The Columbus Arts Festival isn’t just a weekend of vibrant creativity—it’s a nurturing ground for artists ready to take their work to a wider audience. The Emerging Festival Artist program is a testament to the event’s commitment to the local arts scene, offering invaluable support and guidance to those venturing into the world of art festivals.
More Than Just Emerging
Reflecting on the program’s evolution, it’s clear that the Columbus Arts Festival has listened and adapted to the needs of its artistic community. Initially named the “Emerging Artist Program,” organizers soon recognized a crucial nuance. Many talented artists have a strong artistic foundation but lack experience selling their work at art festivals.
This realization led to a pivotal shift in focus. The program now proudly champions “Emerging Festival Artists,” inviting local creators at all stages of their art career who are new to festivals. This inclusive approach, coupled with proactive outreach, has fueled impressive growth in program applications year after year.
Inside the Program: Structure & Support
So, what exactly does the Emerging Festival Artist program at the Columbus Arts Festival entail? Here’s a glimpse into its framework:
A Select Cohort: Each year, the program welcomes 20 talented artists to exhibit at the festival.
Local Roots Required: To foster the regional arts ecosystem, applicants must reside within the central Ohio area and be new to exhibiting at major art festivals.
Hands-On Learning: Participants are required to attend two in-person workshop sessions and maintain regular connection with their assigned mentor. These mentors are experienced artists from the community, ready to share their firsthand knowledge of festival participation.
A Curriculum for Success: The workshops are packed with critical information designed to equip artists for every stage of the festival experience. Key takeaways include:
Understanding the history and audience of the Columbus Arts Festival.
Employing marketing and social media strategies for festival success.
Understanding how awards are given.
Comprehending insurance, vendor licenses, and taxes.
Developing effective budgeting and pricing strategies.
Designing and constructing compelling booth displays.
Ensuring compliance with festival regulations.
Streamlining load-in and load-out processes.
Efficiently managing inventory.
Essential survival tips for a smooth festival experience.
What truly sets this program apart is its foundation. “The program is taught and run by artists for artists,” said Alexis Perrone, director of the Columbus Arts Festival. “It creates an environment for instruction where there is trust and expertise.” This peer-to-peer approach fosters an environment of shared understanding and practical knowledge that is invaluable for artists new to the festival scene.
Measuring Success, Celebrating Growth
For the Columbus Arts Festival, success is measured by tangible outcomes: a growing number of applications each year and, crucially, the selling success of the participating artists. “One year, an Emerging Festival Artist won the Best in Show award,” said Perrone. “While I do not have an exact number, many artists who have come through the program continue to exhibit at festivals all over the country.” It’s inspiring journeys like these that showcase the ongoing success of the Emerging Festival Artist program.
Running such a vital program isn’t without its challenges, however. The festival team has learned to navigate the delicate balance of program capacity, ensuring a supportive environment without overshadowing established national artists or overwhelming mentors.
Finding and Supporting the Next Generation
To reach eligible artists, the Columbus Arts Festival actively engages with the community, hosting four dedicated outreach sessions before applications close. The team also leverages its network to personally connect with artists who could benefit from the program.
For artists considering venturing into the festival world, the advice from the Columbus Arts Festival is clear: while displaying work at festivals can be demanding, it presents a unique opportunity to connect directly with buyers and expose your art to new audiences.
The Columbus Arts Festival’s Emerging Festival Artist program is more than just a stepping stone; it’s a supportive community that empowers local talent and enriches the festival landscape. By investing in these artists, the festival not only strengthens its vibrant atmosphere but also cultivates the next generation of successful festival exhibitors. It’s a win-win for the artists and the entire Columbus arts community.
