Creative Hub
Creative opportunities for artists in the North
Opportunities are ordered most recent deadline - latest deadline/no deadline
Blaise Wool Festival 2026
Bradford Industrial Museum
Sunday, 1st February 2026
Deadline: 19th December 2025
“Blaise Wool Festival 2026 - an annual celebration of Bradford's wool industry and heritage, held at Bradford Industrial Museum. Featuring stalls of local traders selling wool and textile based products, craft workshops, music, talks and demonstrations. Apply for a stall or as a food trader now!
Named for the patron saint of wool combers - Bishop Blaise - Blaise Wool Festival is an annual celebration of Bradford's wool industry and heritage, held at Bradford Industrial Museum.
Featuring: stalls of local traders selling wool and textile-based products, craft workshops, music from Hallroyd Brass Band and Bradford Voices Choir, talks and demonstrations from local institutions with links to the wool industry in Bradford as well as food and drink.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace. Stalls are charged at £50 and catering pitch at £70.
Ones to Watch 2026 - Zine Open Call
Sunny Bank Mills, Leeds
Exhibition runs 10th January - 29th March 2026
Deadline: Midday on 19th December 2025
“Submit your zine or book to be part of the Zine Library for our annual exhibition celebrating emerging artists!
Ones to Watch returns to the Gallery for its thirteenth year in 2026, showcasing some of the most exciting emerging talent Yorkshire has to offer.
The exhibition brings together work by artists from across disciplines, from painting to sculpture, film, photography, ceramics, design and more.
We are looking for emerging artists to apply to exhibit their zines in our newly established zine library, curated alongside each Gallery exhibition.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace. Please note, you must be a current creative student or recent graduate.
No Space Exhibition
Eagle Works, Sheffield
24th January Private View 6 - 9 pm. Exhibition 24th - 28th January 1 - 8 pm
Deadline: 20th December 2025
“No Space is an open call, visual art project working within the theme of Negative Space.
We are looking for artists who explore themes of liminal and/or negative space through their art practice; negative space refers to the feeling of emptiness or absence that contributes to an unsettling or eerie atmosphere.
It highlights the feeling of loneliness and the unfamiliar. Liminal spaces, by their nature, are in-between or transitional zones, often characterised by a lack of clear purpose or defined activity.
Liminality can exist in time, people and places. It may refer to nostalgia, transitional or psychological states, critical turning points in life, or sudden events that significantly impact a person’s life.
Our project invites each artist to interpret the concept of negative space using an array of materials and a variety of artworks, from paintings to video installations.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace.
Under the Bed Sale 2026
Cupola Contemporary Gallery, Sheffield
Exhibition dates: 10th January 2026 - 1st February 2026
Deadline: 22nd December 2025
“The Under the Bed Sale invites artists to root out older and early works that they may have hidden under their beds, in the corner of the studio, stored in the attic or the shed and send it to us to sell off at bargain prices. It is important to understand this is not about undercutting a market price for current work it is about selling off older works you no longer hold dear or that you have never shown anyone, at bargain prices.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace.
OPO Open 2026
Old Parcels Office Artspace, Scarborough
Exhibition Dates: 14th February – 8th March 2026
Deadline: Midnight on 1st January 2026
“The OPO Open 2026 will be held at the Old Parcels Office Artspace (OPO), Station Car Park, Westborough, Scarborough, YO11 1TU.
Since opening in 2021, the OPO has become the Yorkshire Coast’s leading centre for contemporary visual art — a striking converted railway building offering a unique, characterful setting for exhibitions. Now in its 5th year, the OPO ‘Open Call’ attracts entries from artists across the UK. Last year, over 1000 people visited the exhibition. Around 80 works will be selected for the exhibition by a panel of independent selectors”
Apply via CuratorSpace. Please note there is a fee to apply. £25 for up to 3 works, or £10 for a single work (regardless of size or medium).
Where Artists and Texts Meet
Liverpool Book Art
Week beginning 16th February 11.00 - 16.00pm exact date and times TBC
Deadline: 4th January 2026
“Artists are invited to submit works for a new Book Art exhibition to be held in Liverpool in 2026, entitled ‘Where Artists and Texts Meet’. The exhibition will run from February 6th to March 29th. An associated book art insight day will take place in mid-February, with talks, workshops and demonstrations, to which artists are invited to contribute.
This exhibition marks a new collaboration between Liverpool Book Art (LBA) and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
The exhibition will be held in LJMU’s Mount Pleasant Campus Library, which provides specialist subject support to courses within the Faculty of Society and Culture.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace. Paid opportunity.
Scott Creative Arts Foundation, Doncaster
Week beginning 16th February 11.00 - 16.00pm exact date and times TBC
Deadline: 4th January 2026
Scott Creative Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award 2026
“Scott Creative Arts Foundation (SCAF) invites emerging artists living or working in Yorkshire to submit a proposal for an original artwork responding to this year’s theme: HERITAGE. Shortlisted works will be exhibited as part of our 2026 Emerging Artist Award.
Emerging Artist Award 2026 Brief: HERITAGE
Art is inseparable from Heritage.
