Art and design open calls to know this September
Discover September art and design open calls, residencies and creative opportunities across the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Open Calls September 2026
September is bringing a great lineup of open calls, residencies, prizes and creative opportunities across the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia
From photography and digital art to jewellery design, craft, AI and multidisciplinary work, there’s lots for artists, designers, makers and visual storytellers to dive into this month.
Here are the opportunities you should keep an eye on...
Tasweer Residency 2026–27: As the Image Unfolds - The Language of Athar
Doha, Qatar
Deadline: 3 September 2026
Tasweer Photo Festival presents an opportunity for photographers and visual storytellers based in Qatar. Three selected residents will get a five-month programme combining studio access, mentorship and an exhibition.
A strong opportunity for image makers looking to develop their practice within a dedicated creative environment.
Visit for more information: Tasweer Residency 2026–2027
Liwan Studio Resident
Doha, Qatar
Deadline: 4 September 2026
Liwan is inviting creative practitioners to apply for its Studio Resident programme.
Designers in Qatar, this open call opportunity offers dedicated studio space alongside access to creative facilities, professional development, networking and opportunities to showcase work.
Visit for more information: Studio Resident - Liwan
Hayy Makers: Makers Matters
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Deadline: 6 September 2026
For craftspeople, designers, artisans, artists and makers based in Saudi Arabia, Makers Matters offers the opportunity to contribute to a multidisciplinary programme exploring heritage, materials, making and innovation. The programme brings together practitioners working across traditional and contemporary approaches to craft and design.
Visit for more information: Hayy Makers - Open Call: Makers Matters
MNWR × Hafez Gallery: Past, Present, Future: Reimagined Through AI
Saudi Arabia and the Arab region
Deadline: 15 September 2026
Artists from across the Arab world are invited to explore Arab identity, memory and imagination through AI.
Selected artists will create a body of eight AI integrated artworks responding to the past, present or future.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to artists working across digital art, generative practices, video, mixed media and emerging technologies.
Visit for more information: Open Call - MNWR × Hafez Gallery
Tiffany & Co. × Design Commission Abu Dhabi Residency
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Deadline: 20 September 2026
A new opportunity dedicated to jewellery and watch design. The residency is open to UAE residents of all nationalities and combines mentorship, workshops, research and material exploration.
Selected residents will develop their practice through the programme before presenting their work as part of a final exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Visit for more information: Tiffany & Co. Design Residency Program
Xposure International Photography Awards
Sharjah, UAE
Extended deadline: 20 September 2026
Photographers and visual storytellers should have Xposure firmly on their radar.
The international photography awards are free to enter and welcome photographers working across a wide range of photographic practices.
With a prize pool of more than USD 46,000, it is one of the region’s key photography opportunities to watch this month.
Visit for more information: Xposure International Photography Awards
What Is Home to You? at Art Mill Museum
Doha, Qatar
Deadline: 30 September 2026
The Art Mill Museum is inviting creative responses exploring ideas of home, identity, memory, place and belonging.
Submissions can include photography, video, writing and other forms of visual expression.
Visit for more information: Open Call: What is Home to You?
Rove × World Art Dubai: Emerging Artist Prize
Dubai, UAE
Deadline: 30 September 2026
An international opportunity for digital artists, illustrators, animators and 3D artists. This year’s theme, Threads of Connection, explores how technology shapes human connection, communication and empathy.
Shortlisted works will be presented at the Rove Hotels Emerging Artist Prize stand during the 12th edition of World Art Dubai, taking place at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City from 19 to 22 November 2026, bringing together more than 10,000 artworks from over 400 artists and galleries across 65 countries.
Visit for more information: Rove's Emerging Artist Prize 2026