Gasparilla Festival of the Arts 2027 - Emerging Artists Program

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Emerging Artists Program (EAP) recognizes and showcases the work of up-and-coming artists establishing themselves in professional visual arts careers. Fifteen emerging artists are selected through a collaborative process involving the EAP Juror and a special committee comprised of Festival Board members and Emerging Artists Committee members. Selected artists participate in the Festival without paying a booth fee and receive a 10'x10' display tent provided by the Festival. Each emerging artist receives a $450 stipend paid on Festival weekend to reimburse expenses. One emerging artist is awarded the Emerging Artist Award, which includes a $1,500 cash prize.

To be eligible, applicants must not have an established record as a professional artist showing work in museums, major galleries, or major juried art exhibitions; must not make more than 25% of their total annual income from artwork sales; must not be employed professionally as a visual artist in the medium they intend to present; and must be at least 18 years old by March 6, 2027. Applicants must submit three digital images of artwork produced no earlier than January 1, 2024. All images must include the date of completion, medium, and dimensions. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59pm on November 30, 2026. Jury results will be sent to all applicants in mid-December.

Selected emerging artists participate in mentoring sessions with established artists and arts administrators covering topics such as skill building for festival artists, accessing new markets, tax concerns, and grant writing. Some sessions occur in person, but all are available on Zoom and recorded for those outside Central Florida. Emerging artists must be available to load-in no later than Friday before Festival weekend and be present during all open hours (Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm). The Festival is outdoor and held in a city-owned park; there are no refunds due to weather or other events impacting attendance.