Each act of creation is shaped by what has come before it: by the stories, materials and traditions that form our identities and cultures.
Heritage is often deeply rooted in people, place or ritual. It shapes how we express ourselves and can determine how we connect our past with our present and, in turn, what we carry into the future.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace. Exhibiting finalists will receive a prize sum of £175.
Postcards 2026 Exhibition - Open Call
Fronteer Gallery, Sheffield
Exhibition will run from 13th - 22nd January 2026
Deadline: 11th January 2025
“Fronteer are holding a postcard exhibition. The exhibition has no set theme, so artists are welcome to produce any work on any subject they like as long as it is postcard-sized.
We would also welcome 3-D postcard-sized works which can stand on a plinth.
Work should be on paper or card and should be A6/postcard-sized (10.5x14.8cm). Work must be unframed and will be hung using Command Strips.
Artists are invited to submit up to 3 pieces of work for the exhibition. Please complete a separate form for each submission.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace.
The Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair 2026
The Hepworth, Wakefield
Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th June 2026
Deadline: 11th January 2025
“Applications are welcomed from emerging and established UK-based artists, textile designers and illustrators working in screen print, etching, monoprint, giclee, risograph, lithograph, collagraph, linocut, letterpress and other print media.
The Print Fair brings together printmakers from across the UK and provides an opportunity for you to have your work exhibited for sale in front of 4250 people over one weekend.
The weekend will also feature family activities, street food and discounted exhibition entry to ensure a well-attended, vibrant event.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace.
Sunny Bank Mills Print Festival 2026 | Open Call for Stallholders, Workshops & Demonstrations
Sunny Bank Mills, Leeds
Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th March 2026
Deadline: 11th January 2025
“Sunny Bank Mills' annual Print Fair is back for its 5th year! Join us on 7th & 8th of March 2026 on the first floor of our iconic 1912 Mill.
We are looking for artists, photographers, zine makers, illustrators, publishers and printmakers at all stages of their career who create prints, make books or zines, or have had books produced by small independent presses.
Individuals, partnerships, collectives and students are all encouraged to apply!
Processes might include:
Etching, monoprint, screen print, bookbinding, calligraphy, linocut, lithograph, risograph, typograph, zine making, letterpress and more.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace.
Saltaire Arts Trail Open Village
Victoria Hall, Saltaire
Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th May 2026
10 am - 5 pm
Deadline: 18th January 2026
“Call for visual artists working in a variety of art forms to exhibit work as part of Saltaire Arts Trail OPEN VILLAGE, taking place Saturday 2nd May - Monday 4th May 2026.
The Saltaire Arts Trail is an annual community arts event. The Saltaire Arts Trail celebrates and opens up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire Village and its surroundings to visitors by presenting great contemporary visual art within a variety of unique public and residential spaces.
Over the three days of the May Bank Holiday weekend, Saltaire becomes a magnet for visitors who come to explore the wide programme on offer and connect with practising contemporary artists and makers.”
Please note, there is a fee of £6 to submit an application via CuratorSpace.
Saltaire Arts Trail Makers Fair
Victoria Hall, Saltaire
Sunday 3rd - Monday 4th May 2026
11 am - 5 pm (Sunday)
10 am - 4 pm (Saturday)
Deadline: 18th January 2026
“Call for CONTEMPORARY CRAFT designer-makers working in a wide range of HANDMADE disciplines to exhibit work at the SALTAIRE MAKERS FAIR at Saltaire Arts Trail, taking place over TWO DAYS of the early May Bank Holiday on Sunday 3rd May and Monday 4th May 2026 (Please note that the Makers Fair will not take place on Saturday this year, due to the venue's unavailability).
Taking place over TWO DAYS within Victoria Hall, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, arts event organisers Saltaire Inspired are looking to select and showcase high-quality, innovative work to show and sell at this highly respected craft market.
WE FOCUS ON HANDMADE PRACTICES in ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass, metal, artists' books, paper, leather, wood, furniture, plastics, fashion textiles and accessories, original printmaking and mixed media.”
Please note, there is a fee of £6 to submit an application via CuratorSpace.
“Artwork celebrating the Hepatitis C Team at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and their efforts to meet the World Health Organization goal of eliminating Hepatitis C.
This commission is funded through a generous donation from a patient’s family to express their gratitude for the care received from the Hepatitis C team.
We are seeking an artist to create uplifting artwork that brightens the hospital environment and celebrates the department’s achievements in tackling Hepatitis C as part of NHS England’s elimination programme.
The artwork will contribute to a welcoming environment for both patients and staff and reflect the strength, resilience, and teamwork of the people involved.
Total budget for artwork is £2000.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace.
Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield
Commission Begins March 2026
Deadline: 20th January 2026
Open Call: Artwork Celebrating the Hepatitis C Team
“The Cultural Institute and stage@leeds have joined forces to offer a new summer residency programme for theatre, dance, music theatre and live art makers at the University of Leeds.
Play Space offers free residencies in June/July 2026 (each lasting five consecutive days) for professional theatre/music theatre-makers, dance artists and live art makers. Residencies will take place in studios or performance spaces managed by stage@leeds.
