saaca festival & event season
APPLICATIONS FOR ARTISTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is recognized as a leading arts non-profit that has been a part of the cultural fabric of southern Arizona for over 25 years. We believe that support for artists and creatives is essential to our region’s economic development, and we strive to provide our community with unparalleled cultural events and access to the arts. With over 500 vendor applicants each year, established art sales, consistently high festival production, and courteous on-site artist amenities,
SAACA is an established producer that attracts a loyal regional audience and nationally returning artists. To showcase the diversity of artists in our community while maintaining a high excellence of craft, for the 2024-2025 festival season, SAACA is utilizing an outside jury to help select the more than 500 available artist exhibit spaces that will display at our annual festivals and events. Each SAACA festival is diverse and unique to the region and community in which it is presented.
Due to high artist demand, SAACA has streamlined our festival application process for artists. This single application will allow you to apply for all SAACA annual art festivals and events chosen on the below application. We encourage you to read through each festival's unique details and outreach approach before selecting your desired participation on this one-time application.
*PLEASE NOTE*
The jury parameters have been updated to reflect SAACA's dedication to highlighting artists and handmade artworks. We encourage you to review the updated SAACA jury requirements and process online here before submitting your application. An emphasis will be placed on submitted compelling photography of your work and presentation of your approach as an artist and maker within your exhibit space.
SAACA is an established producer that attracts a loyal regional audience and nationally returning artists. To showcase the diversity of artists in our community while maintaining a high excellence of craft, for the 2024-2025 festival season, SAACA is utilizing an outside jury to help select the more than 500 available artist exhibit spaces that will display at our annual festivals and events. Each SAACA festival is diverse and unique to the region and community in which it is presented.
Due to high artist demand, SAACA has streamlined our festival application process for artists. This single application will allow you to apply for all SAACA annual art festivals and events chosen on the below application. We encourage you to read through each festival's unique details and outreach approach before selecting your desired participation on this one-time application.
*PLEASE NOTE*
The jury parameters have been updated to reflect SAACA's dedication to highlighting artists and handmade artworks. We encourage you to review the updated SAACA jury requirements and process online here before submitting your application. An emphasis will be placed on submitted compelling photography of your work and presentation of your approach as an artist and maker within your exhibit space.
SAACA festivals and events tend to sell out on vendor space. Be sure to review the below event-specific details, as well as the updated jury process and timeline and general event and festival FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Festival & Event Schedule
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OCTOBER 12 & 13, 2024
Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Ave, Patagonia, AZ 85624
Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm Outdoor Park - Tent Required - Maximum of 110 exhibitors. Over 30 years ago, the Town of Patagonia held its first fall festival to showcase extraordinary talent and artistry against the beautiful backdrop of their community, nestled at over 4000 feet in the mountains of Southeast Arizona. Now in its 34th year, the festival attracts more than 15,000 visitors to Patagonia’s lovely tree-shaded park in the center of town over a festive weekend, presented by the Sky Islands Tourism Association and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. Our arts and crafts exhibitors are invited to bring you the most unique, high-quality goods produced with excellent care, creativity, and craftsmanship. The festival hosts top-of-the-line entertainment on each day of the event. Entertainers represent a great mix of styles sure to please every taste. The festival also features a beer garden, food and beverage vendors, and the famed Patagonia Library book sale. The Sky Islands region combines Old West culture, mining history, ghost towns meet, art galleries, Arizona’s Wine Country vineyards, and an outdoor-oriented health and wellness lifestyle. Spectacular mountain ranges soar above the desert floor, creating “Sky Islands” which harbor tremendous biological and geographic diversity, rare in the US and much of the world. Patagonia is a renowned destination for many American, Canadian, and European birders lured by the area’s spectacular array of exotic and unusual birds. The festival, in the midst of these attractions, provides a unique opportunity for purchasing fine art and fine craft. With its charming gazebo and columns, the festival is located in Patagonia’s Town Park. Lined with Arizona walnut, willow, and oak trees, the park provides needed shade and a glorious show of color during the autumn months. |
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OCTOBER 26 & 27, 2024
Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm Parking Lot Pavement - Tent Required - Maximum of 125 exhibitors. The Oro Valley Fall Artisan Market celebrates its return to the community for the third year. Set at the base of the breathtaking Pusch View Mountains in Oro Valley, AZ, the artisan market serves as a kickoff to the art festival season in Southern Arizona. The two-day festival features up to 125 artists, strolling music, food vendors, live art demonstrations, pumpkin painting, family photo areas, and more. The juried fine arts and crafts market is in the heart of the bustling Oro Valley Marketplace Shopping Center. The Marketplace is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located at the corner of Oracle and Tangerine Roads, along the AZ 77 State Highway. The shopping center provides ease of access and plenty of parking for vendors and attendees. |
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November 16 & 17, 2024
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DECEMBER 7 & 8, 2024Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm Parking Lot Pavement - Tent Required - Maximum of 135 exhibitors.
