by invitation and private tour.

Through DeWoody’s passion, vision, and continued support of emerging artists and galleries, she has redefined the boundaries of collecting, championing overlooked and early-career artists alongside leading contemporary figures. DeWoody and co-curators Laura Dvorkin and Maynard Monrow assemble the collection’s exhibitions with an eye toward a fuller view of contemporary art beyond “the greatest hits.”

About New Wave

Founded in 2018 by gallerist Sarah Gavlak, New Wave engages and inspires the Palm Beach communities and the world through thought-provoking programming and an art residency that supports emerging and underrepresented artists.

New Wave champions diversity and aims to provide opportunities for marginalized communities to have a strong voice and representation in the art world. In its eight-year history, New Wave has provided more than $115,000 in stipends to 23 artists through its residency program, offering an apartment and studio space in West Palm Beach for six weeks alongside an unrestricted grant of $5,000 per artist.

This year, the organization will expand its program to include a Curatorial Residency in partnership with The Bunker Artspace and solidify the prominence of its premier New Wave Art Wknd program on the spring season calendar, allowing for deeper, more dedicated engagement with the local community.

Media Contact

Ellie Hayworth Murray
Director, New Wave
[email protected]

Local Artists Invited to Showcase Their Work Through the GardensArt Program
Palm Beach Gardens, FL – August 17, 2026

The City of Palm Beach Gardens is inviting professional artists to put their creativity on display by submitting artwork for consideration in GardensArt, a rotating public art exhibition program that transforms four City facilities into welcoming galleries for residents and visitors alike. GardensArt provides an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work in highly visible public spaces, where thousands of people can experience local creativity as part of their everyday routine.

GardensArt celebrates the talent and diversity of our local arts community by featuring original
works in a variety of media. Selected artists will have their artwork professionally displayed in one
of four City facilities, giving them the opportunity to reach new audiences, expand their visibility,
and contribute to a more vibrant cultural landscape. Whether your style is bold and contemporary,
timeless and traditional, or somewhere delightfully in between, we’re looking for artwork that
inspires, engages, and sparks conversation.

The program reflects the City’s commitment to supporting the arts and creating spaces where
creativity can flourish beyond traditional galleries. By bringing original artwork into public
buildings, GardensArt enhances the experience of residents conducting everyday business,
visitors exploring the community, and employees who appreciate having something inspiring to
look at. It’s a reminder that great art has the power to brighten spaces, connect people, and make
even an ordinary day a little more colorful.

Professional artists are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. Artwork will be
reviewed based on artistic quality, originality, and suitability for exhibition in a public setting. For
complete eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and application information, visit
www.pbgfl.gov/gardensart or contact David Swain at (561)630-1104 or [email protected].

 

Deadline to Apply: October 4, 2026

Application Submission Fee: $43

THEME | HUMOROUS – THE ART OF LAUGHTER!

Laughter transcends boundaries, uniting diverse cultures, mending emotional scars, challenging societal norms, and illuminating life’s ironies in surprising ways. In the realm of art, humor serves a purpose beyond simple amusement; it ignites dialogue, eases the weightiest subjects, and adds a touch of brightness to our world.

The Armory Art Center is excited to announce HUMOUROUS, a juried exhibition from Florida-based artists that honors the cleverness, satire, and whimsical absurdity found in visual art. We encourage artists to express their creativity through humor, whether it be through playful charm, sharp wit, or exaggerated hilarity, showcasing the many delightful dimensions of laughter.

This is your chance to make the viewer laugh, think, and appreciate art in a new way!

Only Florida-based artists may apply.

Submission fee is $43 plus processing fees for up to two (2) art submissions.

This is part of the Creative Market and will be on display before, during and after the Market on December 5-6, 2026. This exhibition will be seen by many.

EXHIBITION | November 2nd – December 26, 2026

RECEPTION | November 19, 2026

Link to application: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=50668

 

Deadline to Apply: October 2, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

Event Date: Dec 05, 2026 – Dec 06, 2026, 10:00am – 5:00pm (EDT)

Location: 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401

2026 marks the 10th Annual year of our contemporary art, craft, and design market that occurs in West Palm Beach, FL across from the Town of Palm Beach. Ranked as a top destination in Florida, this event will create an atmosphere for everyone. The Armory is looking for up to 150 artists to gather at the Creative Market to showcase their work and provide demonstrations, performances, and more. This juried art vending event will be seen by many holiday shoppers and art enthusiasts. Judges present cash awards in 2D, 3D and Best in Show.

