Mark Your Calendar: Art Opportunities And Events For Artists This November
November is bringing plenty of reasons for artists to stay inspired, explore new opportunities, and make room for a little creative discovery. From international open calls and virtual exhibitions to some of the art world’s most anticipated fairs, the month offers plenty to look forward to.
Whether you are an emerging artist hoping to get your work in front of new audiences, an established creative looking for exhibition opportunities, or simply someone who loves discovering what is happening in the art world, there is something worth adding to your calendar.
We have put together a selection of open calls, exhibitions, and art events taking place this November, with a special focus on opportunities for women artists. So, before the month gets too busy, here are a few dates and opportunities to keep on your radar.
Open Calls And Opportunities
1. Her Canvas 2026 International Art Competition
Deadline: November 4, 2026
If you are a woman artist looking for an opportunity to share your work with an international audience, Her Canvas 2026 is worth exploring.
Organised by Blue Koi Gallery, this international competition invites women artists aged 18 and above to submit work on any subject or theme. There are no restrictions on artistic direction, making it an opportunity to share work that genuinely represents your creative voice.
The competition welcomes painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, collage, fibre art, and other visual art forms. Artists at all stages of their careers are welcome to participate.
Selected artists will be featured in an international online exhibition, with $600 in cash prizes distributed among the winners. The first-place artist will also receive featured artist promotion, an artist profile page, and a digital certificate.
Who can apply: Women artists aged 18+ from anywhere in the world.
Submission fee: $35 for up to six images.
2. Cats, Dogs & Stories – Women in Arts Network
Deadline: November 9, 2026
What stories do the animals in our lives hold? From the companionship of a beloved pet to childhood memories, everyday encounters, and the emotional connections we share with animals, there are countless ways to explore this subject through art.
Cats, Dogs & Stories, a juried virtual exhibition by Women in Arts Network, invites women and non-binary artists from around the world to explore the many ways cats and dogs become part of our lives, memories, cultures, and creative expression.
The theme is intentionally open. Artists do not have to create traditional animal portraits. A cat or dog could appear as the central subject, a small detail, a symbolic presence, or a character within a larger visual story. Painting, photography, illustration, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, textiles, collage, mixed media, and other visual mediums are welcome.
Artists can submit up to three original artworks. Selected artists will be featured in an international virtual exhibition, receive a digital certificate of participation, and have their work promoted across the network’s platforms. There is also an optional Artist Interview Feature for those who would like to share more about their creative journey.
Who can apply: Women and non-binary artists aged 18+ worldwide.
Submission fee: $15 for the virtual exhibition, with an optional interview add-on.
3. Women In Art Volume 1: Wild At Heart – The Untitled Space
Early deadline: November 16, 2026
For artists interested in exploring bold, expressive, and unconventional creative directions, Wild At Heart is another opportunity to consider this November.
The Untitled Space, a contemporary art gallery in New York, is inviting women-identifying artists aged 18 and above from around the world to submit work for its upcoming exhibition and hardcover art book, Women In Art Volume 1: Wild At Heart.
The open call welcomes figurative, abstract, conceptual, and experimental work. Artists working in painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, collage, textiles, mixed media, installation, wearable art, video, performance, and digital practices can all apply.
Existing artwork from current collections or archives is also welcome, so artists do not necessarily need to create something new for the opportunity. Selected artists will have their work considered for the exhibition and publication, with promotional opportunities through the gallery’s international platforms.
One particularly useful detail is that there are no additional exhibition fees for artists whose work is selected.
Who can apply: Women-identifying artists aged 18+ worldwide.
Submission fee: Check the official submission form for current application details.
Art Fairs And Events To Look Forward To
1. Art Cologne
November 5–8, 2026 | Cologne, Germany
One of the most established events on the international art calendar, Art Cologne returns this November for its 59th edition.
Founded in 1967, the fair brings together galleries presenting modern and contemporary art, offering visitors an opportunity to discover established names, emerging artists, and a wide range of artistic practices.
For artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to observe the international gallery scene, explore different approaches to presenting artwork, and see what is attracting attention across the market.
Location: Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre, Cologne.
2. Art Collaboration Kyoto
November 7–9, 2026 | Kyoto, Japan
Art Collaboration Kyoto returns for its sixth edition, bringing an interesting collaborative approach to the traditional art fair format.
Rather than simply presenting galleries independently, the event pairs Japanese galleries with international counterparts in shared exhibition booths. This creates opportunities for cultural exchange and allows visitors to explore different artistic perspectives within a single space.
For artists and art professionals interested in international collaboration, gallery relationships, and contemporary art from Japan and beyond, this is one to keep an eye on.
Location: Kyoto International Conference Center, Kyoto.
3. Paris Photo
November 12–15, 2026 | Paris, France
Photography lovers have something particularly exciting to look forward to this month. Paris Photo returns to the Grand Palais, bringing together international galleries, publishers, photographers, and photography enthusiasts.
The fair celebrates photography in its many forms, from historical photographic works and established practitioners to contemporary image-making and experimental approaches.
Alongside the gallery presentations, visitors can explore photographic books, discover emerging talents, and engage with conversations around the medium. It is an especially interesting event for photographers looking to understand how their medium is being presented, collected, and discussed internationally.
Location: Grand Palais, Paris.
4. Frieze Abu Dhabi
November 19–22, 2026 | Abu Dhabi, UAE
One of the biggest additions to the regional art calendar this November is the debut of Frieze Abu Dhabi.
Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the event is bringing together 89 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, creating an international meeting point for contemporary art, galleries, collectors, and cultural audiences.
For artists and art enthusiasts in the Middle East, this is an especially exciting development. It offers an opportunity to engage with an international art fair closer to home, discover participating galleries, and follow new conversations shaping the contemporary art landscape.
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi.
Dates: November 19–22, 2026.
Before You Plan Your November
A new month can bring new possibilities, but it is easy to let interesting opportunities pass by when everything starts happening at once.
If you are an artist, consider setting aside some time to review the open calls, prepare your artwork images, and check the submission requirements before their deadlines. Not every opportunity will be the right fit for your practice, and that is perfectly fine. Choose the ones that genuinely connect with your work and your goals.
And if you are simply looking for a little artistic inspiration, keep an eye on the exhibitions and fairs taking place around the world. You do not always have to be physically present to discover something new. Many events share their participating galleries, artists, and highlights online, making it easier to stay connected with the wider art community.
Here is to a November filled with new discoveries, creative conversations, and opportunities worth pursuing.