The 13th annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration is the year's shopping event, celebrating the kickoff to the Holidays in the Oro Valley, AZ community. This highly attended annual juried marketplace draws up to 30,000 attendees and features one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods and holiday gifts, specialty foods, and the most beloved Holiday entertainment event of the year. The festival is the essence of creative placemaking, cultivating the arts as an essential part of Oro Valley's identity. The two-day festival is one of Southern Arizona's largest community arts celebrations, with over 125 artisans, over 150 students, and local performers presenting holiday-themed performances on the event mainstage, family art activities, food trucks, the TUBACHRISTMAS holiday play-along, and free photos with Santa in front of the Golder Ranch Fire Truck. Festivities culminate on Saturday with the lighting of the official 35-foot holiday tree, alongside carolers, the official Santa parade, and local culture at the center of it all. The festival brings the community together, stimulates the local economy, enhances surrounding businesses, and provides opportunities for local artists to promote their work. The Oro Valley Marketplace is one of the most significant public spaces in the region and the town’s most vibrant economic engine. The festival provides easy access for vendors and attendees with plenty of parking, amenities, and outdoor space. The Marketplace features a variety of specialty shops and national brands, popular restaurants to suit every appetite, and a Century Theatres Movie Theatre, all surrounded by exquisite mountain views. |
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january 11, 2025
Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629
10am-4pm Outdoor Park - Tent required on grass - Maximum of 25 exhibitors.
The second annual Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival will feature immersive and experiential activities throughout the Sahuarita Lake Park. This limited-availability one-day art festival features a maximum of 25 artisans exhibiting throughout the walkways of the Sahuarita Lake Park. The festival features a diverse and high caliber of entertainment alongside street painting, interactive art activities, plein air painting, performance and installation art, community chalk mural competition, food trucks, and live music. The festival is located on designated grass areas within the park. Direct load-in is not available for artisans, and hand trucks are required to access designated booth spaces. Limited onsite parking is available, and artists must park at an offsite designated location. Overnight parking is not available. |
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March 8 & 9, 2025Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm Outdoor Parking Lot Pavement - Tent Required - Maximum of 135 exhibitors.
The 13th annual Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts welcomes over 125 artists to the Oro Valley Marketplace with works ranging from metal sculpture, jewelry, and photography to handmade beauty products and artisan foods. In addition to growing to become one of the largest juried arts and crafts marketplaces of the Spring season in Southern Arizona, the event continues to grow in both attendance and cultural offerings. Hosted on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, the event is a festive celebration of Celtic music and cultural dance performances on the main stage, hosting a kid’s crafting station, inflatable art installations, beer and wine garden, bagpipers, and more. The juried fine arts and crafts festival is located in the heart of the bustling Oro Valley Marketplace Shopping Center. The Marketplace is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located at the corner of Oracle and Tangerine Roads, along the AZ 77 State Highway. The shopping center provides easy access and plenty of parking for vendors and attendees. Vendors can unload directly at their booth, and park adjacent to the festival grounds. |
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April 5-6, 2025Downtown Tucson, 101 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
Vendor Hours: Saturday 12pm - 7pm, Sunday 11:30am - 7pm Outdoor Parking Lot Pavement - Tent Required - Maximum of 40 vendors
The Tucson Folk Festival is a music festival celebrating Americana and Folk Music traditions and all the wonderful variations, including bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, Celtic, and various styles of Latin and Mexican music. This annual family-friendly festival began in 1986 and is held in some of the most historic sections of Tucson. The Tucson Folk Festival features six stages of live music with more than 150 performances, a community vendor and food marketplace, kids and family activities, a songwriting competition, and a beer and beverage garden. The festival is a music-focused event and draws more than 15,000 attendees in person each year. The Tucson Folk Festival is presented by the Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association (TKMA) with production support from the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA). The festival vendor marketplace features 40 vendors and 10 food booths on Church Ave, with direct walking access to multiple music stages located within two blocks. Participating vendors are 50% artisans, 25% business exhibitors and 25% non-profits. We intersperse arts and crafts vendors with food vendors to encourage the best flow and foot traffic for your booth. Electricity is available by order only to booth vendors located along Church Avenue. Please indicate on your application if you would like to order electricity access. As this is a music festival, generators are not permitted. All booths can hear some stage ambient music, but are placed where you are still able to converse comfortably with your customers. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
APPLICATION PROCESS
You will be notified within 7 -10 business days of your acceptance following the jury date. Once accepted, an artist will have one month from that date to confirm participation in each event, pay your booth fee, and complete the emailed event questionnaire. Special juries may take place throughout the season as determined by SAACA staff.
