Open Arts Fund 2026 Offers ₦500,000 Grants to Nigerian Creatives – Apply Now
Open Arts has opened applications for its 2026 Open Arts Fund, offering grants of up to ₦500,000 to Nigerian artists, writers, filmmakers, photographers, creative collectives and cultural organisations developing projects that strengthen the creative ecosystem in Northern Nigeria.
The funding initiative supports new and existing creative projects across multiple disciplines, providing flexible financial assistance for artistic development, research, production and community-led activities.
Now in its third funding cycle, the Open Arts Fund seeks to expand access to creative opportunities, strengthen artistic practice and support projects that create meaningful opportunities for artists and communities connected to Northern Nigeria.
What the Open Arts Fund Offers
Successful applicants can receive up to ₦500,000 in unrestricted funding to develop, implement or expand their proposed projects.
The funding can support a broad range of creative activities, including:
- Visual arts, photography and filmmaking.
- Literature, writing and storytelling.
- Performance, craft and other artistic practices.
- Creative research and project development.
- Community-led arts and cultural initiatives.
- Activities that promote professional development and improve access to the arts.
The fund prioritises projects that strengthen the regional creative ecosystem, encourage artistic development and create opportunities for emerging and established creative practitioners.
Funded projects must be completed within six months of receiving the grant.
Who Can Apply?
The Open Arts Fund is open to applicants based in Nigeria, including:
- Individual artists and cultural practitioners.
- Writers, photographers, filmmakers and performers.
- Artist duos and creative collectives.
- Arts and cultural organisations.
- Practitioners working across different creative disciplines.
Applicants do not necessarily have to reside in Northern Nigeria. However, their proposed projects must make a meaningful contribution to the region’s creative ecosystem or create opportunities for talents connected to Northern Nigeria.
Open Arts Community Fund
The 2026 funding cycle also features a separate Open Arts Community Fund exclusively for members of the Open Arts Community.
Like the main fund, this opportunity provides up to ₦500,000 in unrestricted funding for new and existing creative projects.
Selected applicants will also receive support to develop and deliver their projects, an opportunity to organise an event at Open Arts Space, and access to the organisation’s wider creative network.
Eligible projects may include exhibitions, performances, literary initiatives, workshops, screenings, research and community-based activities.
Applicants to this category must provide their Open Arts Community membership code as part of their proposal.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants must prepare a two-page project proposal outlining the following:
- Project description: Explain the proposed creative initiative and its objectives.
- Expected outcomes: Describe the results the project intends to achieve and the opportunities it will create.
- Project timeline: Provide a realistic schedule for implementing and completing the project.
- Budget: Outline the estimated costs required to deliver the proposed activities.
Applicants to the Open Arts Community Fund must also include their community membership code.
The proposal must be compiled into a single PDF document before submission.
Application Deadline
The deadline for both the Open Arts Fund and the Open Arts Community Fund is November 10, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and prepare their proposals carefully, as late submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should visit the official Open Arts website to review the full application guidelines and determine which funding category suits their project.
Prepare a two-page proposal and submit it as a single PDF attachment to info@openartsworld.org.
Use the appropriate email subject line:
- Main fund: Open Arts Fund
- Community fund: Open Arts Community Fund
Applicants seeking support through the community category must include their Open Arts Community membership code in the proposal.
APPLY HERE
Visit the official Open Arts Fund application page to access the guidelines and application instructions.
For enquiries, contact info@openartsworld.org.
