Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival 2026 (Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Market)

ARTISTS, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT! 

Be part of Arts in the Heart of Augusta, an award-winning festival celebrating its 45th year in downtown Augusta, Georgia. For 2½ days, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity, featuring a nationally ranked Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Market, five stages of live entertainment, and a Global Village offering authentic international cuisine. Families and young creatives can also enjoy the Family Area and Young Artist Market.

Recognized as one of Sunshine Artist’s Top 200 Festivals for nine consecutive years and named among the Top Festivals of the Decade (2010-2020), Arts in the Heart is a must-attend event for artists. The festival has also earned the Silver Kaleidoscope Award for Best Festival from SFEA. With 80,000+ attendees, this is a prime opportunity to connect with enthusiastic art lovers and collectors.

Festival hours: Friday, 5 PM – 9 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 9 PM; Sunday, 11 AM – 7 PM.

Apply now and submit your work by May 30, 2026, at www.artsintheheart.com. We look forward to celebrating art, culture, and community with you!

FINE ARTS & FINE CRAFTS MARKET 

The Fine Arts and Fine Crafts Market is the heart and soul of Arts in the Heart of Augusta a cherished and celebrated part of the festival experience. Each year, we carefully curate a stunning selection of original artwork, ensuring a range of price points so that everyone can take home something special from the seasoned art collector to the young enthusiast spending their allowance on a first piece.

We are dedicated to showcasing exceptional artistry, bringing together works that are original, beautiful, innovative, and well-crafted. Artists from all over the country join us in Augusta, drawn by the festival’s reputation for high-quality art, engaged crowds, and an unparalleled artist experience.

WHY ARTISTS LOVE ARTS IN THE HEART

Each year, we ask our participating artists for feedback, and the response is overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what they LOVE about being part of the festival:

✅ Artist Profiles featured on artsintheheart.com
✅ Festival Map & Artist Listings included in the event program
✅ Extensive Marketing—strong social media, radio, TV, and print promotions
✅ Effortless Load-in & Load-out—smooth logistics make setup a breeze
✅ Exceptional Communication—artists stay informed every step of the way
✅ Free Electricity—no extra fees for power in your booth
✅ Artist Hospitality—Cold water, snacks and a welcoming space just for you
✅ A Festival Team That Cares—artists are treated like family

PRAISE FROM OUR ARTISTS 

We’re honored to receive glowing reviews from artists who have made Arts in the Heart of Augusta a staple in their festival circuit:

"One of the best organized festivals I attend. The advertising is second to none, the venue is perfect, and the team is fantastic. I hope to participate for many years to come!"

"Your communication was the best I’ve ever experienced! From setup to take-down, everything was extremely efficient, making the show an absolute pleasure. I can’t wait for next year!"

"Every year, this festival gets better. It’s our favorite! The layout, the quality of art, the international food—it all makes for an incredible experience."

"Arts in the Heart is the most financially successful show for my small business. The crowd is engaged, appreciative, and ready to buy!"

"It’s a breath of fresh air to be part of a show that values quality and variety. This festival is a true community event with an outstanding mix of art and fine crafts."

FESTIVAL DETAILS & ARTIST PERKS 

Location: Downtown Augusta, Georgia
Attendance: 80,000+ people
Booth Spaces: 120 (10’ x 10’) (Some on Paved Streets-Premium and Some in Various Lots within the footprint
Free RV Parking: Travel-friendly accommodations
Electricity: Provided at no extra cost
Tent Rental Option: 10x10 tents available for $300

WHO SHOULD APPLY? 

We welcome fine artists and fine crafters who:
Have a passion for their art and can create enough inventory for a 2½-day festival
Handcraft their own work—ABSOLUTELY no mass production, buy/sell, or outsourced manufacturing
Are creating fresh, original, high-quality work

🚫 Who Should Not Apply:
❌ Vendors who sell mass-produced or imported goods
❌ Artists who outsource their production to factories or contractors
❌ Soap makers, candle makers, and food vendors (alternative events available)- Authors can apply to present in the Author's Literary Lounge

APPLICATION PROCESS 

To apply, artists must submit a ZAPPlication along with a non-refundable $35 jury fee by May 30, 2026. The application requires:
Five high-quality images of your work and one booth shot
Average price points for your work
A short artist statement

Artists will be notified of their application status via email by June 19, 2026.

WHAT DOES THE JURY LOOK FOR? 

Our jury selects artists based on the quality, craftsmanship, and originality of their work. As the festival gains more recognition, competition grows, and acceptance is not guaranteed even for returning artists. If you’ve participated before, be sure to submit images of new work.

The jury evaluates:
Overall quality & craftsmanship
Originality & uniqueness
Subject matter (when applicable)
Booth design & presentation
Fit with the festival’s brand of high-quality, fun, and funky art

 Pro Tip: High-quality images are crucial. If requested, artists must provide step-by-step photos or videos proving that they personally create their work.

