Flechada 2026 Program opens applications to support artists' first solo exhibitions

The Flechada – Support for First Solo Exhibitions program opens applications for a new edition and will award up to six grants worth a maximum of 5,000 euros to support emerging artists in holding their first solo exhibition. The initiative also includes, in partnership with ÁGORA – Cultura e Desporto do Porto, the presentation of one of the exhibitions at the Municipal Gallery of Porto.

FLAD’s initiative is aimed at artists between the ages of 24 and 31, of Portuguese nationality or residing in Portugal for at least five years, who have not yet held a solo exhibition. The objective is to facilitate access to exhibition opportunities and support the entry of new artists into the professional circuit of contemporary art.

Supporting entry into the art scene

The first solo exhibition is often a decisive moment in an artist’s career, allowing them to present a work in a structured way and affirm their own artistic proposal. However, many creators face difficulties in accessing exhibition spaces and institutional networks.

Flechada seeks to respond to this challenge, supporting the development of exhibition projects and promoting the articulation between artists and professional structures in the cultural sector. The objective is to encourage new languages, discourses and artistic approaches, contributing to the renewal of the contemporary scene.

Exhibition at the Municipal Gallery of Porto:

As part of a partnership between FLAD and ÁGORA – Cultura e Desporto do Porto, one of the selected exhibitions will be presented at the Galeria Municipal do Porto.

This exhibition will start in the first quarter of 2027, while the remaining exhibitions supported by the program may open in 2026 or by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

Applications:

Applications must include the following documents in PDF format:

• Portfolio (maximum 15 pages)
• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
• Exhibition project, with images and/or text (maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• Letter or email from an exhibition space confirming availability to host the project

In the case of the scholarship associated with the Galeria Municipal do Porto, candidates must also present documentation proving residence, work or study in the Municipality of Porto.

Applications are open until April 30, 2026 and must be submitted here.

The information provided does not exempt you from consulting the NOTICE of this contest – available at this link.

For more information contact: luz.fernandes@flad.pt.