open call 26/27
Applications open July 12th!
np.a Professional Development Programme
Applications open 12 July – 30 August 2026
newplatform.art invites applications from UK-based artists working in any medium to join our free 2026–27 Professional Development Programme.
The PDP supports artists to build the practical knowledge, confidence and networks needed to develop sustainable careers. We’re looking for artists who are excited to strengthen their professional practice, grow their networks and better understand the business and structural side of a career in the arts.
We especially welcome applications from artists who are underrepresented in the visual arts, have not followed a traditional route into the art world or are based outside London.
Carr, Alice (20230 show pony. Acrylic on Paper, 15cm x 21cm
About the programme
Running from October 2026 to April 2027, the PDP brings together a national cohort of artists for practical learning, mentoring, peer support and professional opportunities.
The programme includes approximately two to three sessions per month, led by artists and professionals working across the visual arts. Most sessions take place online on weekday evenings, making the programme accessible to artists across the UK. A small number of in-person sessions take place during the daytime.
A full programme schedule is shared with artists once they have accepted a place.
Sessions are practical and focused on the realities of building and sustaining an artistic career. Recent topics have included:
• Funding and grant applications
• Pricing your work
• Working with galleries and curators
• Contracts and intellectual property
• Building your artistic profile
• Exhibition installation
• Supplementing your income
• Finding and assessing professional opportunities
Artists also benefit from:
• Small-group mentoring with experienced arts professionals
• Coaching and presentation practice
• Peer support and connection with our national alumni cohort
• Access to np.a’s wider community and professional network
• Opportunities to apply for paid exhibitions and Art Prizes with np.a partners
Qian, Qian (2023) In the Wurpular Wood where the Glompoms smell good. Watercolor and mixed media on archival board. 59cm x 79cm x 7cm.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from artists who:
• Are aged 18+ and based in the UK
• Consider themselves emerging or early-career, however that looks for them
• Work in any medium
• Have an established artistic direction and are looking for practical support to develop their career
• Are not enrolled in full-time education during the programme period, October 2026 to April 2027
• Can commit to regular participation across the programme
You do not need formal art education or gallery representation to apply.
The PDP is focused on professional development rather than creative guidance. We are therefore looking for artists who have already developed a clear direction within their practice and are ready to explore the practical, professional and structural aspects of sustaining a career as an artist.
We particularly encourage applications from artists who have experienced barriers to accessing professional networks and opportunities within the arts, including artists from underrepresented backgrounds, self-taught artists and those based outside London.
Exhibition opportunities
np.a works with corporate partners to create paid exhibition opportunities for artists.
PDP artists are eligible to apply to our annual partner Open Calls. Selected artworks are exhibited in partner workplaces, with artists receiving a hanging fee and professional exhibition support.
These opportunities can also include Art Prizes, opportunities to sell work and participation in end-of-exhibition auctions.
Selection for the PDP does not guarantee exhibition, but provides a route into these opportunities.
Laycock, Ellie (2024) Commotion Time: Kett's Oak, Mousehold Heath (After John Crome), The Common Land. Archival pigment print on Canson Prestige paper mounted onto dibond aluminium. 90cm x 60cm x 5cm
How artists are selected
Following the application deadline, eligible applications are reviewed by a selection panel of arts professionals, including members of the np.a team and our wider network of collaborators.
The panel considers each application as a whole, looking at the artist’s practice, stage of career, reasons for applying and how they might benefit from the programme at this point in their development.
Successful applicants will be invited to join the 2026–27 cohort and will receive the full programme schedule once they have accepted their place.
How to apply
Applications are managed through Zealous and are free to submit.
You will need:
• A one-page CV
• A short statement of up to 250 words explaining why the programme would be valuable for your artistic career
• Up to eight images of your practice
Applications open: 12 July 2026
Applications close: 30 August 2026
Commitment
The PDP is free to take part in, but we ask artists to engage meaningfully with the programme and wider cohort.
With approximately two to three 60-90 min sessions each month, artists should be able to commit to regular participation between October and April. Most sessions are online and take place in the evening, with a handful of optional in-person daytime sessions too.
Robertson, Catriona (2024) Crustose. Paper-crete (recycled newspaper pulp, cement, sand), plaster, rubble, pigment. Wall mounted with a split baton. 31cm x 31cm x 4cm
Access support
If you require access support with your application or participation in the programme, please contact us.
We are here to talk through how we can best support your application.
Contact hello@newplatform.art
Follow us on Instagram @newplatform.art