MAIN ST. Launches Emerging Artists Program

26 Sep 2005

by: Laura Squires

Emerging Artist Program provides opportunity and mentoring for local talent

FORT WORTH, TX (September 26, 2005) – MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival, ranked among the top arts festivals in the nation, is establishing a new program designed to assist with the development of artists’ careers. Beginning with the 2006 festival, April 20-23, festival organizers will be offering opportunities for artists who may have never exhibited before to show their work through the Emerging Artist Program.

“There are many local and regional artists who are anxious to have their work exhibited and available for sale as they launch their careers,” said John C. “Jay” Downie, director of the festival for producers Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. “They may have limited or no experience exhibiting and selling their artwork. The MAIN St. Fort Worth Arts Festival is dedicated to helping these artists succeed. Our new program will also serve to expand our pool of local and regional artists and to perpetuate the art exhibition industry.”

While the mission of the program is to create and sustain a program specially tailored to provide opportunities and mentors to the talented emerging artists of Texas, applications are not restricted to Texas residents or students.

Downie said organizers expect the majority of the artists who will be accepted into the program will represent local and regional art schools as well as other local art-connected entities. “We will work closely with local art schools and colleges to attract a strong application pool of candidates to be considered,” he said.

Applicants will be required to submit five images of their current body of work, which will be reviewed by a juried panel. Those selected to participate will be expected to produce a body of their original artwork to sell throughout the four days of the festival. They will be provided the exhibitors’ booth at less than half price and will have a listing in the event program.

A “Best of Emerging Artist” category has also been added to the awards list for the festival, and comes with a $500 cash award. The winner will be selected by onsite jurors and announced at the Awards Ceremony and Brunch on April 22.

The Emerging Artist Program promises to enhance the festival experience for attendees, providing a glimpse into the future of the exhibiting artists’ works and establishing contact with new and diverse art offerings not already enjoyed at the event.

“It is exciting to think that one of the future’s leading artists could get their start at MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival, and that a piece of art you buy to support a struggling artist in 2006 someday could be considered the early work of a prominent collection,” said Downie.

Artists interested in participating in the Emerging Artist Program can find complete details and an application on the festival web site, www.mainstreetartsfest.org. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31. Artist Jury will be held Nov. 11 and 12 at the Blackstone Marriott Hotel, in downtown Fort Worth. It is open to the public.