Sometimes focus feels like a luxury item, right up there with eight hours of sleep and an empty inbox. When the world feels loud, heavy, or uncertain, concentration can slip through our fingers no matter how hard we try to hold on. But staying focused during difficult times doesn’t mean forcing productivity or pretending things are fine. It’s about finding small anchors, giving yourself grace, and learning how to gently return to what matters most, even when your mind wants to wander.
Art Fluent invites artists worldwide to submit winter-themed work to THE BIG CHILL online exhibit. $750 Best of Show. Open to all non-AI media. Visit the website for more information. Submission deadline is January 23.
The CCP Fellowship supports innovative research in photography. The 2026–2027 cycle is open, encouraging interdisciplinary academic, artistic, and public-interest projects engaging the Center’s collections. Learn more at the website. Deadline is January 26.
The NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship awards $8,000 unrestricted grants to New York State artists across 15 disciplines, supporting artistic vision at all career stages through a free application. For more details and to apply, visit the website. Deadline is January 27.
Praxis Center understands that artists are also people living in a complex world. And we are here to support you when that double status makes it difficult to find the focus you need. Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity, ways to make your art career soar to the next stage, or just a little support, we’ve got you.
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics and is currently faculty at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He has written seven books for artists, including Making it in the Art World. His seventh book, The Problems in the Art World: An Artist’s A-Z Action Guide, is available now.
Photo credit: Art Fluent