Fairs/Festivals
RiverArtsFest 2026
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply. Emerging Artist Program or Grants exist.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
RiverArtsFest celebrates its 20th Anniversay in 2026 and presents a rich cultural festival of fine art, music and food for the Mid-South public's entertainment, education and enjoyment. This nationally ranked (#15) festival is the longest running fine arts festival in the region. An urban street festival, RiverArtsFest is held in downtown Memphis on the banks of the Mississippi River, and attracts patrons from Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi.
RiverArtsFest is presented by RiverArtsFest, Inc. a non-profit organization led by an all volunteer Board of Directors and Steering Committee and is supported by more than 200 community volunteers.
Please visit our website www.riverartstmemphis.org or http://www.riverartstmemphis.org/ for more information.
RiverArtsFest is presented by RiverArtsFest, Inc. a non-profit organization led by an all volunteer Board of Directors and Steering Committee and is supported by more than 200 community volunteers.
Please visit our website www.riverartstmemphis.org or http://www.riverartstmemphis.org/ for more information.
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General Information
RiverArtsFest 2026 Application
You are hereby invited to apply for an exhibitor slot at RiverArtsFest . Please take a moment to carefully read the information presented below prior to submitting an application.
Work done by a production studio or AI-generated is not acceptable. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT WWW.ZAPPLICATION.ORG
Application fee is $40. This fee is non-refundable.
Event Dates
Friday, October 16, 2026 - Load in begins at 8 AM
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 AM - 5 PM
Location - Downtown Memphis, Tennessee
ARTIST MARKET DATES AND DEADLINES
Call for Artists - February 1, 2026
Application Deadline - May 31, 2026
Invitation to Exhibit - July 7, 2026
Booth Payment Deadline - July 31, 2026
Artist Cancellation Date - September 1, 2026
GENERAL INFORMATION: The mission of RiverArtsFest organization is to create access to a broad array of arts experiences; nurture the development and understanding of diverse art forms; and encourage the expanding depth of cultural life in the City of Memphis. RiverArtsFest is a two-day celebration of the visual and performing arts. The festival offers a juried artist market, artist demonstration areas, educational activities for children and adults, live musical performances, and high-quality outdoor food vending.
Gate fees for RiverArtsFest are $15 for adults and $5 for youth 6-12 years of age. Children 5 and under are free. A professional marketing firm manages a strategically focused plan to attract a diverse public likely to be interested in the visual fine arts. While the majority of our audience is from the Memphis metropolitan area, an increasing number of art patrons from around the Mid-South also attend, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama.
RiverArtsFest is recognized by the IRS and State of Tennessee as a tax exempt art services organization under IRS Code section 501(c)(3). All proceeds are used to produce RiverArtsFest and to support arts education activities in this region.
EVENT AND ARTIST MARKET HOURS
Artist Market Set up - Fri, Oct 16, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Festival & Artist Market Hours - Sat, Oct 17, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Festival & Artist Market Hours - Sun, Oct 18, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Artist Market Breakdown - Sun, Oct 18, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
ARTIST APPLICATION
Application fee - $35 (This is a non-refundable fee.)
RiverArtsFest selects artists to participate through a blind jury process. The jury panel consists of museum curators, arts educators and professional artists and will select artists based on a collective review. The images submitted must clearly represent all the work that is intended to be displayed or sold at the 2026 Festival. Notification of acceptance will be made by email. Artists who advance to the final round of jury process and are not invited will be considered alternates. RiverArtsFest maintains the right to waive juried application of select returning artists whose body of work we deem merits the exemption. The number of exempt artists shall not exceed twenty percent of total number of artists invited.
RiverArtsFest will accept applications from artists working in diverse media. Each application must specify one of the media categories defined below. These categories organize artists' work into logical groups for a jury's review. While a balanced show is a principle objective, the festival establishes no quota by category.
CERAMICS: All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry. No machine-made or mass produced work is permitted. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each piece must be signed.
DIGITAL ART: Any original work for which the artist, using a computer, executed the original image or the manipulation of other source material. Work must be in limited editions, signed and numbered on archival quality materials. AI generated work is not accepted. Artists must be able to show their creative process if work appears to be AI generated. Note: Traditional photographs taken through digital media should apply in the photography category.