The weeks available for residencies are:
w/c 22 June
w/c 29 June
This scheme develops out of the support offered to companies and artists over the years by stage@leeds. These have included The Paper Birds, Gary Clarke and Vanessa Grasse among many others.
What we offer (subject to availability):
Five days free space (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) on campus at the University of Leeds. This will be in the stage@leeds main auditorium or a studio space (various sizes available) depending on need and availability.
Technical support to set up the space and use of technical equipment. Additional technical support during the week may be available but is not guaranteed.
Use of VR, 360 recording and Qlab projection mapping equipment. Please see the studio specifications and tech list for the kit that is available to you.
Dramaturgical or producer conversations if required.
Introductions to relevant academics in the field/s of research you wish to connect with, where relevant.
£750 (including VAT) cash to support your ability to undertake the residency.”
Free to apply via form on their website.
University of Leeds
June/July 2026
Deadline: 29th January 2026
Play Space Residencies
“Applications are now open for ‘Horizons’, a new training and development programme supporting socially engaged Global Majority Artists into Creative Mental Health facilitation.
We are looking for 6x socially engaged visual artists living or working in Greater Manchester to join a paid arts & mental-health training programme.”
Free to apply. Email completed applications to horizonsproject.arc@gmail.com
Arc at Hat Works, Stockport
Commission Begins March 2026
Deadline: 23:59pm on Friday 30th January 2026
HORIZONS Artist Development Programme 2026
Public Art Commission - Woodhouse Lane Gateway
Woodhouse Lane Getaway, Leeds
Contract begins Spring 2026
Deadline: 9th February 2026
“Design and deliver a piece or pieces of public art which are integrated with the functional public realm along the Woodhouse Lane Gateway within the public highway boundary.
The piece or pieces of public art could use the proposed locations or add new ones, and the ideas and examples are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive – we are looking for something new and unique and are open to any types of art which meet the requirements of the brief.
Materials, colours and techniques are not predetermined but must be suitable for a busy urban outdoor location, easy to clean, vandalism resistant, and long lasting.
Materials could include: stone, metal, bronze, durable plastics or other man made and UV resistant materials.
The total budget for 1-3 artist commissions is up to £50,000.”
Free to apply via CuratorSpace.
Open Call for Artists for Didsbury Arts Festival 2026
Didsbury, Manchester
Saturday 27th June – Sunday 5th July
Deadline: 9am on 16th February 2026
“Selecting from online entries, Didsbury Arts Festival (DAF) encourage individuals, groups and organisations to apply, whether amateur enthusiasts or professionals.
Our festival aims to reflect the diversity of people across South Manchester, Greater Manchester and beyond, showcasing emerging talent alongside more established practitioners and artists.
Where possible, it would be great if applications could represent or connect with the DAF2026 festival theme of 'Visibility and Invisibility' - combining the power of the imagination with the right to be seen, comparing life stories and experiences that can be overlooked with those that it is hard to avoid, as well as thinking about what you can and can't see, what you can only hear, or remember, or dream of...
We are keen to help profile artists from our local area and our wider city region, as well as artists from further afield with exciting and high quality contributions to make. We’re also keen to profile artists from all backgrounds (cultural, socio-economic etc.) and with all characteristics (age, gender, race, sexuality, disability etc.) particularly those less represented in the arts in this country, so please do indicate if relevant.”
Free to apply via the form on their website.
Tilly & Primrose Artisan Markets
“At a Tilly & Primrose Artisan Market you can expect to find a wonderful selection of artisans and independent creative businesses showcasing their work.
My markets are thoughtfully curated to ensure high quality products, and venues are chosen to give visitors lots to enjoy and discover while they visit.”
Applications are free to submit on Eventaly but applicants must make an account with this platform.
Various venues throughout 2026
Various dates throughout 2026
Mindful Markets
Various venues throughout 2026
Various dates throughout 2026
“You must have a strong brand presence that is cohesive across your packaging, website, marketing streams and stall set-up. It must clearly and professionally reflect your products and ethos, I am looking only for high-quality brands & products. Mindful Market is not a makers market or a craft fair, not to say that hand-made and art items are excluded, it just means it’s not a priority within our curation.
Being the Mindful Market, we curate our line-up with these principles in mind. If you do not have the below ethos', you are not considered a mindful business and therefore will not be selected. If you do, please ensure this information is available to view clearly via your website and marketing streams.”
Applications are free to submit via the form on their website.
Good Market
Penny Lane Church, Liverpool
Various dates throughout 2026. Applications are continuous.
“Each of our Markets are hand curated - that means we hand select the best traders for the venue and specific audience/ date, also this ensures there are never too many of one category at any event - where there are multiple stall holders of similar products, we ensure the product ascetic/ packaging/ offering etc is different enough to attract a different customer and is not in direct competition and also never placed in close proximity.
Our Markets are not 'First come, First served' - as mentioned each market is hand selected to make the Best Market for trader and customer.
We continuously review our applications and the traders and you may be invited to attend a Market you didn't apply for if we think you would suit the venue/ audience.”
Applications are free to submit via the Google Form.
If you are hosting an event or there’s event you’d like to see on this page, get in touch with us!