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The heart of the Arts Festival is the stunning outdoor gallery comprised of local, national and international artists displaying their work. Juried artists vie for between 200 and 250 booth spaces among more than 900 other exhibiting and emerging applicants. Big Local Artists join other central Ohio artists in the Big Local Arts Village. Caricature artists, face painters and others draw and decorate attendees throughout Festival weekend.
If you’d like to join the ranks of artists who share their work with Columbus at the Arts Festival, see the options below or reach out to Festival Coordinator Jenica Richards at (614) 221-8531.
Need assistance in filling out your application? Schedule a meeting with us to receive help in person or over the phone.
Juried Artists
Exhibiting Artists
The best artists from around the world earn a spot at the nationally-ranked Columbus Arts Festival after competing through an annual blind jury process. Through ZAPPlication™, artists submit four digital images of their work and one image of their booth display. Jurors score each artist based only upon the artists’ images and statements. Top-scoring, invited artists receive their own booth and marketing from the Arts Festival, as well as the chance to win cash awards.
Artists that come from BIPOC communities, LGBTQia+ communities, artists with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply, even if they have not shown at a festival in the past.
For detailed information on the application process for exhibiting artists, download a complete 2023 prospectus.
For a briefer overview, see our short Frequently Asked Questions page in English or Spanish.
Emerging Artists
Designed for artists who have limited or no experience exhibiting at major arts festivals, the Emerging Artist Program offers both a lower booth fee and training for selling artwork at the Columbus Arts Festival. Artists who apply in this category must be residents of Franklin, Union, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Fayette and Madison counties.
Prospective Emerging Artists apply through ZAPPlication™, however, their fifth image must be either 1) a grouping of their work or 2) a booth display, if possible. Artists should select “Emerging Artist Program” as the discipline category in their ZAPPlication™.
For detailed information on the application process for emerging artists, download a complete 2023 prospectus.
For a briefer overview, see our short Frequently Asked Questions page in English or Spanish.
Important Dates
Application Open:
September 14, 2022
Application Close:
December 7, 2022
Jury:
January 28 & 29, 2023
Notification:
February 13, 2023
Big Local Artists
Artisans and makers from central Ohio can choose to apply for a shared space in the Big Local Arts Village, in lieu of applying for a juried spot. These artists pay a commission to the Arts Festival, rather than a booth fee. We especially welcome makers who offer hands-on demonstrations for attendees!
Important Dates
Application Open:
Mid-March
Application Close:
Early May
Notification:
Mid-May
Caricature, Charcoal, Henna & Face Paint Artists
Each year, the Columbus Arts Festival seeks accomplished individuals to participate as on-site caricature artists, charcoal artists, face painters and temporary tattoo artists. Chosen participants will be appointed spaces throughout the Festival. The selection will depend on the images of work submitted along with the application.
Important Dates
Application Open:
September 16, 2022
Application Close:
March 3, 2023
Notification:
Early April