IMPORTANT JURY DATES
June 1, 2024: SAACA 2024-2025 Artist Applications Open for 2024-2025 Festival Season
June 30, 2024: Jury #1 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than July 7, 2024
July 21, 2024: Jury #2 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than August 10, 2024
August 11, 2024: Jury #3 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than August 25, 2024
September 1, 2024 # 4 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than September 11, 2024
PHOTOS OF WORK: 3 photos of your work and 1 photo of your studio setting are required for the application. Please ensure these are good/high-quality images, as you will be judged on what is presented in your submitted artwork photography, along with a complete list of the items you will be selling in your booth space.
DISPLAY PHOTO: 1 photo of your outdoor display; indoor images are not accepted or encouraged. We must see your entire outdoor display. If this is the first time you display your art at an outdoor festival and you do not have an image of your display, we require you to note this on your application and provide a supplementary marketing photo.
APPLICATION DETAILS: This application will prompt you to provide a series of questions used for internal marketing and promotional purposes, as well as internal application verification. Although much of this information is not provided to the jury, this information will help SAACA expand our understanding of your specific needs and artist details.
$35 ONE-TIME JURY FEE (non-refundable): One-time application processing fee/jury fee of $35. This single, one-time application fee will cover all desired festival applications for the season.
FESTIVALS & EVENT EXHIBIT FEES: Festival and event exhibit fees are listed above. Prices vary. Please note that exhibit fees are paid after you receive jury acceptance into the festival/event.
ARTIST STATEMENTS: We want to know about you and your work. We encourage you to tell us what makes you unique and what separates your process from others. SAACA will utilize your submitted information on this application to include in all marketing and outreach for the festivals and event season.
CONFIRMATIONS: If accepted, additional festival/event information, such as booth preference, lodging, parking, event set-up times, directions, etc., will be included in your jury acceptance and confirmation. This will be emailed to you upon receipt of your acceptance email, along with payment requirements. Please review this information carefully, as it includes essential event details.
BOOTH SELECTION & PREFERENCE
After you are notified of acceptance into the festival, you will receive a form that will provide you with festival-specific layout and accessibility details. This will include a preliminary event map, allowing you to provide details on your booth preference, artwork needs, and accessibility requirements. Although we cannot guarantee a booth space preference, in most cases, SAACA can honor general booth placement requests. Booth placement requests and priority will be given in the order of jury and application date.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancel 30 days or more before the event, the vendor receives a refund, less $50.
Cancel 29 - 15 days before the event – the artist receives a 50% refund on the booth fee.
Cancel 14 or fewer days from the event – the artist receives zero refund.
WHEN AND HOW CAN I APPLY?
Artist applications are available on June 1, 2023. This web page can access all applications.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A BOOTH?
Several factors determine booth space prices. Some of these include hosting venue site fees, cost of marketing and promotion, and overall scale and size of the event. Over the past two years, SAACA has experienced a significant increase in expenses related to outdoor events, including permitting, trash, portable restrooms, security, and safety costs. Prices for booths have risen across the board for SAACA operationally and have had to increase pricing in some cases. Generally, our booth spaces remain among the lowest booth fees for similar size events in the region. E-MAIL: Jury acceptance, payment forms, festival invitations, waitlist notifications, confirmations, important updates, and announcements will be sent to you via email. Be sure to check your email account regularly.