DRAWING: Works created using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
EMERGING ARTIST: The Emerging Artist program engages working artists who are in the early years of their career (typically the first 10 years of professional work) and who have achieved a high level of excellence and creativity in their work. Emerging Artists are determined by the quality of work samples submitted by the artist.
To be eligible to apply to the Emerging Artist Award program, applicants must:
GLASS: No forms of mass production are permitted.
Graphics and Printmaking: Printed works for which the artist's hand manipulated the plates, stones or screens and which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition. All photogravure, photocopy, and/or offset reproductions will be rejected. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.
JEWELRY: All jewelry, whether produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials. No commercial casts, molds or production studio work.
METAL WORKS: All non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work.
MIXED MEDIA: Works, both 2 and 3-dimensional, that incorporate more than one type of physical material to produce. Includes non-sculptural work as determined by the artist.
PAINTING: Works created in oils, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographic prints made from the artist's original image, which have been processed by that artist, or under his or her direct supervision, are included in this category. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes on any prints, which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition.
SCULPTURE: Three-dimensional original work done in any medium, including built up works in wood.
WOOD: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.rnrnrnrnrnrn
JURY PROCESS: The jury, comprised of museum curators, arts educators and art professionals, will view each artist's images in a blind jury process. The artists' identities are not disclosed to jurors; however, the artists' statements attached to images will be visible. Artistic excellence is the sole criteria for selection of exhibitors. Decisions of the jury panel are final.
INVITATION TO EXHIBIT: Artists invited to exhibit must signify their acceptance in Zapplication by paying a booth fee. Failure to respond by booth payment deadline will result in the invitation being withdrawn and an alternate being invited instead. The applicant is responsible to keep Zapp records updated with current mailing, email addresses and phone numbers.
AWARDS: Awards are determined by a consensus of the on-site jury and will be presented at each honoree's booth on Saturday afternoon. Prizes include a $2,000 Best of Show award and $750 Best of Category awards.
ARTIST HOSPITALITY: Riverartsfest provides snacks, light meals and beverages throughout the hours of the festival for exhibitors. Artist Ambassadors are available to offer assistance and/or booth sit for exhibiting artists during the festival. Artist Ambassadors are not allowed to handle any transactions for artists.
For any questions or additional information, please contact RAF by email:
Denise Ford, Artist Market Director
artfullydenise@gmail.com
You are hereby invited to apply for an exhibitor slot at RiverArtsFest . Please take a moment to carefully read the information presented below prior to submitting an application.
Work done by a production studio or AI-generated is not acceptable. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT WWW.ZAPPLICATION.ORG
Application fee is $40. This fee is non-refundable.
Event Dates
Friday, October 16, 2026 - Load in begins at 8 AM
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 AM - 5 PM
Location - Downtown Memphis, Tennessee
ARTIST MARKET DATES AND DEADLINES
Call for Artists - February 1, 2026
Application Deadline - May 31, 2026
Invitation to Exhibit - July 7, 2026
Booth Payment Deadline - July 31, 2026
Artist Cancellation Date - September 1, 2026
GENERAL INFORMATION: The mission of RiverArtsFest organization is to create access to a broad array of arts experiences; nurture the development and understanding of diverse art forms; and encourage the expanding depth of cultural life in the City of Memphis. RiverArtsFest is a two-day celebration of the visual and performing arts. The festival offers a juried artist market, artist demonstration areas, educational activities for children and adults, live musical performances, and high-quality outdoor food vending.
Gate fees for RiverArtsFest are $15 for adults and $5 for youth 6-12 years of age. Children 5 and under are free. A professional marketing firm manages a strategically focused plan to attract a diverse public likely to be interested in the visual fine arts. While the majority of our audience is from the Memphis metropolitan area, an increasing number of art patrons from around the Mid-South also attend, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama.
RiverArtsFest is recognized by the IRS and State of Tennessee as a tax exempt art services organization under IRS Code section 501(c)(3). All proceeds are used to produce RiverArtsFest and to support arts education activities in this region.
EVENT AND ARTIST MARKET HOURS
Artist Market Set up - Fri, Oct 16, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Festival & Artist Market Hours - Sat, Oct 17, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Festival & Artist Market Hours - Sun, Oct 18, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Artist Market Breakdown - Sun, Oct 18, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
ARTIST APPLICATION
Application fee - $35 (This is a non-refundable fee.)
