Emerging Artist Program

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The Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) Emerging Artist Program was created to support talented artists as they take the next step in their professional journey. Designed specifically for artists who are beginning their careers, this program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable festival experience, build confidence, and showcase artwork in a professional, supportive environment.

Emerging Artists are artists over the age of 18 who do not yet have an established history of exhibiting their work in galleries, museums, or juried outdoor art festivals. FAFO’s goal is to provide these artists with the tools, encouragement, and exposure needed to grow their careers.

This program offers more than financial support—it’s an opportunity to learn from experienced artists, develop professional presentation skills, connect with art collectors and the community, and become part of Ocala’s premier fine art tradition.

Selected Emerging Artists will receive a grant package valued at over $1,200, designed to help make participation in a professional art festival accessible and successful. 

The package includes:

• Complimentary booth space at the Ocala Arts Festival ($300 value) 
• A professional 10’ x 10’ tent package complete with walls and leg weights to keep ($300 value) 
• A custom artist banner featuring your name and individual sponsor recognition ($100 value) 
• One-on-one mentorship from an experienced artist to guide you through booth setup, display, preparation, and questions before and during the event 
• $500 in grant funding to use toward display equipment such as racks, pedestals, and tables, as well as lodging or meals associated with participation 

FAFO reserves the right to pre-screen and research Emerging Artist applicants to ensure they are an appropriate fit for this category. Artists may apply either to the Emerging Artist Program or to one of the Ocala Arts Festival’s regular artist categories, but not both.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older 
• Applicants must be beginning their professional art careers 
• Applicants must not have an established history of exhibiting in galleries, museums, or juried outdoor festivals

If you are an emerging artist ready for your next opportunity, we invite you to apply and share your work with the Ocala community. This could be the beginning of your next chapter.

• Apply to Zapplication to the Emerging Artist category.
• Emerging artist applicants must pay the $50 application fee but, if accepted to the festival, their booth fee will be waived. FAFO will send a coupon code that is used to waive the booth fee upon acceptance.
• During the application process, upload four (4) images of your artwork with no visible artist's signature. Zapp requires a booth image for all regular applicants but not for emerging artists. Please note that in order to complete your application, you must submit your fourth artwork image marked as "display" or Zapp will not process and accept your submission.
• The Ocala Arts Festival is a family-oriented event and exhibits must be in keeping with this atmosphere.