WAITLIST: SAACA events historically sell out of exhibit space early. Once festival applications have reached jury acceptance and exhibitor capacity, applications will still be accepted for the waitlist. We will contact you as early as possible if any spaces become available. Please remember that this may be as late as 2-3 days before the festival. If you cannot work on short notice, the waitlist may not be your best option.
CREDITS/REFUNDS: SAACA is unable to issue refunds for cancelations. Cancellations must be made in writing (email preferred) and received as per the dates and timelines listed below.
WEATHER: All festivals are held outdoors and follow a strict rain-or-shine policy. No credits or refunds will be issued if the festival is affected by forces of nature beyond our control. Please note that we will not cancel a festival or event unless informed by state, city, or local officials that it will be in the best interest of safety for all. We will not call a festival before the event if it looks like it will rain.
NO SOLICITATION - Exhibitors are present at our festivals for the purpose of representing their work. For that reason, no exhibitor, or their representatives, will solicit any products, supplies, festivals or events, etc., during the course of the festival, starting at the commencement of the event and ending at the end of the breakdown of the said event. The exhibitors’ role is to sell their work and not engage in other non-related business activities during the event. Failure to comply could cause possible expulsion from the event.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Carefully read the rules and regulations before submitting your application. We make every attempt to review all information contained within the pages of the SAACA website, and at the time of posting, all information is believed to be accurate and complete. We are not responsible for any typographical errors. If we find one made, we will immediately fix it as capacity allows. SAACA reserves final rights for interpretations and disclosure and reserves the right to change any information as necessary (i.e., event venue, parking locations, additional city licenses, fees, policies, etc.). Any changes will be disclosed to the parties involved as soon as they become available to us. We will make every reasonable attempt via e-mail or phone, as we feel best for confirmed parties.
ARTWORK EXHIBIT: All work exhibited in a booth space must be original, handcrafted, created, and exhibited by the approved artist themselves. Imported goods, mass-produced, resale, or third-party purchased items are prohibited from being sold within an artist booth space. A separate application exists for exhibitors who provide business marketing services, sponsored goods, and resale items. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing. All tents must be white, and all supply boxes must be covered. Handwritten signs and sale signs are prohibited.
JURY & ACCEPTANCE PROCESS: All applications will be reviewed, juried, and screened before your acceptance. All items sold or exhibited in your booth space must be disclosed on this application. Any media or items not approved during the application process exhibited at your booth at an event will be removed.
EXHIBITOR LIMITATIONS: The approved exhibitor will always occupy their booth. Subletting or sharing of space is not permitted at any SAACA festival or event. No primary sales representatives are allowed.
TAXES: Each exhibitor collects the state sales tax and files a report with the local Department of Revenue. Your acceptance packet will include all local and state tax rates for the designated jurisdiction.
TENTS: Exhibitors are responsible for making their tents sturdy against wind, rain, and natural elements. Tents must be manufactured of flame-retardant materials. Staking on the pavement is not permitted at any SAACA festival or event. SAACA is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property. Dollies are required for set-up and breakdown for all events.
SAACA reserves the right to make final interpretations of all rules and regulations.
WHAT ARE THE ITEMS YOU REQUIRE ON YOUR APPLICATION
SAACA requires artists to prepare the below items for your application. We have done our best to abbreviate the application process, asking more relevant and easy-to-submit questions.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Select festivals vary on the types of vendors permitted to sell onsite. The below applications are broken down into the below categories for submission:
Artists – This includes all handmade art in multiple categories, including artisan foods that are not produced or made onsite. The category also includes artisan food, which is available to artists selling pre-packaged food that they have created. Artists cannot send an employee or an apprentice to sell on their behalf. The festivals do not permit agents or dealers to bring/sell the works of artists that they represent. Finally, we don't allow multiple artists within one booth where one is selling/managing the booth on behalf of the group. Collaborative work is acceptable, with various artists working together in a single booth, on artwork that have both contributed to making.
Exhibitors & Non-Profit Organizations – This category is open to anyone who is not selling art, or handmade goods. This includes business promoting a service (i.e, solar energy, knives, retirement communities, doors, or other services). In addition, this category is also available to non-profit organizations with a valid 501c(3) tax id. Exhibitors and Non-Profit Booths typically only make up no more than 7% of the total vendors allotted at each event. SAACA has the right to jury all exhibitors and applications based on show appropriateness.
Food Vendors – Food trucks, trailers and tents, and any other food-based product produced onsite at the event are invited to apply. Please note, that not all SAACA events have the opportunity for food vendors based on the event or venue's restrictions.