RiverArtsFest selects artists to participate through a blind jury process. The jury panel consists of museum curators, arts educators and professional artists and will select artists based on a collective review. The images submitted must clearly represent all the work that is intended to be displayed or sold at the 2026 Festival. Notification of acceptance will be made by email. Artists who advance to the final round of jury process and are not invited will be considered alternates. RiverArtsFest maintains the right to waive juried application of select returning artists whose body of work we deem merits the exemption. The number of exempt artists shall not exceed twenty percent of total number of artists invited.
RiverArtsFest will accept applications from artists working in diverse media. Each application must specify one of the media categories defined below. These categories organize artists' work into logical groups for a jury's review. While a balanced show is a principle objective, the festival establishes no quota by category.
CERAMICS: All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry. No machine-made or mass produced work is permitted. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each piece must be signed.
DIGITAL ART: Any original work for which the artist, using a computer, executed the original image or the manipulation of other source material. Work must be in limited editions, signed and numbered on archival quality materials. AI generated work is not accepted. Artists must be able to show their creative process if work appears to be AI generated. Note: Traditional photographs taken through digital media should apply in the photography category.
DRAWING: Works created using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax crayon, etc. or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
EMERGING ARTIST: The Emerging Artist program engages working artists who are in the early years of their career (typically the first 10 years of professional work) and who have achieved a high level of excellence and creativity in their work. Emerging Artists are determined by the quality of work samples submitted by the artist.
To be eligible to apply to the Emerging Artist Award program, applicants must:
- Be a full-time resident of Shelby County, Tennessee or adjoining counties
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
- Be a working visual artist, responsible for creating their own original work, not interpreting the work of others or creating under the guidance of an instructor or mentor
- *Exceptions to the age limit may be considered by the RiverArtsFest program director on a case-by-case basis.
GLASS: No forms of mass production are permitted.
Graphics and Printmaking: Printed works for which the artist's hand manipulated the plates, stones or screens and which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition. All photogravure, photocopy, and/or offset reproductions will be rejected. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.
JEWELRY: All jewelry, whether produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials. No commercial casts, molds or production studio work.
METAL WORKS: All non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work.
MIXED MEDIA: Works, both 2 and 3-dimensional, that incorporate more than one type of physical material to produce. Includes non-sculptural work as determined by the artist.
PAINTING: Works created in oils, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographic prints made from the artist's original image, which have been processed by that artist, or under his or her direct supervision, are included in this category. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes on any prints, which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition.
SCULPTURE: Three-dimensional original work done in any medium, including built up works in wood.
WOOD: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.rnrnrnrnrnrn
INVITATION TO EXHIBIT: Artists invited to exhibit must signify their acceptance in Zapplication by paying a booth fee. Failure to respond by booth payment deadline will result in the invitation being withdrawn and an alternate being invited instead. The applicant is responsible to keep Zapp records updated with current mailing, email addresses and phone numbers.
AWARDS: Awards are determined by a consensus of the on-site jury and will be presented at each honoree's booth on Saturday afternoon. Prizes include a $2,000 Best of Show award and $750 Best of Category awards.
ARTIST HOSPITALITY: Riverartsfest provides snacks, light meals and beverages throughout the hours of the festival for exhibitors. Artist Ambassadors are available to offer assistance and/or booth sit for exhibiting artists during the festival. Artist Ambassadors are not allowed to handle any transactions for artists.
For any questions or additional information, please contact RAF by email:
Denise Ford, Artist Market Director
artfullydenise@gmail.com
Application Requirements
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Artists must submit separate applications, unless applying as a team. Artists wishing to exhibit work in more than one category must apply with separate applications, digital images, and jury fees for each category. Multiple applications must represent either work in different categories or distinctly separate bodies of work within one category. Artist booths must remain open during festival hours.
All work must be original, handcrafted work except as stipulated below under Reproductions. The Artist guarantees the accuracy of the description and authenticity of the work as the creation of their own hands.
Work done by a production studio or AI-generated is not acceptable. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist.
No more than two artists may collaborate on work. Both must be included on and sign the application, and both must be present at the festival.
