Magic City Art Connection 2027

NOW OPEN - REGULAR JURY APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 5th

April 23-24-25, 2027 - the 44th Magic City Art Connection (MCAC), Birmingham's premier contemporary fine art festival, will transform Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in downtown Birmingham, Alabama into an Art and Cultural epicenter. MCAC features 150+ fine art booths, special exhibitions and installations, live music and cultural performances, plus Corks & Chefs - Birmingham's longest-running tasting event. That's 3 full days of enriching experiences, avid collectors and robust art sales, great hospitality, caring staff and festival team, all part of the sights, sounds, aromas of this highly anticipated Alabama festival.

MCAC has garnered regular recognition, community support, and numerous awards over the years, including Best Festival, from local, regional, and national media, sponsors, loyal fans and patrons. But the endorsement we value the most comes from the talented artists who choose to exhibit with us in Birmingham. We look forward to your interest in joining the outstanding lineup of contemporary artists at MCAC in the Spring!

IMPORTANT DATES
CLOSED - EARLY BIRD JURY Application Deadline: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Nonrefundable Application Fee: $35
Jury in Process: September 16-24
Jury Notification: September 25
Booth Fee + applicable Upgrade(s): Due by OCTOBER 10

OPEN - REGULAR Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Nonrefundable Application Fee: $50
Jury in Process: November 9-13
Jury Notification: November 16
Booth Fee + applicable Upgrade(s): Due by DECEMBER 1

FESTIVAL DATES & HOURS
SET-UP
Thursday, April 22, 2027
EVENT
April 23-24-25, 2027
Friday, April 23, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 24, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, April 25, 10:00am - 5:00pm

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all fine artists 18 years of age or older. Artists are chosen for participation by a Jury. The Jury reserves the right to review and approve or refuse artwork presented for consideration.

ACCEPTED ART MEDIUMS
Original fine art and fine craft - Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Watercolor, Drawing, 2D Mixed Media, 2D Digital/Computer Generated, Photography, Printmaking, Fiber, Jewelry, Clay, Glass, Metalwork, Wood, 3D Mixed Media, Sculpture, Furniture

REQUIRED MATERIALS & SPECIFICATIONS
1) 4  images of artwork representative of work to be exhibited at MCAC
    File Format: High resolution JPEG, max image size 5 MB
    File Name: lastname_firstname_image#.jpg
    Photos of artwork/items must be of the highest quality for media purposes
    Photos should be of artwork only - no frames or external background in the image
2) 1 booth photo - File Format: Good resolution JPEG
3) Artist Statement and/or Bio - File Format: .doc, .docx, .odt, .pdf, .rtf, or .txt

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
> Collaborating Artists - defined as a group of two or more artists working together on any one piece of art. Collaborating artists should apply as one joint entry. If accepted, they may exhibit only the work that is created in collaboration.
> Multiple Categories - If an artist wishes to apply in more than one distinct category, separate applications are required for each category, however only one jury fee will be charged. For the 2nd application the artist should send a request for a coupon code to exhibitors@findartbirmingham.com. Artists may not apply twice in the same category.

WAITLIST
Candidates on the Waitlist will be ranked by jury score and medium. Notifications will be emailed as spaces become available before and after February 15, 2027. All Waitlist artists must confirm their place by replying to the Notification email and the Booth Fee Balance will be required upon receipt.

OUTDOOR BOOTH SPACE
Single: 10’x10’
Double: 10’ x 20’
Limited Premium Booths are available - Double, Corner, and Spray Pond Walk. No guarantees.

PRE-FESTIVAL INFO
Pre-festival Memo with - booth number - directions - parking passes - load-in and load-out instructions, hospitality, etc. will be emailed in mid-April. Artist pages will be begin being uploaded to the festival website and included in social media / marketing campaigns as early as February 1st.

ARTIST AMENITIES
Magic City Art Connection wants to ensure that your participation is a positive experience. During the Festival, the following amenities are offered to all artists:
   Continental Breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings
   An Artist Awards & VIP Dinner - FAB Friday Twilight Event
   Artist Profile on website featuring artist images, website link, and statement/bio
   Artist name and booth number listed in 2027 Festival Brochure
   Free exhibitor parking
   24hr Festival Security
   Booth Sitting by Festival volunteers

MEDIA & PUBLICITY
Comprehensive advertising and publicity is planned for the Festival including print, web, radio, TV, and social media.

WEATHER POLICY
The Festival does not close during intermittent rain, unless the weather pattern suggests severe weather. Be prepared for RAIN or SHINE.

SECURITY
There will be 24-hour security for the festival beginning 10am Thursday, April 24, until 10pm Sunday, April 27.

PARKING
Free exhibitor parking.