I MISSED THE JURY DEADLINE, OR THE FESTIVAL IS FULL - CAN I STILL APPLY OR BE ADDED TO A WAITLIST?
Many SAACA art festivals will sell out of booth space in either the first or second jury. Often times spaces open up for festivals within the first few weeks of an event, and in some cases, sooner. We always encourage artists or exhibitors to fill out the online waitlist HERE. You will be contacted when space becomes available for an event and offer you the space, based on the time you added your name to the waitlist.
HOW ARE BOOTHS ASSIGNED?
Booths spaces are assigned in the order of application date and based on the preferences you have provided on your application. We offer artists the opportunity to pre-select their booth space in the application process and are traditionally able to provide at least one of your special requests if you apply and are accepted early. Mapping can be quite complicated since there are many factors at play, special requests, doubles vs. singles, power needs, appropriate spacing of the categories, etc.
DO YOU PROVIDE THE TENTS AND WHAT ELSE DO I NEED FOR SET UP?
We do not provide any tents and tents are not required. There are some artists that have a lovely display without any canopy. If you do bring a canopy, we require that it is white and you are required to have a minimum of 40 pounds of tent weights per leg. All display structures are your responsibility.
ARE THERE VOLUNTEERS OR STAFF TO PROVIDE BREAKS OR OTHER AMENITIES?
We do provide booth sitters to provide you with a quick break to use the restroom and grab food. We encourage you to use booth sitters for no more than 15 to 30 minutes as they cannot answer questions adequately about your work, and they cannot handle transactions. Many artists find it just as effective to become friends with your booth neighbor and watch each others' booths when you need to step away. SAACA volunteers typically walk the festival handing out snacks and water, and asking artists if they need a break during show peak hours.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY OWN INSURANCE?
We highly recommend having your own liability insurance. If your tent knocks over another artists' sculpture, you are liable. If a storm causes damage to your art, you are responsible. Food Vendors are required to show proof of insurance. SAACA is not liable for stolen or damaged works.
You will be notified within 7 -10 business days of your acceptance following the jury date. Once accepted, an artist will have one month from that date to confirm participation in each event, pay your booth fee, and complete the emailed event questionnaire. Special juries may take place throughout the season as determined by SAACA staff.
IMPORTANT JURY DATES
June 1, 2024: SAACA 2024-2025 Artist Applications Open for 2024-2025 Festival Season
June 30, 2024: Jury #1 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than July 7, 2024
July 21, 2024: Jury #2 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than August 10, 2024
August 11, 2024: Jury #3 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than August 25, 2024
September 1, 2024 # 4 Deadline
Artists in this jury will be notified of jury acceptance to all applied festivals no later than September 11, 2024
PHOTOS OF WORK: 3 photos of your work and 1 photo of your studio setting are required for the application. Please ensure these are good/high-quality images, as you will be judged on what is presented in your submitted artwork photography, along with a complete list of the items you will be selling in your booth space.
DISPLAY PHOTO: 1 photo of your outdoor display; indoor images are not accepted or encouraged. We must see your entire outdoor display. If this is the first time you display your art at an outdoor festival and you do not have an image of your display, we require you to note this on your application and provide a supplementary marketing photo.
APPLICATION DETAILS: This application will prompt you to provide a series of questions used for internal marketing and promotional purposes, as well as internal application verification. Although much of this information is not provided to the jury, this information will help SAACA expand our understanding of your specific needs and artist details.
$35 ONE-TIME JURY FEE (non-refundable): One-time application processing fee/jury fee of $35. This single, one-time application fee will cover all desired festival applications for the season.
FESTIVALS & EVENT EXHIBIT FEES: Festival and event exhibit fees are listed above. Prices vary. Please note that exhibit fees are paid after you receive jury acceptance into the festival/event.
ARTIST STATEMENTS: We want to know about you and your work. We encourage you to tell us what makes you unique and what separates your process from others. SAACA will utilize your submitted information on this application to include in all marketing and outreach for the festivals and event season.
CONFIRMATIONS: If accepted, additional festival/event information, such as booth preference, lodging, parking, event set-up times, directions, etc., will be included in your jury acceptance and confirmation. This will be emailed to you upon receipt of your acceptance email, along with payment requirements. Please review this information carefully, as it includes essential event details.
