“Upcoming Opportunities to Explore in February 2025”

**Unlock Your Creativity: A Comprehensive Guide to Residencies, Fellowships, Grants, and Open Calls in 2025**

In the dynamic world of art and culture, opportunities abound for artists and creatives seeking avenues to nurture their talents, secure funding, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re an emerging designer, an established sculptor, or a burgeoning writer, residencies, fellowships, grants, and open calls offer resources and platforms to amplify your practice and expand your reach. This guide explores some exciting opportunities in 2025, promising transformative experiences for creatives worldwide.

—

### **Residencies, Workshops, and Fellowships**

Residencies, workshops, and fellowships provide artists with time, space, and financial or educational support to focus on their craft. Here are some standout opportunities:

#### **1. Strauch Early Career Fellow at Cornell University**
Aspiring educators and artists can develop their skills through teaching, public outreach, and exhibition planning in this prestigious fellowship. With a $65,000 salary and research stipends, it’s an invaluable chance for early career practitioners.
**Deadline:** March 15, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/40V9bYd)

#### **2. Open Studio Residency at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts**
This two-week program encourages artistic exploration in ceramics, fiber, glass, graphics, metals, and wood. While the residency is cost-free, participants cover travel and material expenses—a small price for access to six well-equipped studios.
**Application Period:** March 3–14, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/4057ebt)

#### **3. Core Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston**
Known for fostering innovation, this residency supports visual artists and critical writers developing sustainable practices. With an application fee of just $12, the Core Program is both accessible and highly competitive.
**Deadline:** April 1, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/3Em1DoF)

#### **4. Onassis AiR in Athens, Greece**
Ideal for artists seeking international collaboration, this program offers a monthly fee of €1,300, housing, travel costs, and a research budget. The residency helps creatives immerse themselves in the rich cultural backdrop of Athens.
**Deadline:** March 7, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/4aIxuMg)

—

### **Open Calls for Art & Writing**

Open calls are opportunities for creators to showcase specific works or conceptualize new projects. Receiving recognition and funding through these calls can be career-changing.

#### **1. apexart International Open Call**
With a budget of up to $11,000, apexart seeks proposals for thought-provoking exhibitions. Both curators and artists are encouraged to apply, making this a gateway for realizing meaningful projects.
**Deadline:** March 1, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/4hrDSKr)

#### **2. Long Beach Island Foundation – *Works on Paper* Competition**
Artists working on paper, from drawings to digital art, can submit their work for consideration in this esteemed competition, juried by a MoMA curator.
**Deadline:** March 21, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/40Zc36x)

#### **3. National Wildlife Photo Contest**
Nature photographers, whether professional or amateur, have the chance to win up to $5,000 in this well-established competition celebrating the beauty of the natural world.
**Deadline:** March 23, 2025
[Learn More](https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/Photo-Contest)

—

### **Grants and Awards**

Funding is critical for artists to sustain their creative pursuits. Here are some grants and awards designed to empower talent:

#### **1. Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grant for Sculpture**
Demonstrate your commitment to innovation in sculpture for a chance to win $20,000. The foundation aims to reward imaginative use of materials and exploration of sculptural traditions.
**Deadline:** May 31, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/42BHipv)

#### **2. Museum of Arts and Design – 2025 Burke Prize**
This award offers $50,000 to U.S.-based artists under 45 working in expanded media. Winners also receive a residency at The Corning Museum of Glass, a prestigious combination of funding and academic engagement.
**Deadline:** February 28, 2025
[Learn More](https://bit.ly/40EvWyp)

#### **3. Walker Youngbird Artist Grant**
This opportunity significantly supports Native artists with $15,000 for a creative project. With mentorship and showcase events included, this grant aims to promote indigenous artistry while fostering professional growth.
**Deadline:** February 19,