Artists must be present for the entire two plus load-in days of the festival. Representatives may not attend in place of the artist.
rArtists may only show work in categories and body of work selected by the Jury. All work exhibited must be of the quality, category and body of work shown in the images juried.
Reproductions of an artist's one-of-a-kind original paintings, pastels, drawings, collage or mixed media may be exhibited under the following conditions: 1) Original work must be clearly visible and of primary importance 2) All reproductions must be signed and numbered. 3) All reproductions whether framed or unframed must be clearly and individually labeled "Reproduction" or "Limited Edition Reproduction" on the front of each item displayed. 4) All reproductions whether framed or unframed, must be displayed in browse bins. No reproductions may be hung on walls. 5) Reproductions may not be displayed in the same browse bin with original artwork. 6) No more than 25% of an artists exhibited work shall be reproductions.
DIGITAL IMAGES:
Five (5) images must be submitted for each individual media category.
Four (4) images, numbered respectively #1 - #4, must be of individual pieces of work.
The (5th) image must be of a display of the artist’s work, showing the overall continuity and presentation of your current body of work. The fifth image is mandatory. If a booth image is not available, submit an image taken of a grouping of works representative of the works to be exhibited at the show. The purpose of the booth image is to ensure the artist has a complete body of work which is represented both in the first 4 images and also within image #5. It also helps identify the scale of the artist’s work. NOTE: This is a blind jury process; please avoid submitting booth images with any identifiable sign, or photo of the artist themselves.
Images must be in 1920 x 1920 pixel format. For information on image resolution, please access zapplication.org/imaging_tips.phtmlrnrnrn
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT WWW.ZAPPLICATION.ORG
APPLICATION FEE: Applicants must pay a jury fee with their application. This fee is non-refundable. Make payment online at Zapplication by credit card or paypal account.
Artists must submit separate applications, unless applying as a team. Artists wishing to exhibit work in more than one category must apply with separate applications, digital images, and jury fees for each category. Multiple applications must represent either work in different categories or distinctly separate bodies of work within one category. Artist booths must remain open during festival hours.
All work must be original, handcrafted work except as stipulated below under Reproductions. The Artist guarantees the accuracy of the description and authenticity of the work as the creation of their own hands.
Work done by a production studio or AI-generated is not acceptable. All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist.
No more than two artists may collaborate on work. Both must be included on and sign the application, and both must be present at the festival.
Artists must be present for the entire two plus load-in days of the festival. Representatives may not attend in place of the artist.
rArtists may only show work in categories and body of work selected by the Jury. All work exhibited must be of the quality, category and body of work shown in the images juried.
Reproductions of an artist's one-of-a-kind original paintings, pastels, drawings, collage or mixed media may be exhibited under the following conditions: 1) Original work must be clearly visible and of primary importance 2) All reproductions must be signed and numbered. 3) All reproductions whether framed or unframed must be clearly and individually labeled "Reproduction" or "Limited Edition Reproduction" on the front of each item displayed. 4) All reproductions whether framed or unframed, must be displayed in browse bins. No reproductions may be hung on walls. 5) Reproductions may not be displayed in the same browse bin with original artwork. 6) No more than 25% of an artists exhibited work shall be reproductions.
DIGITAL IMAGES:
Five (5) images must be submitted for each individual media category.
Four (4) images, numbered respectively #1 - #4, must be of individual pieces of work.
The (5th) image must be of a display of the artist’s work, showing the overall continuity and presentation of your current body of work. The fifth image is mandatory. If a booth image is not available, submit an image taken of a grouping of works representative of the works to be exhibited at the show. The purpose of the booth image is to ensure the artist has a complete body of work which is represented both in the first 4 images and also within image #5. It also helps identify the scale of the artist’s work. NOTE: This is a blind jury process; please avoid submitting booth images with any identifiable sign, or photo of the artist themselves.
Images must be in 1920 x 1920 pixel format. For information on image resolution, please access zapplication.org/imaging_tips.phtmlrnrnrn
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT WWW.ZAPPLICATION.ORG
APPLICATION FEE: Applicants must pay a jury fee with their application. This fee is non-refundable. Make payment online at Zapplication by credit card or paypal account.
