Apply for Up to ₦500,000 in Creative Funding

The Open Arts Fund is now accepting applications from artists, writers, creative practitioners, collectives and organisations developing projects connected to the creative ecosystem in Northern Nigeria.

Through its 2026 funding call, Open Arts is offering up to ₦500,000 in unrestricted funding for new and existing creative projects across disciplines including literature, visual arts, photography, film, performance, craft, research and community-led initiatives.

This year’s call includes two funding opportunities: the Open Arts Community Fund, exclusively for members of the Open Arts Community, and the broader Open Arts Fund, which is open to eligible creatives and organisations based in Nigeria.

 

Open Arts Community Fund

The Open Arts Community Fund provides financial support to members of the Open Arts Community who want to develop, produce or bring creative projects to the public.

Selected applicants will receive:

• Up to ₦500,000 in unrestricted funding
• Support to develop and deliver their project
• An opportunity to create and host an event at Open Arts Space
• Access to the Open Arts Community and wider creative network

Projects may include exhibitions, performances, literary projects, workshops, screenings, research projects, community initiatives or other creative ideas.

 

Who Can Apply?

The fund is exclusively open to members of the Open Arts Community.

Artists, writers, curators, cultural workers, creative collectives and other creative practitioners may apply with a new or existing project.

Project teams must complete funded projects within six months of receiving the grant.

 

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a two-page proposal containing:

• Project description
• What they hope to achieve
• Project timeline
• Budget
• Open Arts Community membership code

The proposal should be submitted as a single PDF to info@openartsworld.org with the subject line “Open Arts Community Fund.”

The deadline is November 10, 2026.

 

Open Arts Fund

This broader fund supports artists, creative practitioners, collectives, and organisations developing projects that contribute to the creative ecosystem in Northern Nigeria.

The fund is entering its third year and has previously supported 10 recipients.

It provides up to ₦500,000 in unrestricted funding for new and existing projects.

Funding may support:

• New creative projects and ideas
• Existing projects requiring additional support
• Artistic and literary practice
• Collective and community-led initiatives
• Research, production and development
• Activities that create opportunities for artists, writers and creative communities

Open Arts is particularly interested in initiatives that expand professional development, increase access to the arts, support creative development and create opportunities for artists and communities.

 

Who Can Apply?

The fund is open to:

• Individual artists and cultural practitioners
• Duos
• Creative collectives
• Arts and cultural organisations
• Practitioners working across creative disciplines

Applicants must be based in Nigeria. Their proposed project must meaningfully contribute to the creative ecosystem in Northern Nigeria or create opportunities for talents connected to the region.

The team must finish funded projects within six months after they receive the grant.

 

Application Requirements for the Open Arts Fund

Applicants should submit a two-page proposal, including:

• A brief description of the project or initiative
• What they hope to achieve
• Project timeline
• Budget

The proposal must be submitted as a single PDF to info@openartsworld.org with the subject line “Open Arts Fund.”

The deadline for applications is November 10, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

 

Writers and other applicants preparing project proposals may also find these statement of purpose examples useful when developing their applications.

For the full application guidelines and information about Open Arts, visit the official Open Arts website.