The Emerging Artists Program

It's not easy, becoming a working artist.

Through the Emerging Artists program, student artists and underrepresented artists are given the opportunity to sell their work alongside the festival's slate of professional exhibitors. If accepted into the program, Marion Arts Festival covers the booth & application fees. Two artists will be selected from the community and will have 10x10 booths on the festival street.

Once selected, artists can expect to be walked through the process & mentored by one of our Advisor Committee Members, who are artists & teachers themselves, on how to prepare to sell at a festival.

The Emerging Artist Program’s aim is to build up aspiring creative professionals seeking to grow and work in the art scene. This program provides a platform for showcasing the work and connecting with a broader audience of art enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Mentorship will include:
-Help guiding you in the process of building out your body of work for the festival
-Booth design
-Planning ahead for festival set up & festival day
-Guidance in pricing your work
-Assistance filling out necessary paperwork such as liability insurance, indemnity form, & sales tax.

Additional Criteria:
Applicants must be 18+, living in Iowa and actively seeking a career in the arts. We recognize there are many pathways to becoming a professional working artist and encourage anyone to apply.

Please email MAFdirector@marioncc.org with any questions.

Application deadline: Friday, March 6th
Jurying: Tuesday, March 10th
Notification Date: Friday, March 13th
Mentor program - Tuesday, March 17th - Tuesday, May 19 (two months)
Festival Date: Saturday, May 16th | 9:00a-5:00p

If selected, artists will be asked to submit a sketch of their proposed booth layout & plan. Liability insurance will be required (we will direct you on the how).

Apply Now!