Applications Open for the Big Local Arts Village at the 2024 Columbus Arts Festival

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Applications are now open for the Big Local Arts Village at the 2024 Columbus Arts Festival, produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) and presented by the American Electric Power Foundation, June 7-9.

Now in its 12th year, the Big Local Arts Village, sponsored by Bank of America, sits at the Festival’s Franklinton entrance on West Rich Street. Artisans and makers from central Ohio can choose to apply for a shared space in the village. These artists pay a commission to the Arts Festival, rather than a booth fee.

Typically more than 60 artists from central Ohio sell their work, while select artists demonstrate everything from woodturning to Japanese calligraphy, ceramics to blacksmithing and more.

“The Big Local Arts Village is a crucial part of the Columbus Arts Festival,” said Alexis Perrone, Festival director. “We’re proud to showcase our accomplished Columbus artists along with the many visiting artists. The village is such an exciting corner of the Festival, with Columbus-based bands on the stage, dozens of artists and fun demonstrations.”

Applications are open through 5 p.m. on Monday, April 1. Selected artists will be notified in early April.

More information and application links can be found here: columbusartsfestival.org/apply/visual-artists/#bla

Festival Hours: Friday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Please note: on Friday and Saturday artist booths close at 9 p.m.; artists have the option to stay open later.)

To volunteer at the Columbus Arts Festival, please go to columbusartsfestival.org/engage/volunteer.

For more information on the Columbus Arts Festival, call (614) 221-8531 or visit columbusartsfestival.org.

For a selection of high-res images, visit the Festival’s press media page.

The Columbus Arts Festival is produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

The 2024 Columbus Arts Festival is presented by the American Electric Power Foundation. Additional sponsors and partners include Bank of America, Bath and Body Works Foundation, Battelle, COSI, Downtown Columbus, Edwards Communities, Encova, G&J Pepsi, Go Brewing, Graeter’s, High Bank Distillery, Holiday Inn Downtown, Hotel LeVeque, Huntington, IGS Energy, The Junto, King Business Interiors, MLS All-Star Summer Roadshow, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, OSA Technology Partners, Paul-Henri and Erika Bourguignon Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center, Rhinegeist, Sonesta Columbus Downtown, South Wind Motel, Toyota, Visit Savannah, The Westin Great Southern Columbus, White Castle and Whole World Lemonade. Media sponsors include ABC6/FOX28, Columbus Radio Group, Dispatch Media Group, Lamar Outdoor, Ohio Magazine, Orange Barrel Media, WCBE and WOSU Public Media.

Mission of the Greater Columbus Arts Council: To support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. www.gcac.org

The Greater Columbus Arts Council receives major financial support from the City of Columbus, Franklin County Commissioners, Ohio Arts Council and The Ohio State University. None of these funds are used for the production of the Columbus Arts Festival.

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