APPLICATION FOR EMERGING/DEMONSTRATION ARTISTS
This page is for the Emerging Artist Program and Demonstration artist applicants. For professional artists, please apply using our annual zApplication link in the menu under APPLY > ARTISTS APPLY.
BIG FOUR ARTS FESTIVAL WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE DUE AT THE SUBMISSION OF THIS APPLICATION. BIG 4 ARTS FESTIVAL ONLY ACCEPTS 5 EMERGING ARTISTS AND 3 DEMONSTRATION ARTISTS. WE DO JUDGE THE IMAGES THAT YOU SEND IN WITH YOUR APPLICATION. WE WILL NOTIFY YOU BEFORE MID MAY OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE. IF YOU ARE EXCEPTED, WE WILL PERSONALLY MEET WITH YOU BEFORE THE FESTIVAL. EMERGING AND DEMONSTRATION ARTIST DO NOT PAY FULL BOOTH FEES. THERE ARE ALSO OPPORTUNITIES FOR FULL AND PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS.
General Dates & Deadlines: January – Open Date | July – Application Deadline | July – Purchase Deadline | September – Event
If you apply after the deadline, you will be invited to apply again for the following year. For exact dates, please see the About page.
The Emerging Artist Program at the Big Four Arts Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, helps regional artists with little to no prior festival experience launch their careers by reducing financial barriers and providing event guidance.
Program Benefits & Requirements
- Financial Assistance: Booth fees are significantly discounted or supported through scholarships funded by local art patrons and sponsors.
- Mentoring & Meetings: Participants must attend a pre-event mentoring session and artist meeting to learn how to display and represent their work.
- Volunteer Commitment: Selected artists may be required to complete volunteer hours on-site during setup days (Thursday or Friday).
- Application Process: Applicants apply directly through the festival’s website rather than standard platforms like Zapplication, submitting images of their work to be juried separately. Applications are typically accepted from January 1 through March 30. each year prior to the festival.