Active Opportunities
Discover current exhibitions, open calls, residencies, and collaborations. Submit your work and join Sharjah's vibrant artist community.
Sharjah Contemporary Showcase 2026
A curated group exhibition celebrating emerging and established artists working across painting, sculpture, digital media, and mixed media. Showcase your work in a professional gallery setting with institutional support.
Creative Futures Residency Program
A 3-month intensive artist residency offering studio space, curatorial mentorship, and exhibition opportunities. Perfect for artists seeking focused creative development and institutional support.
Sharjah Art Week Artist Collective
Join a dynamic collective of regional and international artists for collaborative programming during Sharjah Art Week. Network, exhibit, and participate in public events and workshops.
Digital Art & New Media Platform
Showcase digital art, video, NFTs, interactive installations, and emerging media. A dedicated platform for artists exploring technology and innovative artistic practices.
Community Voices Public Art Initiative
Create public art, installations, and community engagement projects that reflect Sharjah's diverse voices. Collaborate with neighborhoods and institutions on meaningful cultural programming.
Ready to Submit Your Work?
Choose an opportunity above and get in touch with our team. We're here to support your artistic journey and help you find the perfect platform to showcase your work.
Call Now: +971 50 155 3490How to Apply
We've designed our application process to be straightforward and artist-friendly. Whether you're emerging or established, Art Sphere supports you every step of the way with clear guidance and constructive feedback.
Review Opportunity Details & Eligibility
Start by exploring the open call or exhibition that interests you. Read the full brief, understand the curatorial vision, and confirm you meet any eligibility requirements. Art Sphere welcomes artists of all experience levels—emerging, established, and everything in between.
What to look for: Deadline, artist types welcome, submission format, venue or context, and any specific themes or requirements.
Prepare Your Submission Materials
Gather and organize your submission materials. Quality matters, but so does authenticity—curators want to see your genuine work and vision.
Typical materials checklist:
- Portfolio images: 5-10 high-quality photos of your work (clear, well-lit, properly cropped)
- Artist statement: 150-300 words describing your practice, themes, and artistic vision
- CV or bio: 1-page overview of exhibitions, education, residencies, and relevant experience
- Contact information: Phone, email, website/portfolio link, and social media (if applicable)
- Any additional materials: Video documentation, exhibition catalogs, press coverage, or references (if requested)
Complete Your Application
Fill out the application form with care and thoughtfulness. This is your chance to tell curators who you are and why your work matters for this specific opportunity.
Pro tips for a strong application:
- • Tailor your artist statement to the opportunity—explain why your work is relevant to this exhibition or call.
- • Be honest and authentic. Curators appreciate genuine voice over polished perfection.
- • Proofread carefully. Attention to detail signals professionalism and respect.
- • Include all requested materials—incomplete applications may not be reviewed.
Submit & Receive Confirmation
Once you've completed your application, submit it through the designated portal or contact Art Sphere directly. You'll receive a confirmation email or message acknowledging receipt of your submission.
Keep your confirmation safe—it serves as proof of submission and may be needed for reference.
Await Curatorial Decision & Feedback
Our curatorial team will review your application carefully, typically within 4-6 weeks. This is when we consider your work, vision, and fit for the opportunity.
What happens next: Selected artists will be notified directly with details about next steps. For open calls, we provide constructive feedback to all applicants, even those not selected this time. Your work matters, and we want to support your growth.
Need Help with Your Application?
Art Sphere is here to support you. If you have questions about the application process, need clarification on requirements, or want feedback on your submission approach, reach out. We're committed to making the submission process accessible and encouraging for all artists.
Contact us: Call +971 50 155 3490 with any questions.
Our Commitment to You
Transparent Process
Clear criteria, fair evaluation, and honest communication every step of the way.
Artist-Centered
We prioritize your needs, growth, and visibility in Sharjah's art community.
Curatorial Quality
Every selection reflects genuine curatorial vision, not gatekeeping. Your voice matters.
Supportive Feedback
Even if not selected, you'll receive constructive feedback to help strengthen future applications.
Ready to submit your work? Explore current opportunities and start your Art Sphere journey today.
Explore OpportunitiesWays to Engage with Art Sphere
Explore the different pathways to showcase your work, collaborate with peers, and grow within Sharjah's vibrant art community.
Exhibitions
Showcase your work in curated gallery and venue shows across Sharjah's cultural institutions.
Best for: Emerging and established artists seeking visibility
Open Calls
Respond to specific curatorial briefs and venue requests with transparent submission processes.
Best for: Artists ready to respond to specific opportunities
Artist Residencies
Participate in intensive creative programs with institutional support and dedicated studio time.
Best for: Artists seeking focused creative development
Collaborations
Partner with other artists, galleries, and cultural organizations on joint projects and initiatives.
Best for: Artists seeking creative partnerships
Community Programming
Participate in workshops, talks, panel discussions, and public engagement events year-round.
Best for: Artists interested in learning and community building
Transparent Process
Clear submission pathways, fair evaluation, and constructive feedback at every stage.
Community Connection
Build relationships with peers, curators, and cultural institutions across Sharjah.
Artist Support
Curatorial guidance, professional development, and visibility throughout your journey.
Ready to find your pathway? Browse our current opportunities and take the next step in your artistic journey.
Explore Current OpportunitiesFrequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common questions artists ask about applying to Art Sphere opportunities. If you don't find what you're looking for, please reach out directly.
Who can apply to Art Sphere opportunities?
Art Sphere welcomes artists of all experience levels — emerging, established, and everything in between. You don't need professional credentials, gallery representation, or formal training. If you create art and are passionate about sharing your work, you can apply. We believe in the power of quality work and artistic vision, regardless of background.
What if I'm not based in Sharjah?
Art Sphere welcomes artists from across the UAE, the region, and internationally. While we're rooted in Sharjah's art ecosystem, we believe great art knows no borders. Many of our opportunities are open to regional and international artists. Check individual opportunity details for location requirements or eligibility criteria.
How long does the selection process take?
Most selection processes take 4–6 weeks from the application deadline. This includes curatorial review, discussion, and decision-making. We'll keep you updated on the timeline for each opportunity. Once decisions are made, we notify all applicants — accepted and not selected — with feedback and next steps.
Can I apply to multiple opportunities?
Absolutely! We encourage artists to apply to multiple opportunities that align with their practice. Each application is reviewed independently on its merits. There's no limit to how many opportunities you can apply for — explore what resonates with your work and submit.
Do I need professional credentials or a CV?
No. While a CV or artist bio can strengthen your application, they're not required. What matters most is your work and your artistic vision. If you're early in your career or self-taught, that's perfectly fine. Focus on presenting your strongest work and sharing what drives your practice.
What happens if I'm not selected?
If you're not selected, we provide constructive feedback on your submission. We view every application as part of our commitment to supporting the artist community. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth — curatorial decisions involve many factors. We encourage you to apply again to future opportunities and reach out if you'd like to discuss feedback.
Are there application fees?
Art Sphere is transparent about costs. Most opportunities are free to apply for, though some may have fees to support programming or venue operations. Any fees are clearly stated in the opportunity details before you submit. We're committed to keeping barriers to entry as low as possible for artists.
How do I get support with my submission?
We're here to help. If you have questions about an opportunity, need clarification on requirements, or want feedback before submitting, reach out directly. Call us at +971 50 155 3490. Our team is happy to guide you through the process and support your application.
Still have questions?
Don't hesitate to get in touch. Our team is committed to supporting artists every step of the way.
Call Art Sphere