BOOTH SELECTION & PREFERENCE
After you are notified of acceptance into the festival, you will receive a form that will provide you with festival-specific layout and accessibility details. This will include a preliminary event map, allowing you to provide details on your booth preference, artwork needs, and accessibility requirements. Although we cannot guarantee a booth space preference, in most cases, SAACA can honor general booth placement requests. Booth placement requests and priority will be given in the order of jury and application date.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancel 30 days or more before the event, the vendor receives a refund, less $50.
Cancel 29 - 15 days before the event – the artist receives a 50% refund on the booth fee.
Cancel 14 or fewer days from the event – the artist receives zero refund.
WHEN AND HOW CAN I APPLY?
Artist applications are available on June 1, 2023. This web page can access all applications.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A BOOTH?
Several factors determine booth space prices. Some of these include hosting venue site fees, cost of marketing and promotion, and overall scale and size of the event. Over the past two years, SAACA has experienced a significant increase in expenses related to outdoor events, including permitting, trash, portable restrooms, security, and safety costs. Prices for booths have risen across the board for SAACA operationally and have had to increase pricing in some cases. Generally, our booth spaces remain among the lowest booth fees for similar size events in the region. E-MAIL: Jury acceptance, payment forms, festival invitations, waitlist notifications, confirmations, important updates, and announcements will be sent to you via email. Be sure to check your email account regularly.
WAITLIST: SAACA events historically sell out of exhibit space early. Once festival applications have reached jury acceptance and exhibitor capacity, applications will still be accepted for the waitlist. We will contact you as early as possible if any spaces become available. Please remember that this may be as late as 2-3 days before the festival. If you cannot work on short notice, the waitlist may not be your best option.
CREDITS/REFUNDS: SAACA is unable to issue refunds for cancelations. Cancellations must be made in writing (email preferred) and received as per the dates and timelines listed below.
WEATHER: All festivals are held outdoors and follow a strict rain-or-shine policy. No credits or refunds will be issued if the festival is affected by forces of nature beyond our control. Please note that we will not cancel a festival or event unless informed by state, city, or local officials that it will be in the best interest of safety for all. We will not call a festival before the event if it looks like it will rain.
NO SOLICITATION - Exhibitors are present at our festivals for the purpose of representing their work. For that reason, no exhibitor, or their representatives, will solicit any products, supplies, festivals or events, etc., during the course of the festival, starting at the commencement of the event and ending at the end of the breakdown of the said event. The exhibitors’ role is to sell their work and not engage in other non-related business activities during the event. Failure to comply could cause possible expulsion from the event.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Carefully read the rules and regulations before submitting your application. We make every attempt to review all information contained within the pages of the SAACA website, and at the time of posting, all information is believed to be accurate and complete. We are not responsible for any typographical errors. If we find one made, we will immediately fix it as capacity allows. SAACA reserves final rights for interpretations and disclosure and reserves the right to change any information as necessary (i.e., event venue, parking locations, additional city licenses, fees, policies, etc.). Any changes will be disclosed to the parties involved as soon as they become available to us. We will make every reasonable attempt via e-mail or phone, as we feel best for confirmed parties.
ARTWORK EXHIBIT: All work exhibited in a booth space must be original, handcrafted, created, and exhibited by the approved artist themselves. Imported goods, mass-produced, resale, or third-party purchased items are prohibited from being sold within an artist booth space. A separate application exists for exhibitors who provide business marketing services, sponsored goods, and resale items. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing. All tents must be white, and all supply boxes must be covered. Handwritten signs and sale signs are prohibited.
JURY & ACCEPTANCE PROCESS: All applications will be reviewed, juried, and screened before your acceptance. All items sold or exhibited in your booth space must be disclosed on this application. Any media or items not approved during the application process exhibited at your booth at an event will be removed.
EXHIBITOR LIMITATIONS: The approved exhibitor will always occupy their booth. Subletting or sharing of space is not permitted at any SAACA festival or event. No primary sales representatives are allowed.
TAXES: Each exhibitor collects the state sales tax and files a report with the local Department of Revenue. Your acceptance packet will include all local and state tax rates for the designated jurisdiction.
TENTS: Exhibitors are responsible for making their tents sturdy against wind, rain, and natural elements. Tents must be manufactured of flame-retardant materials. Staking on the pavement is not permitted at any SAACA festival or event. SAACA is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property. Dollies are required for set-up and breakdown for all events.