INVITATION TO EXHIBIT: Artists invited to exhibit must signify their acceptance in Zapplication by paying a booth fee. Failure to respond by booth payment deadline will result in the invitation being withdrawn and an alternate being invited instead. The applicant is responsible to keep Zapp records updated with current mailing, email addresses and phone numbers.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
400
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
165
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
30
Booth Information
BOOTH FEES
Regular booth - $500
Corner booth - $600
Double booth - $1200
Double + Corner booth - $1300
Electricity - $75
BOOTH SPACE: Regular and corner booths will be 10' x 10. Corner booths will have two complete sides open to the public. A storage area will be behind or beside all booth spaces. There will be a 3-4" easement between each tent. Artists must provide their own tent, racks and/or tables to display their work in an outdoor environment. The construct of the display Booths are on public streets that must be accessible to emergency personnel at all times. Booth displays MAY NOT hang out into emergency access lanes designated by Fire and Police officials. If this will be a problem for you, it is your responsibility to notify us of your request to be located in an area other than an emergency access lane. Artists desiring specific locations or having any other requests will be accommodated on a first-come, first served basis.
ELECTRICITY: Artists requiring electricity must pay an electrical connection fee. Artists are responsible for supplying extension cords that meet appropriate city and county codes. No space heaters allowed.
PARKING: RiverArtsFest has a designated artist parking lot adjacent to the festival grounds.
SECURITY: Festival grounds will be secured and patrolled by licensed, bonded security personnel during and after Artist Market Set-up. This service will continue around the clock until the Artist Market breaks down. RiverArtsFest will take all reasonable measures to protect the site; however, we assume no responsibility for any loss or damage to an artist's property.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Cancellations made by the artist in writing before the cancellation date of September 1, 2026 will receive 50% of their booth fee. There will be no refund after that date unless the Board of Directors for RiverArtsFest cancels the show due to public health concerns.
For any questions or additional information, please contact us by email:
Artist Market Director:
Denise Ford
artfullydenise@gmail.com
Regular booth - $500
Corner booth - $600
Double booth - $1200
Double + Corner booth - $1300
Electricity - $75
BOOTH SPACE: Regular and corner booths will be 10' x 10. Corner booths will have two complete sides open to the public. A storage area will be behind or beside all booth spaces. There will be a 3-4" easement between each tent. Artists must provide their own tent, racks and/or tables to display their work in an outdoor environment. The construct of the display Booths are on public streets that must be accessible to emergency personnel at all times. Booth displays MAY NOT hang out into emergency access lanes designated by Fire and Police officials. If this will be a problem for you, it is your responsibility to notify us of your request to be located in an area other than an emergency access lane. Artists desiring specific locations or having any other requests will be accommodated on a first-come, first served basis.
ELECTRICITY: Artists requiring electricity must pay an electrical connection fee. Artists are responsible for supplying extension cords that meet appropriate city and county codes. No space heaters allowed.
PARKING: RiverArtsFest has a designated artist parking lot adjacent to the festival grounds.
SECURITY: Festival grounds will be secured and patrolled by licensed, bonded security personnel during and after Artist Market Set-up. This service will continue around the clock until the Artist Market breaks down. RiverArtsFest will take all reasonable measures to protect the site; however, we assume no responsibility for any loss or damage to an artist's property.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Cancellations made by the artist in writing before the cancellation date of September 1, 2026 will receive 50% of their booth fee. There will be no refund after that date unless the Board of Directors for RiverArtsFest cancels the show due to public health concerns.
SALES AND SALES TAXES: Artists retain all revenue from the sale of their work with no commission due to the festival. Artists are responsible for collecting, reporting, and paying all required state and local sales taxes. Sales tax may be be filed online at Tennessee.gov. Sales tax is 9.75% in Memphis, Tennessee.
For any questions or additional information, please contact us by email:
Artist Market Director:
Denise Ford
artfullydenise@gmail.com
Refund Policy
An artist who cancels in writing before the cancellation deadline of September 1, 2026 will receive a 50% refund of their paid booth fee. There is no refund after the cancellation deadline of September 1, 2026, unless the Board of Directors for RiverArtsFest cancels the show due to public health concerns.
Additional Fees
Double Booth with a corner: $1,300
Double Booth Payment: $1,200
Upgrade Regular to Double: $700
Corner Booth Payment: $600
Regular Booth Payment: $500
Upgrade to Corner Booth: $100
Electricity: $75
Terms to Apply
