Gasparilla Festival of the Arts 2027 - Emerging Artists

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is proud to showcase the work of emerging artists representing a diversity of styles and media through the Festival's Emerging Artists Program (EAP). The purpose of the Emerging Artists Program is to recognize and showcase the work of up-and-coming artists who wish to establish themselves in a professional visual arts career. Fifteen emerging artists are selected to present and sell their work in the Festival from the field of applicants through a collaborative selection process involving the EAP Juror and a special committee comprised of members of the Festival's Board of Directors and Emerging Artists Committee. Once selected, these artists are invited to participate in the Festival as "emerging artists" without paying a booth fee. The Festival provides each emerging artist with a 10'x10' display tent to showcase their work. The emerging artist is responsible for everything inside of the tent, including display tables, shelves and anything else they believe will help best present art and sell to patrons.

In addition, each emerging artist will receive $450 to reimburse expenses. This stipend is paid on Festival weekend. Emerging artists do not compete with the other Festival artists awards. However, their artwork is reviewed by the Festival Awards Juror who will award one emerging artist with the Emerging Artist Award which includes a $1,500 cash prize.

To be considered eligible as an Emerging Artist:
Applicants not have an established record as a professional artist showing their work in museums, major galleries or major juried art exhibitions;
Applicants must not make more than 25% of their total annual income from the sale of their artwork;
Applicants must not be employed professionally as a visual artist working in the medium they intend to present at the festival;
Artists must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of the Festival (March 6, 2027).
Applicants who fail to meet these requirements will be excluded from consideration. By submitting an application, you confirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you meet the above eligibility rules. Decisions regarding eligibility are made at the sole discretion of Gasparilla Arts.

We realize that situations vary. If you have a question about eligibility, before you decide on your own, we encourage you to email [email protected] . Our Jury and Rules Committee will consider your situation and advise.