4BAF EMERGING ARTISTS

2023 Application rules and selection criteria

NOTE: The EA Application for the April 2023 4BAF will open January 1, 2023.

Every year, Association for Visual Arts (AVA) spotlights new artistic talent during 4 Bridges Arts Festival. By providing exhibition space to individuals who have limited experience showing their work at art festivals or in galleries, AVA supports the burgeoning careers of emerging artists by showcasing their fresh voices to enthusiastic art collectors. Through 4 Bridges Arts Festival, AVA exposes emerging artists to a real-life professional experience while introducing the community to dynamic, new creative perspectives.

 

The 2023 dates for 4 Bridges Arts Festival are Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23.

 

AVA will select up to six applicants to exhibit as emerging artists. AVA waives the standard festival booth fee for emerging artists, and can provide some portable walls and drapery to assist in setting up their booth presentations; if emerging artists have their own portable display walls or other display systems, they are welcome and encouraged to use them.

 

AVA accepts applications from artists who meet the following criteria.

 

An applicant must

  • Be 16 years or older and live within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga.

  • Have limited to no experience selling his or her work; not have exhibited in a solo show; and not be associated with or represented by a commercial gallery. (Participation in 2021 or 2022 Between The Bridges festival will not count against you!)

  • Create work as a solo artisan and not as a collaborating artist.

  • Have produced a body of work that clearly articulates his or her creative intent and artistic skill.

 

An applicant can submit an application to exhibit as a 2023 emerging artist at 4 Bridges Arts Festival by following the process below.

1.       Click on the “Apply to Become an Emerging Artist” button on the previous page to complete an application form.

2.       Once the application form is complete on this site, submit a 1-3 paragraph artist statement (including information on technique and materials), plus 4 digital images of your artwork (with titles, sizes, dates, media, and potential sales price) to Sarah Moore, Director of 4 Bridges Arts Festival, at sarah@avarts.com. Include “Emerging Artist application” in your subject line.

 

Application submissions will open January 1, 2023, and close January 18, 2023.

 

First Horizon Bank, a champion of innovative ideas and the entrepreneurial spirit, is supporting emerging artists as a 2023 Walnut Street Bridge sponsor of 4 Bridges Arts Festival.

 

For more information, visit AVArts.org or contact

Sarah Moore, sarah@avarts.org