Apply by October 2nd for early notification and take part in a lively creative event.

LINK TO APPLICATION:

https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=47577

 

 

Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026
Florida Art Masters 2026
A Live Portrait Competition

The Depot Arts District and Notta Gallery are proud to present the inaugural Florida Art Masters, a live portrait painting competition celebrating artistic skill, creativity, and the excitement of creating from life.

Sixteen artists from across the country will be selected to compete in four live preliminary heats, each featuring a live portrait model. During the four-hour competition, artists will paint from observation while spectators watch the creative process unfold. A panel of three judges will provide feedback and select one artist from each heat to advance to the Grand Finale, where one artist will be crowned the first Florida Art Master.

The competition is open to Florida artists age 18 and older working in painting, drawing, mixed media or collage. Applicants will submit one portrait and one self-portrait for consideration. The application fee is $40

Application Link: https://www.artworkarchive.com/call-for-entry/florida-art-masters-2026

 

Deadline to Apply: October 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County announces an Open Call to Palm Beach County artists for its upcoming group show The Short List. This exhibition will highlight small works of art in all media as an opportunity for collectors of all types to start or add to a collection. The Cultural Council welcomes visual artists residing in Palm Beach County to submit their artwork for the exhibition opening on March 12th, 2027.

Artists working in all styles and media (2D & 3D) are welcome to apply. Suggested categories include collage, abstract, whimsical, flora and fauna, and food.

 

All works should be “tiny” or no greater than 12 inches framed in their longest dimension. There is no minimum size.

Artists will be accepted on a rolling basis limited to 150 participants.

Artists may apply with up to three completed individual artworks to be considered for inclusion in The Short List. Please do not apply with sets of artworks (diptych, triptych, etc.) Artwork can complement other artwork, but each must be priced and sold separately.

When choosing artwork for The Short List, keep in mind that the Cultural Council will be promoting the show as a great opportunity to buy unique, Palm Beach County-based original work, so a price range at or below $500 would be appropriate and will result in higher sales. We will not exclude higher priced works, but the most common price range is $75 – $300.

Eligibility Criteria:

Only open to individual artists or artist collaborators who live in Palm Beach County, Florida. Three artworks in total may be submitted per entry. Only one entry per artist. There is no entry fee.

Application Requirements:

Applications will only be accepted on Artwork Archive. Complete the application form by October 29, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Files must be jpg or pdf.  Please include all artwork information (Title, Date, Dimensions, Medium, Price).

Rules and Terms:

By submitting a proposal each participant agrees to the following conditions:
  • The applicant will receive an email notification on the status of their application no later than November 5th. Please check you spam or junk folder for emails from Artwork Archive.
  • Artwork selected must be installed as described in the application.
  • If the artwork is not as originally proposed in the application, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County reserves the right to cancel the artist’s inclusion.
  •  The artist must be the sole author and owner of the copyright of all artwork entered.
  • Once selected, the participant and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County will coordinate exhibition, opening reception, artwork drop off, de-installation and pickup dates and times.
  • Selected participants are responsible for the delivery and pickup of the artwork(s).
  • Participants will receive and sign a Memorandum of Understanding and a loan agreement with the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County stating the dates and exhibition terms.
  •  The Council retains 25% of all art sales. These funds are used to support the artist services staff and maintain the building.
  • To sell artwork, the participants must submit a valid W-9 for payment purposes.
  • The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County has permission to photograph, videotape, and reproduce any work submitted to the exhibition for publicity purposes unless otherwise stated in writing.
  • All artwork will be insured on premises as long as a list of artwork titles, descriptions, and values is presented prior to delivery on site. Artwork is not insured while in transit to and from the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.
  • The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County cannot store artwork for a later pickup; artwork must be picked up on the designated de-installation days.
Apply here: The Short List Artwork Archive
Please note that this call is hosted through Artwork Archive, and artists may sign up for a free account to submit an application.