SAACA reserves the right to make final interpretations of all rules and regulations.
WHAT ARE THE ITEMS YOU REQUIRE ON YOUR APPLICATION
SAACA requires artists to prepare the below items for your application. We have done our best to abbreviate the application process, asking more relevant and easy-to-submit questions.
- Name, Address and Contact Information
- Artist Marketing Materials, social media, and website links, including pictures used on the website, as well as in marketing.
- We ask that all artists submit a picture of their art table/booth setup and a picture of them making their art, or the art studio itself
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Select festivals vary on the types of vendors permitted to sell onsite. The below applications are broken down into the below categories for submission:
Artists – This includes all handmade art in multiple categories, including artisan foods that are not produced or made onsite. The category also includes artisan food, which is available to artists selling pre-packaged food that they have created. Artists cannot send an employee or an apprentice to sell on their behalf. The festivals do not permit agents or dealers to bring/sell the works of artists that they represent. Finally, we don't allow multiple artists within one booth where one is selling/managing the booth on behalf of the group. Collaborative work is acceptable, with various artists working together in a single booth, on artwork that have both contributed to making.
Exhibitors & Non-Profit Organizations – This category is open to anyone who is not selling art, or handmade goods. This includes business promoting a service (i.e, solar energy, knives, retirement communities, doors, or other services). In addition, this category is also available to non-profit organizations with a valid 501c(3) tax id. Exhibitors and Non-Profit Booths typically only make up no more than 7% of the total vendors allotted at each event. SAACA has the right to jury all exhibitors and applications based on show appropriateness.
Food Vendors – Food trucks, trailers and tents, and any other food-based product produced onsite at the event are invited to apply. Please note, that not all SAACA events have the opportunity for food vendors based on the event or venue's restrictions.
I MISSED THE JURY DEADLINE, OR THE FESTIVAL IS FULL - CAN I STILL APPLY OR BE ADDED TO A WAITLIST?
Many SAACA art festivals will sell out of booth space in either the first or second jury. Often times spaces open up for festivals within the first few weeks of an event, and in some cases, sooner. We always encourage artists or exhibitors to fill out the online waitlist HERE. You will be contacted when space becomes available for an event and offer you the space, based on the time you added your name to the waitlist.
HOW ARE BOOTHS ASSIGNED?
Booths spaces are assigned in the order of application date and based on the preferences you have provided on your application. We offer artists the opportunity to pre-select their booth space in the application process and are traditionally able to provide at least one of your special requests if you apply and are accepted early. Mapping can be quite complicated since there are many factors at play, special requests, doubles vs. singles, power needs, appropriate spacing of the categories, etc.
DO YOU PROVIDE THE TENTS AND WHAT ELSE DO I NEED FOR SET UP?
We do not provide any tents and tents are not required. There are some artists that have a lovely display without any canopy. If you do bring a canopy, we require that it is white and you are required to have a minimum of 40 pounds of tent weights per leg. All display structures are your responsibility.
ARE THERE VOLUNTEERS OR STAFF TO PROVIDE BREAKS OR OTHER AMENITIES?
We do provide booth sitters to provide you with a quick break to use the restroom and grab food. We encourage you to use booth sitters for no more than 15 to 30 minutes as they cannot answer questions adequately about your work, and they cannot handle transactions. Many artists find it just as effective to become friends with your booth neighbor and watch each others' booths when you need to step away. SAACA volunteers typically walk the festival handing out snacks and water, and asking artists if they need a break during show peak hours.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY OWN INSURANCE?
We highly recommend having your own liability insurance. If your tent knocks over another artists' sculpture, you are liable. If a storm causes damage to your art, you are responsible. Food Vendors are required to show proof of insurance. SAACA is not liable for stolen or damaged works.
ARTIST JURY PROCESS & INFORMATION
Over 500 artists will exhibit in SAACA's 2023-2024 Festival Season. Images submitted by applications will be reviewed by a panel in a blind review jury process. ALL artwork must be handmade by the artist presenting and selling the materials or must directly supervise the production of the art by a limited number of assistants or employees. Applications will not be considered complete if an image of the artist producing their work studio is not attached.
Vendors that buy/sell goods or mass-produced items are ineligible to apply as an artist and must apply under the exhibitor application. Exhibitor applications are in limited quantities and not subject to the formal artist jury process but will be evaluated on a case by case application.
