Open calls for artists in Hawaiʻi: public art and mural commissions, grants, residencies and fellowships, with deadlines and links. Inspire To Create Media checks for new calls every week and takes down the ones that close. Free to use and share.
Statewide grants for nonprofit projects in heritage, community arts and arts and healing, arts education, and presentation; the intent to apply and the application are both due on Hawaii.GoSmart.org.
Who can apply: Hawaiʻi 501(c)(3) arts or culture nonprofits registered on SAM.gov
VIEW THE CALL ↗Native bird themed artwork for a show at the KSA Gallery in Kukui Grove Center, Nov 7 to 12, 2026; digital entries are due by email, with drop-off Nov 4 and 5.
Who can apply: Artists of all ages and experience levels; 2D and 3D work
VIEW THE CALL ↗Exhibition proposals for Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale, listed in SFCA's September 2026 opportunities roundup.
Who can apply: Creatives, makers and cultural practitioners; all mediums
VIEW THE CALL ↗Funds the production of newly commissioned visual art shown in public or non-traditional settings, a fit for large public art and mural commissions.
Who can apply: Letter of inquiry first; full applications by invitation
VIEW THE CALL ↗Up to two Hawaiʻi artists will be chosen for concurrent solo exhibitions in Hui Noʻeau's galleries in Makawao in 2028.
Who can apply: Hawaiʻi artists; entry fee applies
VIEW THE CALL ↗Honolulu's annual Grants in Aid round; proposals are due Nov 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. HST through HANDS.
Who can apply: Nonprofits providing public benefit, including arts and culture
VIEW THE CALL ↗Ongoing call for artists to sell work on consignment at the Volcano Art Center gallery, with a reply in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Who can apply: Artists living in Hawaiʻi; all visual media
VIEW THE CALL ↗Unrestricted one-year grants accepted year-round; review typically takes 9 to 12 months.
Who can apply: Professional painters, sculptors and works-on-paper artists with an exhibition history
VIEW THE CALL ↗Small grants for projects that deepen understanding of Japanese arts and culture or create US-Japan collaborative work; apply at least three months before the project starts.
Who can apply: 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored projects
VIEW THE CALL ↗These are closed right now but open on a regular cycle. Mark the timing and prepare early.
Grants of $2,000 to $10,000 for visual artists, cultural practitioners and collectives who live and work in Hawaiʻi, through the Andy Warhol Foundation Regional Regranting Program. Program page.
Paid commissions for site-specific public artworks, including murals, across Maui County. Program page.
Teaching-artist residencies in Hawaiʻi public schools; schools apply with an artist from SFCA's Artistic Teaching Partners roster. Program page.
Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 in the FY2027 round for Kauaʻi nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects held entirely on Kauaʻi. Program page.
State grants for eligible nonprofits under HRS 42F, a common route for arts program and capital funding. Program page.
Funds community experiences and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, including artists, for projects in the second half of the year. Program page.
Federal project grants for nonprofits, government units and tribes. Program page.
Two-year operating grants for arts nonprofits; past focus areas included Kauaʻi arts groups and public art. Program page.
A request for qualifications (RFQ) wants your track record, not a design. Answer the question asked, and save concept work for when it is part of a paid shortlist.
Panels look at work on a screen. Include photos with people or the building in frame so the size reads, plus a few in-progress shots that show how you work.
Selection panels in Hawaiʻi look for artists who understand the community and ʻāina the work will live in. Say how your past walls came from the places they stand.
Count paint, lift or scaffold rental, insurance, travel and Hawaiʻi General Excise Tax, not only your time. See how mural pricing works.
Public contracts and grants often ask for a Hawaiʻi tax license, general liability insurance and, for State and County work, a Hawaiʻi Compliance Express certificate. Getting these in place early saves a missed deadline.
Most calls list a contact for questions. A short, specific question shows you read the call closely, and the answer often shapes a stronger application.
Send open calls for Hawaiʻi artists to hello@inspiretocreatemedia.com and they will be added after a check. Listings summarize each opportunity; always confirm the details with the organization. Inspire To Create Media is not affiliated with these programs. Related guides: how to fund a community mural and how to get a mural approved on Kauaʻi.