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The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is seeking up to 145 artists to exhibit and sell their fine art works in 12 medium categories at their annual two-day juried outdoor arts fair.
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Get matched →The annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is a two-day juried fine art show featuring up to 145 artists. Staged in shady, historic Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo, this outdoor Arts Fair is acclaimed for its friendly atmosphere and large crowds of arts patrons from across Michigan and beyond. The KIA Arts Fair offers many artist amenities, $4,500+ in awards and prizes, and is supported by far-reaching promotional measures attracting crowds of 14,000+. The KIA Arts Fair also features live music, food trucks, family activities and artist demonstrations to draw in visitors and buyers.
Bronson Park, 200 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Kalamazoo's historic Bronson Park is located downtown, adjacent to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and bordered by beautiful architecture. The park is used regularly as a place for community events, rallies, and concerts.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.
All works must be the original design of the artists within their accepted medium category. The only reproductions allowed in the booth are those of the artist's own, original work. Reproductions or prints must be in limited editions, signed and numbered and not comprise more than 25% of total booth offerings. Under no circumstances are mass produced or AI generated items allowed. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts determines what is deemed an original or reproduction, and its decisions are final.
Awards and prizes given out for this year's KIA Arts Fair will have a total minimum value of $4,500. Arts Fair awards include up to 12 category awards and the "People's Choice Award" will be voted on by attendees! Each award comes with a cash prize of $375, waived application fee and assured entry into the 2028 KIA Arts Fair and a prize ribbon. On Friday, June 4, juried awards judging will occur between 3pm - 7pm. People's Choice Awards voting will be open to attendees 3pm-8pm. All awards will be announced Saturday morning, June 5. Prize ribbons are provided to display on booths. A minimum of 8 artists per category is required to be evaluated for prize judging. Event coordinators reserve the right to merge categories (or not) in the event one or more categories does not meet the minimum requirement for judging.
Artists awarded Best in Category at the 2026 KIA Arts Fair are automatically accepted into the 2027 KIA Arts Fair and are exempt from participation in the initial jury process. However, all exempt artists must still apply via Zapplication.org by January 31, 2027. A discount code has been emailed to all exempt artists for the waived application fee.
Participating Artists and their corresponding booth numbers will be listed in digital and printed Arts Fair programs and displayed on site maps. Artists will also be listed on the KIA Arts Fair website's Artist Guide, accessible on site, through QR codes and at the information booth. Select artists may be profiled prior to and during the event on the KIA's social media platforms and other marketing materials.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is a Friday-Saturday event attracting an average of 14,000+ patrons. Fair-goers are a mix of local, regional, and national friends of the arts. Promotional measures are focused on attracting local and regional residents and visitors.
The Artists are the stars of the KIA Arts Fair however several other activities also take place during this very popular and eagerly anticipated event to draw in visitors. There will be favorite food trucks, a varied schedule of live performances by local musicians, children's activities, artist demonstrations by the Kirk Newman Art School and more. Several concurrent downtown/city activities also be taking place and attract additional patrons to visit and shop at the booths in the park. Additional events may include the "Art on the Mall" presented by the Arts Council, "PRIDE" presented by OutFront Kalamazoo and the family friendly "Do-Dah Parade" on Saturday.