JUDGING & PRIZES 

During the festival, our Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Market is professionally judged, and $1,500 in prizes is awarded in the following categories:
Fashion/Jewelry
2-D Artwork
3-D Artwork

Award winners from the previous year receive guaranteed acceptance into the next festival!

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES 

Artists may apply in the following categories:
Painting
Photography
Mixed Media (2D & 3D)
Sculpture
Printmaking & Digital Art
Fiber, Leatherwork, and Wood (functional pieces)
Jewelry (handcrafted only)
Metal & Glasswork
Furniture & Decorative Arts

Not sure if your work fits? Contact festival organizers for clarification!

COMMUNICATION & LOGISTICS 

All festival communication will be via email, so make sure to provide an active email address on your application. During the festival, we may send important text updates as needed.

Lodging: A list of hotels with special rates will be available on the festival website in July. Artists are responsible for their own accommodations.

READY TO APPLY? 

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most celebrated arts festivals in the region! Apply now and submit your materials by May 30, 2026 at www.artsintheheart.com.

We can't wait to celebrate art, culture, and community with you! 

• Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Market Guidelines

• Booth Photos: Must be anonymous; no artist name or business name visible.
• Prohibited Vendors: Buy/sell vendors and any artist selling buy/sell goods are strictly prohibited. Violators will be removed from the festival with no refund of booth or jury fees. Contact the festival in advance if unsure.
• Booth Setup: Artists must provide all furnishings, including tables, chairs, display walls, and credit card machines.
• Insurance: Artists are responsible for their own liability, transportation, and exhibited items insurance (strongly recommended).
• Sales Tax: Artists must collect and pay 8% Georgia sales tax.
• Liability: The Greater Augusta Arts Council is not responsible for loss or damage. Augusta Sheriff's Deputies will be on-site, and any issues should be reported to them.
• Handmade Work Only: All items must be made by the artist—no employees, contractors, or mass production.
• Jury Process: Applications are reviewed anonymously, based only on images, artist statements, and artwork prices.
• Proof of Creation: If requested, artists must provide step-by-step photos or videos proving they personally create their work. This includes showing the artist’s face and the entire creation process. Regularly submitted images should not include the artist—only the artwork.
• Prohibited Items:
  • Buy/sell goods
  • Commercially molded pottery, sculpture, or jewelry
  • Kit-based or pre-manufactured assembly items
  • Work made by anyone other than the submitting artist
  • Unlimited, offset, or giclée reproductions of paintings, drawings, prints, or photographs
• Application Deadline: May 30, 2026. Only online applications are accepted. Applications are incomplete until the jury fee is paid.
• Artist Presence: Artists must be present for the entire festival. No representatives, publishers, wholesalers, or distributors are allowed. Strictly enforced.
• Booth Sharing: Not allowed. Each artist must apply individually. Sharing with a non-juried artist will result in removal from the festival with no refund.
• Compliance: A compliance team will monitor booths to ensure artists are selling the work represented in their application.
• Waitlist: Some artists may be placed on a waiting list. Selection is based on available booth slots and art categories. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee entry.
• Booth Fee Payment: Accepted artists must pay immediately upon acceptance. Failure to pay on time will result in forfeiture of the festival invitation.
• Booth Placement: There will be limited premium spaces available for an additional cost.  We are limiting the number of artist accepted so that booth placement can be firm and final. We do not have the capacity to shift and move artist that don't like their placement. The festival is heavily attended, please interact with guests to sell your work. 
• Refund Policy: All fees are non-refundable after August 15, 2026.
• Weather: We are a RAIN OR SHINE festival. We are not responsible for rain or other natural weather conditions and no refunds will be given. 

• Community Conduct & Removal Policy

  Arts in the Heart of Augusta is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment for all artists, vendors, performers, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees. Participation in the festival requires professional conduct at all times.

  The following behaviors are prohibited:

• Harassment, threats, or intimidation of any kind

• Abusive, hostile, or disruptive language or actions

• Conduct that interferes with festival operations

• Repeated complaints expressed in an aggressive or unprofessional manner

• Behavior that compromises safety or undermines the experience of others

• Enforcement & Removal

  The Greater Augusta Arts Council reserves the right to review any conduct that is reported or observed to be in violation of these standards.

  Festival management may take the following actions at its sole discretion:

• Issue a formal warning

• Restrict certain privileges

• Remove a participant from the festival grounds

• Deny future participation

• Removal may occur immediately if behavior is deemed threatening, unsafe, or materially disruptive. Removal may occur without refund.

  Participation in Arts in the Heart of Augusta constitutes agreement to this policy.