Deadline to Apply: October 05, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

This exhibition explores foodways in Palm Beach County and beyond, encompassing the eating habits and culinary practices of the many cultures represented in the region. It also includes the broader cultural, social, and economic practices of farming, fishing, and food production and consumption.

 

Themes to Explore:

Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Possible avenues of exploration include:
  • The beauty and challenges inherent in growth and production practices: Food products and those who cultivate and/or modify, package, or move them through the community
  • Community and culture: The role food plays in shaping identity, unity, and tradition
  • Environmental context: Farming, fishing, and food production and their relationship with the environment

 

Eligibility Criteria:

Only artists who live in Palm Beach County, Florida are eligible to apply.

How to Submit:

·         All submissions must be submitted through Artwork Archive
·         High-resolution images (two views for 3D) of your artwork
·         A brief artist statement explaining how your work relates to the theme
·         Your contact information (name, email, phone number)
Submission Guidelines:

Submissions of artworks in various forms, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper, installations, digital art and video, crafts and textiles are all welcome.

Artists may submit up to 5 works for consideration.
Apply here: Foodways Artwork Archive
Please note that this call is hosted through Artwork Archive, and artists may sign up for a free account to submit an application.

Deadline to Apply: August 17, 2026

 

The Cultural Council sells handmade and unique objects created by Palm Beach County artists in a small store located within its headquarters on Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth Beach. The store provides creative professionals with a space to sell jewelry, accessories, and other small works of art. To diversify the range of artwork and provide opportunities to new artists, the Cultural Council welcomes artists to submit work on a seasonal basis to be considered for representation in the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store. All artwork will be evaluated with a standardized rubric by Cultural Council staff. We are accepting small prints (8.5″ x 11″ and smaller) and all other media. Larger paintings and prints will not be considered at this time. Special attention will be given to seasonally appropriate items.

 

Submissions open August 3 – 17, 2026

Themes include: Harvest, Nature, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holiday Gifting, Winter, and New Year’s

 

To be considered, artists must complete the submission form at the link below and provide 3–5 images of the merchandise, along with a description of the media used, item dimensions, and proposed retail pricing for each submission.

 

Submission link: Call for Artists: Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store Fall Submission – Fill out form

 

Artists will only be notified if they have been chosen no later than August 31, 2026

 

 Due to limited space, the Cultural Council reserves the right to limit the number of artists chosen each season at its discretion. All artists are responsible for delivering their work to the Cultural Council building at 601 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth Beach and picking it up at the end of the contract period. Contract period will vary depending on the seasonality of the item. The Council retains 25% of all art sales. These funds are used to support the artist services staff and maintain the building.

 

Deadline to Apply: August 17, 2026

ELIGIBILITY: Local, national, and international professional visual artists

 

BUDGET: Multiple commissions are envisioned in the range of $100,000 – $500,000+

 

DEADLINE: September 21, 2026

 

Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs through its Art in Public Places Program (APP) and Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) request qualifications for artists to be considered to make full proposals for various locations at Miami International Airport as part of its major Capital Improvement Program (CIP). It is envisioned that a pool of 30-40 artists will be shortlisted to compete for specific public art opportunities over a period of at least two years.

 

The selected artist(s) will develop proposals for unique artworks that will contribute to the identity of these areas and engage employees, visitors and passers-by in unexpected and delightful ways. Each shortlisted artist will receive a proposal stipend (plus a travel allowance as needed) to engage in a proposal development phase in collaboration with and the support of the APP, MDAD, and the project’s selected architectural / engineering consulting team.

 

DETAILS + APPLY

 

ABOUT MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
Established in 1973, Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places is a program of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, one of the first public art programs in the country. The program was established in 1973 with the passage of an ordinance allocating 1.5% of capital costs of new local government buildings for the purchase or commission of artworks, educational programs and collection maintenance. The Art Trust Fund is administered by a County Commission-appointed citizens board, the Art in Public Places Trust, in consultation with its Professional Advisory Committee.

 

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, access, and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. The Department receives funding through the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation, and the Taft Foundation. Other support and services are provided by TicketWeb for the Culture Shock Miami program, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Florida Cultural Consortium, and the Tourist Development Council.