Celebrating the Move Back to the Riverfront with Exciting New Initiatives!

The Columbus Arts Festival, presented by Time Warner Cable will celebrate more than half a century of bringing the best in fine art and fine craft to Columbus, June 1, 2 & 3, 2012.  We're also celebrating our big move back to our longtime home along the downtown Riverfront.  To mark this much-anticipated occasion, we’re creating a BIG festival experience—diverse, inclusive and creative with an emphasis on engaging a broader spectrum of the community.

The 2012 celebration will incorporate more community partners—local artists, local collectors and patrons, local restaurants and small businesses.

The overall Festival ambiance will be enhanced by the newly revitalized Scioto Mile Park along the Riverfront which will feature lush green spaces, a charming promenade and mesmerizing water features along with plazas, paths and bikeways.

Following are some of the new and exciting initiatives happening in 2012:

Emerging Artists

In its 2nd year, this new program has been designed to help promote central Ohio artists who are new to presenting their work at festivals. Ten artists from Central Ohio were selected by the Festival jurors and in addition to a lower booth fee they will also receive assistance from Festival staff on how to best present their work to the public and an opportunity to display their work at the Festival Patron Party.

Savor the Arts with Dine Originals

In partnership with Dine Originals, Savor the Arts will showcase cuisine as an art form and bring gourmet fare back to the Festival. The Savor the Arts tent will feature special menus developed by local restaurants, wine and beer tastings and more. Participating restaurants include: Barcelona, Barrio, Black Creek Bistro, Deepwood, Due Amici, The Elevator, G. Michaels, Katalina's Corner Cafe, Mozarts, The Refectory, Rigsby's, Skillet, Tasi's and The Top.

Hands On Art Activities for All Ages

The Columbus Arts Festival is expanding the Hands-On Activity offerings with the addition of All Hands On Art, a hands-on area for "big kids," that will be open noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Noon-6 p.m Sunday. A perfect gathering place for young professionals' groups or friends, Art Carnival games and performances presented by local independent arts groups, nostalgic arts activities like Play Doh and Lite Brite and more will be offered in conjunction with a Signature Bar offering the 50th Festival Signature Belvedere vodka drink, Liquid Art (Bar and nostalgic arts activities open Friday and Saturday night only, 6-10 p.m.).

Artist Demonstrations

Juried artists as well as local artists will demonstrate how they create their work at the Artist Demonstration tent.

Festival Mobile App

The new Festival Mobile App will allow visitors to locate artists, food vendors and menus, watch the latest weather report and much more. The app will also be used throughout 2011 for the festival’s move to the Riverfront, keeping patrons up to date with the new layout, timeframe and special events. Coming Soon!

VIP Package

The VIP Lounge will be open to VIP ticket purchasers to come and relax in comfortable atmosphere at the Festival. A copy of the Commemorative print, a Festival t-shirt, comfortable seating, free water and snacks, private restrooms, personal shopping assistance and other VIP amenities are available. VIP packages will be sold prior to and during the festival for $95, $170 for a couple and $350 for a group of four.