Celebration of the Arts 2025 (COA)

Celebration of the Arts (COA), organized by the Arts Council of Midland, returns for its 41st year as the cornerstone fine art and fine craft event in the Permian Basin. The festival will be held May 16-18, 2025, at the Bush Convention Center in Midland, Texas. COA features a Friday night Premier Party showcasing visual artists, followed by a weekend festival open to the general public. The event draws strong community support and out-of-town visitors, with about 5,000 attendees in 2024.

The festival takes place in a 100% indoor, air-conditioned venue with state-of-the-art technology and adjustable lighting. Artists compete for prize money including First Place ($2,000), Second Place ($1,500), Third Place ($1,000), and Honorable Mention ($500). A credentialed judge will conduct in-person judging on May 16th at 4 pm. Prize recipients are automatically accepted to COA 2026. The Arts Council spends upwards of $30,000 on advertising including print, radio, television, billboards, and digital media.

Artists must submit 4 images including 3 individual works and 1 booth/display image, plus pay a $25 application fee. All artwork must be original, handmade work produced within 24 months of the festival. Accepted media categories include ceramics, fiber, glass, graphic art, jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and woodwork. Artists are required to donate artwork with minimum $100 retail value for the silent auction. Artist amenities include free parking, meal tickets, volunteer booth sitters, and discounted hotel rates at the nearby Doubletree by Hilton.