Opportunities For Grants, Gallery Shows, And Book Festivals For May 2026

It is officially May, and the energy in the Syndicate is shifting from “planning” to “performing.” This issue is about making sure you have the capital and the community support to take your next big step. From $15,000 awards to state-wide advocacy, here is everything you need to know to level up this month.

Advocacy: Your Voice for Pennsylvania Arts

There are major changes happening for arts funding in our state. Erie Arts and Culture, along with partners across the state, is fighting to ensure fair access to funding for all Pennsylvanians.

You are invited to join Creative Pennsylvania for a monthly roundtable Zoom to hear updates on the PA budget and share what’s happening in our corner of the state.

First Meeting: May 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM
Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.com/meeting/register/6GIu6Fe3QwGRkBqOShYsMQ#/registration

Funding Your Vision: New Grant Opportunities

Simply Business “Big Dreams” Grant (I applied to this one)

What: A chance to win a high-impact grant for your small business.
Link: https://www.simplybusiness.com/campaign/bigdreamsgrant/

The Hopper Prize (I may apply to this one, although there is a $40 entry fee)

What: Unrestricted grants for visual artists. 2 grants of $4,500 and 4 grants of $1,000.
Deadline: May 12, 2026
Link: https://hopperprize.org

Transformation Award (Leeway Foundation)

What: A $15,000 unrestricted award for women, trans, and non-binary artists creating long-term social change.
Stage 1 Deadline: May 15, 2026
Link: https://www.leeway.org/grants/leeway_transformation_award

Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) (Klee is applying to this one this year)

What: A $2,000 grant paired with professional business consulting for NW PA creatives.
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Link: https://www.erieartsandculture.org/pennsylvania-council-on-the-arts-creative-entrepreneur-accelerator-program-ceap

Open Calls & Local Wall Space

NO VACANCY (The Manos Gallery) Explore personal narratives across landscapes and cultures. Entry: $30 for 5-8 pieces.

Deadline: May 4, 2026
Submit: Email manosgallery@yahoo.com for guidelines.

Unfolding Our Nation (The Manos Gallery) Seeking work shaped by conflict, culture, and individual stories of America.

Deadline: May 16, 2026
Submit: Email manosgallery@yahoo.com for guidelines.

Hatch Hollow Gallery: Meadville, PA

Women in Heritage Arts: Applications open in June. Due July 30.
Collage & Architecture: Applications open in August. Due Sept 20.
More Info: https://www.hatchhollow.com/upcoming-gallery-exhibitions

King’s Restaurant: Oil City, PA Lois Martz is looking for hangable, family-friendly art to display in the dining area. You can sell your work directly!

Contact: Call 814-437-6997 (Ask for Lois Martz) or find Lois Mae Martz on Facebook.

The Regional Book Trail & Art Book Calls (Thank You Amanda Pica)

Pittsburgh Art Book Fair Application: For the Oct 31-Nov 1 event at Carnegie Museum of Art.
- Deadline: May 15, 2026
- Apply: https://www.jotform.com/form/260965222648059
PGH Book Fest: May 30, 2026. pittsburghbookfestival.org
ORLA Festival of the Book: August 29, 2026. oilregionlibraries.org