SAACA has the final authority to determine if the artist applicant meets these guidelines.
Vendors will be juried based on: 1) the creativity and craftsmanship of the work, 2) the quality of images attached, 3) the representation of diverse art styles and techniques, and 4) how the work will add to the value of the overall festival.
Artwork is considered solely on the merit of the work projected. The better the image presented, the better your opportunity for this highly competitive jury process.
The jury is comprised of anonymous art and event professionals. The jury will be provided with the artist statement and submitted photography. A well-balanced show of artistic excellence, quality, creativity, and overall impression of work are the criteria for the selection of exhibitors, SAACA does not have any quotas for category mediums. The top applicant scores receive invitations based on jury dates; the balance of artists in the final round is retained to comprise a waiting list of alternates. Decisions of the jury panel are final.
The following guidance is given to the jurors:
JURY PROCESS FAQ
Number of jurors scoring applications:
3-5 depending on the size of the festival
Jurors score applications using the following scale:
1-5
How are artists selected:
Quality of artwork
Quality of images
Representation of diverse art style and technique
Overall value to festival
How images are viewed by jurors:
TV Screen and/or computer monitor
Vendors that are excluded/ineligible:
Mass-produced or Buy/Sell
How will applications be presented to jurors:
In a single panel that scores applications across all mediums
Images:
Five images are to be submitted for each application entered by the artist. Three images must be of individual pieces of work. The fourth image must be of the artist creating work. The fifth image must be of a booth or display of the artist’s work, showing overall continuity and presentation of your current body of work.
Appeal Process:
Decisions of the jury panel may be appealed within 7 days of notification.
Vendors that buy/sell goods or mass-produced items are ineligible to apply as an artist and must apply under the exhibitor application. Exhibitor applications are in limited quantities and not subject to the formal artist jury process but will be evaluated on a case by case application.
SAACA has the final authority to determine if the artist applicant meets these guidelines.
Vendors will be juried based on: 1) the creativity and craftsmanship of the work, 2) the quality of images attached, 3) the representation of diverse art styles and techniques, and 4) how the work will add to the value of the overall festival.
Artwork is considered solely on the merit of the work projected. The better the image presented, the better your opportunity for this highly competitive jury process.
The jury is comprised of anonymous art and event professionals. The jury will be provided with the artist statement and submitted photography. A well-balanced show of artistic excellence, quality, creativity, and overall impression of work are the criteria for the selection of exhibitors, SAACA does not have any quotas for category mediums. The top applicant scores receive invitations based on jury dates; the balance of artists in the final round is retained to comprise a waiting list of alternates. Decisions of the jury panel are final.
The following guidance is given to the jurors:
- Selection criteria are based on ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE of the quality, creativity and overall impression of original hand-crafted work created by the artist. The ideal work will be well conceived and expertly executed.
- There is no entitlement or quota per category or ratio of applications received to the number of artists selected.
- We are looking for a show representative of diverse styles and techniques. We are also looking to include a broad range of pricing.
- We are asking jurors to utilize their areas of expertise in their decision-making and look beyond their area of expertise, keeping in mind that we aim for a diverse, well-balanced show formed by consensus.
- Jurors should look beyond their own personal taste and help us provide critical and honest observations and assessments.
- We will encourage and emphasize the expression of artistic knowledge in the scoring process. We ask that jurors do this in the spirit of respect and understanding. We will function in the arena of consensus and recognize that while jurors will have diverse opinions, in the end, it will balance out amongst the viewpoints.
JURY PROCESS FAQ
Number of jurors scoring applications:
3-5 depending on the size of the festival
Jurors score applications using the following scale:
1-5
How are artists selected:
Quality of artwork
Quality of images
Representation of diverse art style and technique
Overall value to festival
How images are viewed by jurors:
TV Screen and/or computer monitor
Vendors that are excluded/ineligible:
Mass-produced or Buy/Sell
How will applications be presented to jurors:
In a single panel that scores applications across all mediums
Images:
Five images are to be submitted for each application entered by the artist. Three images must be of individual pieces of work. The fourth image must be of the artist creating work. The fifth image must be of a booth or display of the artist’s work, showing overall continuity and presentation of your current body of work.
Appeal Process:
Decisions of the jury panel may be appealed within 7 days of notification.