Be part of Arts in the Heart of Augusta, an award-winning festival celebrating its 44th year in downtown Augusta, Georgia. For 2½ days, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity, featuring a nationally ranked Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Market, five stages of live entertainment, and a Global Village offering authentic international cuisine. Families and young creatives can also enjoy the Family Area and Young Artist Market.
Recognized as one of Sunshine Artist’s Top 200 Festivals for nine consecutive years and named among the Top Festivals of the Decade (2010-2020), Arts in the Heart is a must-attend event for artists. The festival has also earned the Silver Kaleidoscope Award for Best Festival from SFEA. With 100,000+ attendees, this is a prime opportunity to connect with enthusiastic art lovers and collectors.
Festival hours: Friday, 5 PM – 9 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 9 PM; Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM.
Apply now and submit your work by May 15, 2025. We look forward to celebrating art, culture, and community with you!
IMPORTANT DATES:
- March 1, 2025 Open Date
- May 12, 2025 Application Deadline
- May 15, 2025 Jury Start
- May 30, 2025 Jury End
- June 8, 2025 Notification Date
- June 30, 2025 Purchase Deadline
- September 19, 2025 Event Start
- September 21, 2025 Event End
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We welcome fine artists and fine crafters who:
- Have a passion for their art and can create enough inventory for a 2½-day festival
- Handcraft their own work—ABSOLUTELY no mass production, buy/sell, or outsourced manufacturing
- Are creating fresh, original, high-quality work
🚫 Who Should Not Apply:
❌ Vendors who sell mass-produced or imported goods
❌ Artists who outsource their production to factories or contractors
❌ Authors, soap makers, candle makers, and food vendors (alternative events available)
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, artists must submit a ZAPPlication along with a non-refundable $30 jury fee by May 15, 2025. The application requires:
- Five high-quality images of your work and one booth shot
- Average price points for your work
- A short artist statement
Artists will be notified of their application status via email by June 8, 2025.
COMMUNICATION & LOGISTICS
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.
Lodging: A list of hotels with special rates will be available on the festival website in July. Artists are responsible for their own accommodations.
READY TO APPLY?
Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most celebrated arts festivals in the region! Apply now and submit your materials by May 15, 2025. CLICK HERE
REFUND POLICY
All booth fees are non-refundable after 8/15/2025.
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—even for returning artists. If you’ve participated before, be sure to submit images of new work.
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.
JUDGING & PRIZES
During the festival, our Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Market is professionally judged, and $1,500 in prizes is awarded in the following categories:
- Fashion
- 2-D Artwork
- 3-D Artwork
Award winners from the previous year receive guaranteed acceptance into the next festival!
SUBMISSION CATEGORIES
Artists may apply in the following categories:
- Painting
- Photography
- Mixed Media (2D & 3D)
- Sculpture
- Printmaking & Digital Art
- Fiber, Leatherwork, and Wood (functional pieces)
- Jewelry (handcrafted only)
- Metal & Glasswork
- Furniture & Decorative Arts
LEARN HOW TO APPLY
TO THE FINE ARTISTS MARKET
FOR THE 2025 ARTS IN THE HEART
OF AUGUSTA FESTIVAL
The Arts Council will be hosting info sessions for the “Fine Artists How To.” Date and times to be announced.
