Featured Artist Program

Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair

The Featured Artist Program application is now closed for the 2025 Art Fair. Stay tuned for the 2026 Art Fair application going live this fall.

An Opportunity for All State Street District Artists

The Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair (SSDAF) is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Featured Artist Program! This dynamic and inclusive initiative celebrates the exceptional talents of artists participating in our fair. Drawing inspiration from successful artist programs nationwide, the Featured Artist Program is designed to elevate visibility, foster deeper community engagement, and contribute to the growth of Ann Arbor’s vibrant arts scene. Best of all, the program is entirely free for artists, offering a unique opportunity to gain recognition and connect with a wider audience without any financial burden.

The SSDAF Featured Artist is a distinguished representative of our event, one of three award-winning fairs that collectively form the Ann Arbor Art Fair — the largest in the nation, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually. Each fair selects its own Featured Artist to highlight the exceptional talent that defines our creative community. The chosen artist’s work will be featured on the Official Commemorative Poster of the 2025 SSDAF, celebrating the artistic excellence and unique spirit of our event. This honor recognizes the artist’s contribution to the fair’s legacy and offers them an opportunity for prominent recognition within one of the nation’s most renowned art fairs.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to all artists who are interested in participating in the 2025 Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair and have submitted their application to the fair via Zapplication.org prior to the deadline of March 1, 2025. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. Artists who are not selected as the Featured Artist will still have the opportunity to be considered through the standard jury process for inclusion in the 2025 Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair.

Featured Artist Benefits

• Complimentary Booth Space

• The Featured Artist will receive premium, complimentary booth space at the 2025 Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair, providing a prime location to showcase and sell their artwork to a diverse and engaged audience. This prime positioning offers enhanced visibility and accessibility, ensuring maximum exposure to art enthusiasts and collectors.

• Promotion & Exposure

• The selected artwork will be prominently showcased on the 2025 Official Commemorative Poster, across social media platforms, press releases, and various marketing materials. The extensive promotional campaign will reach tens of thousands, including distribution of 25,000 event maps to attendees, and garner exposure through multiple media channels, increasing the artist’s recognition both locally and beyond.

• Media Day Event Opportunity

• At the Ann Arbor Art Fair Poster Reveal and Media Day Event, the Featured Artist will have the exclusive opportunity to present their work, participate in media interviews, and interact with the public. Additionally, the artist will be invited to showcase their creative process through a live demonstration, fostering a deeper connection with their audience. The State Street District may provide support for transportation and/or lodging costs associated with attending this event. 

• Networking & Community Engagement

• The Featured Artist will have meaningful opportunities to connect with collectors, fellow artists, and industry professionals. This recognition offers direct access to a network of influential figures in the arts community, creating potential for future collaborations, career advancement, and lasting professional relationships.

• Commemorative Poster Display

  • The 2025 Official Commemorative Poster featuring the selected artwork will be displayed prominently at the iconic Michigan Theater, highlighting the Featured Artist and celebrating their contribution to the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair.

How to Apply to the Featured Artist Program

1. Submit your application for the 2025 Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair

• To be eligible for the 2025 Featured Artist Program, you must first submit your application for the SSDAF via Zapplication.org. Please carefully review all information and guidelines outlined in the application before proceeding.

• Deadline: March 1, 2025

• Apply here: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12807
  

2. Submit your application for the Featured Artist Program

• After completing your SSDAF application, submit your application for the Featured Artist Program via JotForm.

• Deadline: February 28, 2025

• Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/250086319579163

Submission Guidelines

• All submissions must be original art created by the individual artist.

• Custom artworks for the SSDAF are highly encouraged and offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase your unique vision, with the potential for increased visibility. While not required, submitting custom pieces can help highlight your distinct style, giving you the chance to stand out while ensuring all applicants are given fair consideration.

• All submitted artwork must have been created by the artist within the last 5 years.

• Accepted medium categories include Ceramics, Digital Art, Drawings, Emerging Artist, Fiber/Other, Fiber/Wearable, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Mixed Media 2D, Mixed Media 3D, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Wood.

• Acceptance is based upon review of the artist’s application, submitted photos, and any available online presence showcasing their artwork.

• Images of art should be clear and professional.

• Do not submit images of your artwork which have been framed or contain watermarks.

• For 2D artwork, such as paintings, drawings, and prints, a high-quality scan is preferred to capture the details and texture. However, if a scan is not feasible, a high-resolution photograph with proper lighting can also be used. For 3D artwork, including sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry, please submit a high-resolution photograph that clearly shows the piece from multiple angles to fully showcase its dimensions and details. Be sure that the image is well-lit and accurately represents the colors and textures of the artwork.

• Artwork should be suitable for promotional materials and our Official Commemorative SSDAF Poster. Please see image specifications below:

• File Formats: JPG or PNG

• Resolution: 300 dpi

• Dimensions: Minimum 5400 x 7200 pixels for a print size of 18”x24”

• File Size: Maximum 10 MB

Program Timeline

• January, 2025 – Applications open for Featured Artist Program

• February 28, 2025 – Application deadline

• March 1-7, 2025 – Jury review of Featured Artist submissions 

• March 14, 2025 – All applicants will be formally notified via email of their selection status

• May 19, 2025 – Unveiling of the 2025 Commemorative Poster at the Ann Arbor Art Fair Poster Launch in Downtown Ann Arbor

Contact Information

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions related to the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair or the Featured Artist Program: ArtFair@StateStreetDistrict.org

LEGAL AGREEMENT

Submitting an application to the Featured Artist Program of the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair, you are granting the State Street District a non-exclusive, perpetual license to reproduce images of your artwork across affiliated websites, social media platforms, and other media outlets. Additionally, the State Street District is authorized to resize and reformat these images for the creation of the commemorative poster, as well as for marketing and promotional purposes related to the artist’s work with the Ann Arbor Art Fair. The artist retains full copyright to their artwork, with no exceptions. 

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and confirm that all artwork submitted for consideration is your own original work. You affirm that the work is not subject to any third-party rights or claims and that you hold the necessary rights to grant the license for its use as outlined in this agreement. In the event that any claims arise regarding the ownership, authenticity, or intellectual property rights of the artwork, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the State Street District, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) resulting from such claims.