Are you an artist, writer, filmmaker, photographer or creative organisation in Nigeria with a project connected to the North? Open Arts is accepting applications for the Open Arts Fund 2026, which gives grants of up to ₦500,000 in unrestricted funding for new and existing creative projects. Applications close on 10 November 2026.
Now in its third year, the fund has already supported 10 recipients. This year Open Arts has added a second grant, the Open Arts Community Fund, for members of its creative community.
Two Grants at a Glance
- Open Arts Fund (open call): up to ₦500,000 for Nigeria-based creatives whose work strengthens the creative scene in Northern Nigeria
- Open Arts Community Fund: up to ₦500,000 plus the chance to host an event at Open Arts Space — for Open Arts Community members only
- Project length: must be completed within 6 months of receiving the grant
- Application: a two-page proposal by email
- Cost to apply: free
- Deadline (both): 10 November 2026
Benefits: What the Fund Supports
“Unrestricted” means you decide how best to spend the money on your project. Funding can go towards:
- new creative projects and ideas
- existing projects that need extra support
- your artistic or literary practice
- collective and community-led initiatives
- research, production and development
- activities that create opportunities for artists, writers and creative communities
Open Arts is especially interested in projects that expand professional development and access to the arts, and that create opportunities for artists and communities.
Disciplines include, but are not limited to, visual arts, literature, photography, film, performance, craft, research and community-led work.
Community Fund extras: support to develop and deliver your project, an event slot at Open Arts Space (an exhibition, performance, reading, workshop or screening), and access to the wider Open Arts network.
Eligibility
Open Arts Fund:
- individual artists and cultural practitioners
- duos
- creative collectives
- arts and cultural organisations
- practitioners in any creative discipline
You must be based in Nigeria, and your project must meaningfully contribute to the creative ecosystem in Northern Nigeria or create opportunities for talent connected to the region. You do not have to live in the North yourself — a Lagos-based filmmaker running workshops in Kano, for example, could fit — but the Northern connection must be clear.
Open Arts Community Fund: only for members of the Open Arts Community. You must include your membership code in your proposal.
What to Put in Your Two-Page Proposal
- Project description — what the project is and the need it addresses
- What you hope to achieve — outcomes and who benefits
- Timeline — key activities over a maximum of six months
- Budget — a clear breakdown that adds up to ₦500,000 or less
- Membership code — Community Fund applicants only
How to Apply
- Read the full call on the official Open Arts Fund 2026 page.
- Write your two-page proposal and save it as one single PDF.
- Email it to [email protected].
- Use the exact subject line “Open Arts Fund” or “Open Arts Community Fund”.
- Send it before 10 November 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Open Arts receives many applications and cannot give individual feedback, so make your proposal clear first time.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Spell out the Northern Nigeria link in your first paragraph.
- Show who else benefits — other artists, students, a community — not just your own practice.
- Keep the budget realistic and itemised (venue, materials, transport, fees, documentation).
- Plan for six months; a smaller project delivered well beats an ambitious one left unfinished.
- Add one or two links to your past work (portfolio, Instagram, published writing) if space allows.
More Funding for Creatives and Changemakers
- SADC Media Awards 2027: Win US$2,500 for Journalism
- TEEEM Foundation Community Impact Grants 2026
- IgniteHER 4.0 Virtual Conference 2026 for Women Entrepreneurs
Deadline: 10 November 2026. Email your PDF proposal to [email protected].
