Call for Emerging Artists!

15 Jul Call for Emerging Artists!

What is the Emerging Local Artists Alley (ELAA)?
This is an area of the festival for local, emerging creatives who are members of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, managed by our partners at 4P Studios. This opportunity allows our artist members the chance to learn and grow their experiences as an arts professional. Not everyone understands what it takes to sell at a market level (especially not a multi-day market). Learning while DOING is one of the best way to figure out what it takes. This is an excellent opportunity for Young Artists who have aged out of the YAM, undergrad students, and emerging talents with enough works to sell over the course of 2.5 days.

WHEN IS IT?
🗓️ September 18, 19, 20, 2026
📍 Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds
🎯 Deadline to Apply: Friday, August 14, 2026, by 11:59 PM

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
This isn’t just about selling your art (although that’s pretty cool). It’s also about:
✅ Learning what it takes to be a festival artist
✅ Connecting with other creatives
✅ Getting your work seen by thousands of festival-goers
✅ Gaining real-life experience as an artist and business owner

WHAT CAN ARTISTS LOOK FORWARD TO?
✅ Artist Profiles featured on artsintheheart.com
✅ Festival Map & Artist Listings included in the event program
✅ Extensive Marketing—strong social media, radio, TV, and print promotions
✅ Effortless Load-in & Load-out—smooth logistics make setup a breeze
✅ Exceptional Communication—artists stay informed every step of the way
✅ Artist Hospitality—Cold water, snacks and a welcoming space just for you
✅ A Festival Team That Cares

WHO CAN APPLY?
Members of the Arts Council with limited experience in festivals, markets, or vending. Must be an emerging or early career artist.

An Emerging Artist is person who is in the early stages of a professional art-related career. They are developing their artistic voice and are in the process of establishing a foothold in the professional arena. It’s commonly accepted that unless someone has had a lot of early national success, an emerging artist likely has been practicing for less than 10 years, regardless of age or education.

This artist is in the initial phases of building significant recognition. They are actively working to grow and sustain an exhibition record, gallery representation, honors or awards, art critics reviews, grants, publications, etc. While this term can left up to a little interpretation, it also allows a combination of flexibility and direction.

Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Artists are only allowed space in this area for up to 2 years. After that period, we encourage artists to submit to the Fine Arts and Crafts Market.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
To be considered, applicants must be members of the Arts Council. Once selected by our jury, an additional $75.00 fee will be needed to secure placement. This fee helps our team create, organize and execute this award winning Festival. Your membership helps support our mission. For reference, Fine Arts and Crafts Marketeers spend, on average $300-$800 for their booth placement, depending on their needs.

WHY DO I NEED A MEMBERSHIP?
The Arts Council membership was designed to help sustain our mission – to make Augusta’s River Region a vibrant, cultural arts destination. It helps our team create arts programing, such as the annual WetPaint Party and Art Sale, the Annual Augusta Arts Awards, gallery exhibitions, opportunities and resources for artists, and so much more. Your membership helps us to help you. Creating the Local Artists Alley within the festival as an additional perk for our artists members is just another way we are helping to support artists and grow our arts scene. Requiring membership for this opportunity also allows us to give you a discounted rate to participate.

WHAT KIND OF ART CAN YOU SELL?

• 2D and 3D art mediums, including digital art and fine art prints
• Jewelry
• Literary Works
• Clothing and Accessories
• Furniture, decor and Functional Works

BUT — NO food/consumables, candles, makeup, lotions, nor soaps. No henna or facepainting. We have to keep it simple and safe! We hold these same standards to the artists who participate in the juried Fine Arts and Crafts Market.

WHAT DOES THE JURY LOOK FOR?
Our jury selects artists based on the quality, craftsmanship, and originality of their work. As the festival gains more recognition, competition grows, and acceptance is not guaranteed.

The jury evaluates:
-Overall quality & craftsmanship
-Originality & uniqueness
-Subject matter (when applicable)
-Booth design & presentation
-Fit with the festival’s brand of high-quality, fun, and funky art

Pro Tip: High-quality images are crucial. If requested, artists must provide step-by-step photos or videos proving that they personally create their work.

HOW TO APPLY:
SUBMIT THIS APP & SECURE YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
If you’re applying with a friend or as part of a group, make sure you make note in your application.

Space is limited! We will be jurying all applicants.

To become a member visit our form by clicking here! Membership at any level is accepted!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

1. Each individual, selected artist will be allotted one 10’x10′ space. We have a limited amount of spaces available. If you are submitting with a partner or group and need more space (at an additional cost), please make note in your application.
2. Bring extension cables if you want access to power. If you need extra electrical juice, please bring a battery powered generator. No gas generators, please. Power is provided at no extra cost!
3. Memberships are REQUIRED to be considered for this opportunity. Any level is accepted.
4. You’ll need to handle your own sales.
   Plan to have cash, Venmo, CashApp, or Square ready to go.
5. Artists are required to stay for the duration of the festival, rain or shine. Tents are not allowed to be broken down or left unattended during festival Hours.
6. We encourage all participating artists to obtain insurance for their work – for cases of weather and theft. The festival is secured by the RCSO 24/7, but the festival is not liable should anything go missing or be destroyed.
7. Artists must all have a white tent. This is to keep in line with the standard of the festival. Tents must be weighted. Tents are available to rent through the festival from Beach View Rentals at an additional cost.
8. Handcrafted work only! Artist must make their own work—ABSOLUTELY no mass production, 3D printing, buy/sell, or outsourced manufacturing. Festival artists are expected to create fresh, original, high-quality works.
9. Authors are welcome to submit for a booth in this area, but are STRONGLY encouraged to join in on the fun in the Author’s Lounge with their fellow CSRA based authors.
10. Artists selected for the Local Artists Alley are not eligible for prizes and awards as part of the Fine Arts and Crafts Market.
11. All festival communication will be via email, so make sure to provide an active email address on your application. During the festival, we may send important text updates as needed.
12. A list of hotels with special rates will be available on the festival website in July. Artists are responsible for their own accommodations.
13. All participating artists must be members of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. This includes individuals in selected booths were multiple artists are teaming up.

WHY THIS IS AWESOME?
This is more than just a market, it’s your chance to experience what it’s like to be a festival artist, meet other creatives, and make some money while doing what you love.

READY TO MAKE SOME MAGIC?
Apply by August 14th. NO FEE TO APPLY!

For questions for the Arts Council, reach out to admin@augustaarts.com or call 706-826-4702. For questions about this opportunity, reach out to Regina at info@4pstudiosart.com.

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT read the FAQs by clicking here!