Here's a Big List of Opportunities for Phoenix Artists

Artists are out there hustling like everybody else these days, looking for ways to make a living while sharing their work with the community. Here’s a look at several artist opportunities happening around town — including the chance to create a giant welcome sign for Roosevelt Row.

If you’re not an artist, pass the info on to a creative friend — artists need all the support they can get.

Portland on the Park

Portland on the Park Condominiums is looking for artworks to exhibit on-site. Artworks would be available for sale, and could possibly be considered for the site’s permanent collection, according to the call for art issued with Artlink. Submissions are welcome in several mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, textiles, and ceramics; works must be able to be hung on the wall. Artists should apply by Thursday, July 29.

Performing Arts Grants

The city of Glendale is accepting applications for performing arts project grants. Applicants working in dance, music, spoken word, theater, and interdisciplinary performing arts should apply by Friday, July 30. The maximum grant award is $4,000. Funded projects must take place in Glendale, be free and open to the public, and take place between October 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 30.

Surprise Mayor's Exhibit

West Valley Arts Council is seeking art for the city of Surprise's inaugural "Mayor's Exhibit," working in partnership with The Vista Center for the Arts and Ground Floor Artists. Artists working in various mediums are invited to submit work that is thematically connected to the events of September 11, 2001, and/or works that celebrate "those who gave their lives through heroic acts." The exhibit will open on September 3. The deadline is Friday, July 30.

Roosevelt Row Welcome Sign

Expect to see several calls for art as APS begins to realize its new substation on the southwest corner of Roosevelt and Seventh streets. Currently, there’s a call for artists and designers, plus other creative individuals and teams, to participate in a request for qualifications (RFQ) process presented by Espiritu Loci in partnership with the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation and with support provided by Artlink. The large-scale Roosevelt Row welcome sign will “be positioned in front of, and incorporated into, a prominent mural.” A $5,000 award will be provided for producing the final concept. The deadline is Tuesday, August 3.

American Rescue Plan Grants

The National Endowment on the Arts is accepting applications for American Rescue Plan grants designed for eligible organizations such as nonprofit arts organization, local arts agencies, art service organizations, federally-recognized tribal communities or tribes, and units of local or state governments. The grants are designed to support general operations and expenses instead of specific programs. Grants amounts are $50,000, $100,000, and $150,000. The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 12.

"Gaytablos" Exhibit

The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center has issued a call for artists for its upcoming "Gaytablos" exhibition focusing on 2SLGBTQ+ identity, which will be curated by Elizabeth Toledo, Jose Andres Girón, Román Reyes, and Jeffery Lazos Ferns. The gallery will present seven cash awards to select artists. The deadline to submit artwork for consideration is Sunday, August 15.

Comic Art Exhibit

The Goodyear Arts & Culture Commission is looking for artworks to feature in an exhibition of comic art, inspired by the history of comic art as a significant medium for cultural storytelling. Artists working in anime, graphic novels, pop art, and other areas are encouraged to apply. The exhibit is scheduled for August 30 to October 15. The deadline to submit artwork for consideration is Monday, August 16.

“Creative Knots” Exhibit

Shemer Art Center is accepting submissions for its “Creative Knots” exhibition scheduled to open on September 8, which will feature works created primarily with fiber and wood. The exhibition will be juried by Ann Morton, whose “The Violet Protest” exhibit is currently on view at Phoenix Art Museum, as well as Roger Asay, whose body of collaborative work with Rebecca Davis features wood and stone. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 16.

“Light Sensitive” Exhibit

Art Intersection is accepting submissions for its “Light Sensitive” exhibition, which will include images “created using traditional darkroom, historical, and alternative photographic processes and methods.” Photography-based works incorporating mediums such as printmaking, ceramics, and painting will also be considered. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 25. The exhibit will run from October 9 to November 20. The gallery will award cash prizes to three select artists in the show.

Shade for Transit Shelters

The public art program for the city of Phoenix is requesting qualifications from professional artists interested in designing perforated steel shade structures for multiple bus shelters, which will incorporate elements reflecting the distinct identities of the communities where they are located. The city is encouraging a variety of artists to apply — including graphic designers, muralists, painters, printmakers, textile artists, and others. The city will hold an informational meeting on August 5. The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 26.

Piper Fellow Program

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust is seeking candidates for its 2021 class of Piper Fellows, who will have the opportunity to “design professional development sabbaticals that support growth and renewal.” The trust annually awards up to six fellowships to nonprofit leaders, with a maximum award of $30,000, plus additional funding for the fellows' organizations. The deadline to complete an application is Wednesday, September 1.

Ballet Arizona Youth Auditions

Ballet Arizona will hold youth cast auditions for its 2021 production of The Nutcracker on Sunday, September 12. Auditions are open to students enrolled in level 2 of the School of Ballet Arizona, as well as children ages nine to 18. Interested youth should complete the online registration form before attending. Audition times for various age groups are noted on the Ballet Arizona website.

“First” Exhibit

Scottsdale Arts has issued a call for the “First: Native American Arizona Artists” exhibition scheduled for January 10 to March 30, 2022, at the Civic Center Public Gallery located inside the main branch of the Scottsdale Public Library. The call notes that “any media and style of artwork will be considered, including influences from both popular culture and Native traditions.” The exhibit will be co-curated by potter and musician Ron Carlos, who is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Submissions are due Monday, November 15.

“Lighthouse” Exhibit

Alwun House is seeking conceptual and functional artworks for its “Lighthouse” exhibition scheduled to run from December 3, 2021 to January 7, 2022. The call for art lists several types of work, including art shrines, fire art, installations, lamps, LED art, light boxes, neon works, and more. Artists should register to participate no later than Saturday, November 27.