Opportunities / Commissions

Commissions for Artists

Current commissions for artists — updated regularly with deadlines, funding, and eligibility across every medium.

MTA Arts & Design

MTA Queens Boulevard Line Public Art Commission – Parsons Blvd, Briarwood, and Jamaica-179 St Stations

Queens, NY· National

Deadline: AUG 14, 2026

commissionApp Fee: $0

Who Can Apply: Open to all artists; artistic merit demonstrated through previous work, exhibition history, awards, and publications; prior experience with mosaic or glass not required.
The Focus: Site-specific public art commissions for three NYC subway stations, realized in mosaic and/or glass.
Compensation: $1,250 honorarium for finalists to develop proposals; selected artists receive artist fee and design/fabrication budget (amounts to be determined).
Key Requirements: Submit up to 20 images, bio, CV, artist statement, and application form via Submittable; demonstrated artistic merit and proficiency in primary medium.

Art At A Time Like This

New York, NY· Global

Pay: $1,000 USDDeadline: AUG 30, 2026

commissionApp Fee: $0Dates: September–October 2026

Who Can Apply: Open to all artists proposing actions for public engagement to protect democracy and address civic and environmental crises.
The Focus: This is a public art project and virtual exhibition focused on civic engagement, asking how art can inspire participatory action.
The Funding: Two selected artists for the public art component will receive a $1,000 honorarium each.
Key Requirements: Artists are asked to propose one clear, actionable step that everyday people can take to protect democracy, responding to civic or environmental issues such as threats to civil liberties and human rights; please refer to the application form for details.

apexart

New York, NY· Global

Pay: $10,000 USD total budget per exhibition.Deadline: OCT 31, 2026

commissionApp Fee: $0Duration: 6 weeks

Who Can Apply: Open to artists, curators, writers, and other professionals worldwide, regardless of career stage or background.
The Focus: This call seeks proposals for idea-driven, original group exhibitions to be held at apexart's New York City space. Winning proposals are selected through a crowd-sourced jury process.
Compensation: Selected proposals receive a $10,000 budget, which includes an exhibition budget of $8,000 and a $2,000 curatorial honorarium.
Key Requirements: Requires a 500-word proposal for a group exhibition with at least three artists.

Jason Hackenwerth

apexart

United States· Global

Pay: $10,000 USD total budget, plus up to a $1,000 USD match for venue rental.Deadline: MAR 1, 2027

commissionApp Fee: $0Duration: At least 4 weeks

Who Can Apply: Open to artists, curators, writers, and other professionals worldwide, regardless of career stage or background.
The Focus: This call seeks proposals for idea-driven, original group exhibitions to be held anywhere in the world except New York City. Winning proposals are selected through a crowd-sourced jury process.
Compensation: Selected proposals receive a $10,000 budget, including a $2,000 curatorial honorarium, plus up to $1,000 for venue rental.
Key Requirements: Requires a 500-word proposal for a group exhibition in a location familiar to the applicant.

Fatoumata Diabaté

Blue Line Arts

Roseville, CA· National

Deadline: Rolling

commissionApp Fee: $0

Who Can Apply: Open to all artists in the United States aged 18 or older.
The Focus: This RFQ establishes a roster of artists for future public art projects in the Placer County region. The program seeks artists experienced in murals, sculpture, and other public-facing media.
Compensation: Project budgets vary and are determined on a case-by-case basis, aligning with fair pay standards for artists.
Key Requirements: Applicants must submit a CV/resume and 5-10 images of previous work.

Lauren Walike

Mural Arts Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

Pay: $2.7 million USD annual project fundingDeadline: Rolling

commissionApp Fee: $0

Who Can Apply: Open to artists interested in public art, community engagement, and collaborative mural-making.
The Focus: This is a call to join a roster for future mural commissions that unite artists and communities to transform public spaces. The program seeks to build a database of artists for consideration on upcoming projects.
The Funding: This is a call for qualifications; specific project budgets and artist fees are determined per commission.
Key Requirements: Applicants must submit a resume, work samples with descriptions, and a brief statement of interest via an online form.

Michelle Angela Ortiz