It’s Time to Find and Apply for Art Fairs

It’s Time to Find and Apply for Art Fairs

Art fairs create an incredible opportunity for artists to showcase their work, connect with buyers, and build their reputation. However, with thousands of events each year, finding the right fairs and navigating the application process can feel overwhelming. In this post, we’ll explore actionable tips to help you identify the best art fairs for your work, create a standout application, and increase your chances of acceptance.

Finding the Right Art Fairs

On any given weekend in the summer, there could be hundreds of art and craft fairs across the country. Knowing this, how do you find the best ones that will showcase your art. Putting in time to research the fairs will save you time and money selling at events that are not a good fit for your art.

Start Local: Begin with regional fairs to save on travel costs and build local connections. You probably already know of the one in your town, so check community event calendars, art councils, and social media groups to expand your search a bit.  

Explore Online Directories: Art fair directors use websites like ZAPPlication and EntryThingy to collect applications. These are both great resources for finding events. The Art Fair Calendar is also a great resource for finding events. You can narrow your search by filtering by date, location, and medium.

Analyze Fair Profiles: Research each fair’s history, size, and audience demographics. Look at past events to determine whether your art aligns with the attendees’ preferences.

Talk to Fellow Artists: Networking with other artists can provide insider tips on which fairs are worth your time and which to avoid. Ask why they liked or didn’t like it. This information may help you discover whether it was a matter of price point, weather, or bad fit,

Understanding Application Requirements

Once you’ve identified art fairs that fit your time, money, and art, it is time to start applying. Many fairs have specific criteria for acceptance, so preparation is key.

Please read the guidelines thoroughly. Application requirements vary by fair. Some focus on specific mediums, while others are open to all artists. Make sure your work meets the fair’s criteria before applying.–

Prepare Your Portfolio: High-quality images of your work are critical. Follow these tips for success:

• • •   Use professional photography or ensure your art is well-lit and high-resolution, and showcase your art accurately.
    •   Include close-up shots and full displays to provide context.
    •   Organize your photos to show a cohesive story.

Write a Compelling Artist Statement: If you already have one, tailor it to this specific event. If you don’t have one, this article on Artsy may be a good place to learn how to write one. Remember to keep it concise.

Confirm Deadlines: During your research, put the opening and due dates for applications in your calendar. Some fairs may have rolling judging during the application process, so applying early may be an advantage. Add these dates to your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out.

Writing Your Application

Competition for art fairs can be intense, so your application needs to shine. Here are some tips to make it stand out:

Tailor Your Submission: Based on your review of the fair, customize your portfolio and statement. Highlight pieces that resonate with the fair’s theme or audience.

Highlight Your Achievements: Include in your artist bio the highlights of the awards you’ve won, been featured in exhibitions, or received notable recognition.

Be Professional: Ensure your application is error-free, well-organized, and presented in the format requested by the fair. You don’t want to get rejected for technical reasons.

Showcase Consistency: Jurors often look for a cohesive body of work. Provide photos of the art you plan to sell at their fair. Make sure your portfolio follows their rules. Even if you make ceramics and jewelry, choose a medium, apply it, and provide photos of only that medium. Make sure your portfolio creates a clear artistic vision.

Follow Up After Applying

Here are a few things you should do after applying.

Send a Thank-You Note: If appropriate, send a brief thank-you email to the fair organizers. It shows professionalism and enthusiasm.

Prepare for Acceptance: Start planning logistics, such as booth setup and travel, even before you hear back. Block your calendar for travel and work this weekend. See if you can find someone who can travel with you. Also, plan the time to create the work you need to sell.

Stay Organized: Record all fairs you’ve applied to, along with their application dates, fees, and responses. This will help you plan for future opportunities.

Prepare for Rejection: If your application is rejected, see if you can find out why. It could be that they had a preference for returning artists, and your medium was full. It could be that something on your application needs to be tweaked. Or it could be that they didn’t think your art was a good fit for them.

Rejection is hard, but there are lessons to be learned from it. It also means you need to find another event to sell, so we restart the process.

 

Finding and applying for the right art fairs doesn’t have to be daunting. By taking the time to research the right fairs, understand the application requirements, and create a standout submission, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, every application is an opportunity to refine your approach and grow your art business. Start small, stay persistent, and watch your art career flourish!