Let’s face it: being an artist can be expensive – so get your hands on some free stuff for artists that will get your creative juices flowing.
Whether you’re a painter, printmaker, ceramicist, illustrator, photographer or mixed-media maker, the cost of materials, studio space and professional development can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are more free resources available to artists than ever before.
From free art supply giveaways and artist grants to portfolio websites, residencies and exhibition opportunities, there are plenty of ways to save money while building your creative career.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best free opportunities for artists available online.
Free Art Supply Giveaways
One of the simplest ways to get free art materials is through regular art supply giveaways and you’ll get these by signing up to stuff. This might be a supply shop, magazine or newsletter (like this one!)
Mega Pencil Art Giveaways
Mega Pencil regularly hosts free art supply giveaways featuring sketchbooks, pencils, paints, markers and other creative tools. Entry is usually free through their website, newsletter or social media channels.
Many art brands also run exclusive giveaways on Instagram and Facebook, making it worthwhile to follow your favourite manufacturers and retailers.
Tip: Create a dedicated email address for competitions and giveaways. This keeps your main inbox clear while ensuring you don’t miss winner notifications.
Free Art Workshops and Online Learning
Some of the most valuable free resources aren’t physical products at all—they’re educational opportunities.
Winsor & Newton Art Mail
Winsor & Newton’s Art Mail programme offers free online watercolour workshops led by professional artists. Participants can follow demonstrations, learn new techniques and contribute artwork to collaborative projects.
These workshops are ideal for artists who want to improve their skills without investing in expensive courses.
Professional development can have a greater impact on your artistic practice than receiving free materials. New skills often lead to stronger portfolios, more exhibition opportunities and increased confidence.
Artist Grants, Residencies and Open Calls
In your hunt for freebies many artists spend hours entering competitions but overlook grants and residencies, which can often provide far greater value.
ChanceHub
ChanceHub curates artist grants, residencies, fellowships and open calls from around the world. Opportunities are updated regularly and can be browsed free of charge.
Open Call Radar
Open Call Radar tracks hundreds of opportunities for artists, including exhibitions, competitions, grants and residencies. Many opportunities have no application fee and some offer full funding.
Why Artists Should Apply for Grants
A successful grant application can provide funding for materials, studio costs, research, travel or new projects. Even if your first few applications are unsuccessful, the process helps you develop valuable proposal-writing skills.
Free Art Competitions
Free Art Contests
This website focuses on free-entry competitions and regularly updates opportunities for artists working across a range of disciplines.
Before entering any competition, always check:
- Copyright and usage rights
- Entry requirements
- Judging criteria
- Submission deadlines
- Whether artwork must remain available for sale
Reading the small print can save future headaches.
Free Exposure Opportunities for Artists
Exposure alone won’t pay the bills, but the right opportunity can help grow your audience and create future opportunities.
Free Art Collective
This is our favoruite freebie at the moment: Free Art Collective’s Free Print Program selects artists and distributes postcard-sized reproductions of their work worldwide. Each print includes the artist’s details, helping new audiences discover their work.
For emerging artists, this can be a useful way to increase visibility without spending money on advertising.
Grab Your Free Artist Website and Portfolio Platform
We’ve saved the best for last. One of the most valuable free resources available to artists is a professional website.
Social media platforms can change overnight. A website gives you a permanent online home where collectors, galleries and potential clients can view your work and contact you directly.
Tip: Make sure your photos are up to scratch to ensure your portfolio does you justice. Even if this means only adding a handful of work.
ArtWeb
ArtWeb offers free artist portfolio websites designed specifically for visual artists. Features include:
- Artwork galleries
- Artist profile pages
- Portfolio management tools
- Simple website building tools
- Upgrade options for future growth
Many painters, photographers and makers use ArtWeb as a starting point before investing in a custom website.
Why Every Artist Needs a Website
Many grants, residencies, exhibitions and commissions ask applicants to provide a website link.
Even a simple portfolio website can help:
- Improve your visibility on Google
- Showcase your work professionally
- Collect email subscribers
- Promote exhibitions and events
- Build credibility
In many cases, a free website can do more for your career than a free sketchbook.
Free Artist Markets and Networking Events
Artists often focus on materials and funding but overlook the value of networking opportunities.
Open Art Spaces
Open Art Spaces hosts creative events, artist markets and networking opportunities. These events can help artists connect with buyers, fellow creatives and potential collaborators.
Building relationships within the creative community often leads to opportunities that are impossible to predict.
Free Exhibition Opportunities
Finding affordable places to exhibit work can be one of the biggest challenges for emerging artists but a surprising number of venues are looking to display local artists.
Consider approaching:
- Independent cafés
- Libraries
- Restaurants
- Community centres
- Coworking spaces
- Independent shops
- Festivals
Many successful artists exhibited in non-gallery spaces long before securing formal gallery representation.
Paid Opportunities with Free Applications
Sometimes the best free opportunity is access to paid work.
Wild in Art
Wild in Art regularly commissions artists to design sculptures for large-scale public art trails across the UK and internationally.
Successful applicants receive commission fees while gaining significant public exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
These projects can become major career milestones for participating artists.
How to Find More Free Opportunities
The most successful artists don’t rely on luck—they develop a routine.
Try setting aside thirty minutes each week to:
- Check artist opportunity websites
- Apply for grants
- Search open calls
- Follow arts organisations
- Join artist groups
- Sign up for newsletters
- Monitor social media opportunities
Consistency matters far more than occasional bursts of activity.
But beware…
Now we’ve gotten you excited about all the free stuff out there, make sure you are not wasting your time. Not every giveaway, competition or opportunity is worth pursuing.
Before applying:
- Research the organiser
- Read terms and conditions carefully
- Understand copyright implications
- Check reviews from previous participants
- Avoid opportunities that require excessive unpaid work
If something feels questionable, trust your instincts and investigate further.
Feeling inspired?
While free art supplies are always welcome, the most valuable free resources available to artists are often opportunities.
Grants, residencies, exhibitions, commissions, websites and professional networks can have a far greater impact on your career than a single giveaway prize.
By combining regular searches for funding, open calls and professional development opportunities with occasional art supply giveaways, you can save money, develop your practice and reach new audiences.
The best strategy is simple: dedicate a small amount of time each week to looking for opportunities. Over the course of a year, those small efforts can lead to free materials, funded projects, exhibitions, commissions and career-changing connections.