1. The exhibiting Artist MUST be present all three days of the festival. No commercial dealers or agents are permitted to represent the artist. The festival reserves the right to close or remove any booth in which the artis is not present. Failure to follow this rule will cause the artist to be ineligible for awards and admission to future shows.
2. Accepted artists may not exhibit in other Festivals during the dates of Magic City Art Connection.
3. All artists are required to Check-In, receive their Registration Packet, and Set-up their booth at their assigned time on THURSDAY, April 22, 2027.
4. All artists are required to submit sales taxes at Artist Check-Out on SUNDAY, April 25, 2027.
5. Artists may exhibit artwork only in the category(ies) in which they were accepted.
6. All exhibited art must be the artist's original work, no representations, and must be available for sale.
7. All 2-dimensional artwork must be framed, matted, or stretched.
8. Items not framed (watercolors, drawings, prints, et al) must be displayed in a professional portfolio bin or hung using a professional display alternative. Browse bins may occupy only minimal space and may not obstruct space between booths or patron flow.
9. Photographers, printmakers, and digital artists may only sell signed and numbered works in limited editions of 250 or less.
10. All developing and printing of photographs must be done by the artist or under the direction and supervision of the artist.
11. No artworks from commercial molds or kits, or other commercial methods are allowed.
12. No merchandise that is not the original artwork of the artist can be sold at the festival.
13. Artists who break down displays or depart before closing time on any day of the festival will not be allowed to return the following day or to future shows unless proof of an emergency is presented.
14. All artists are responsible for collecting and paying Sales Taxes for City, County, and State. Payments must be turned in to MCAC on Sunday, April 25, 2027, at Artist Check-Out. No exceptions.
15. All artists exhibition tents and sides are required to be WHITE and able to withstand wind and rain.
16. Tent weights are required. All artist tents must be secured with a minimum of 40lbs per leg. NO STAKES ALLOWED.
17. A site qualifying committee will examine each booth and may question artists about the authenticity of their artwork to ensure that all work is original and made by the artist present, and that the terms, conditions, rules, and regulations of the festival are adhered to by participating artists.
18. Any breach of MCAC's terms conditions, rules, and regulations forfeits all rights of the artist and will result in immediate removal from the show without a refund.

UNACCEPTABLE WORK
Commercially manufactured items or items made from commercial kits or molds, buy-sell, incorporating trademarked branding or imagery, and/or imported goods are not permitted. All items must be original and handcrafted by the exhibitor.

REPRODUCTION POLICY
If a work of art already exists (as a painting, watercolor, drawing, photograph, etc.) and is copied by digital or photographic means and printed on an offset press, serigraph press, or through a computer by means of an inkjet or electrostatic printer, this would be a reproduction; this includes Giclee. Commercial reproductions of the artist’s original work ARE acceptable ONLY if displayed in a portfolio or bin and clearly labeled, “Reproduction, not a limited-edition print.” Any reproductions may not exceed 30% of the work offered for sale. The Selection Committee reserves the right to review and approve all works to be exhibited.

DISPLAY & PRESENTATION
Exhibitors are responsible for their own white exhibition tent and displays, which must be substantial enough to withstand weather and crowds. Each exhibitor is responsible for their own work and displays in case of loss or damage.
All 2D work should be appropriately prepared for exhibition. Items not framed (watercolors, drawings, graphics, photographs, prints, et al) must be displayed in a portfolio or hung using a professional display alternative.

TENT WEIGHTS
Required: 40lb weight per tent leg
NO STAKES ALLOWED

SALES & TAXES
Artists are responsible for their own sales tax. Transactions must include 10% sales tax. A Business License is not required.
MCAC requires exhibitors to turn in sales tax during Sunday Check Out with 3 SEPARATE CHECKS with provided forms and envelopes for each Revenue Department.
   4% City of Birmingham
   4% State of Alabama
   2% Jefferson County
Exhibitors without checks will have to pay taxes with exact change cash (tax collector will not have change) or with a credit card - credit card transaction will carry an additional 5% processing/service fee.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Refund Request Deadline: March 1, 2027 - for a 65% refund of the Booth Fee and applicable Upgrade and/or Rental Fee(s), minus the original transaction fee(s)
Cancellations must be submitted in writing only to Magic City Art Connection by email to exhibitors@findartbirmingham.com.
No Refund - if cancellation is received after March 1, 2027.
Refund requests for extenuating circumstances must be submitted in writing only to Magic City Art Connection by email to exhibitors@findartbirmingham.com.

WEATHER POLICY
The Festival does not close during intermittent rain, unless the weather pattern suggests severe weather. Be prepared for RAIN or SHINE.

OUTDOOR BOOTH SPACE
Single: 10’x10’
Double: 10’ x 20’
Limited Premium Booths are available - Double, Corner, and Spray Pond Walk. No guarantees.

EARLY BIRD JURY - BOOTH SPACE OPTIONS
Booth Fee + applicable Upgrade Fee(s): Due by OCTOBER 10, 2026
> SINGLE Booth Fee - $395
> COMMISSION Option Booth Fee - $295 (due by October 10) + 15% Commission of Total Sales paid to MCAC with Sales Tax at Artist Check-Out on Sunday April 26, 2026

REGULAR JURY - BOOTH SPACE OPTIONS
Booth Fee + applicable Upgrade Fee(s): Due by DECEMBER 1, 2026
> SINGLE Booth Fee - $420
> COMMISSION Option Booth Fee - $320 (due by December 1) + 15% Commission of Total Sales paid to MCAC with Sales Tax at Artist Check-Out on Sunday April 26, 2026

BOOTH UPGRADE OPTIONS for Early Bird & Regular Jury 
** Upgrade Fees are IN ADDITION to and due with the Booth Fee (not available to Commission Booth)
DOUBLE Booth Upgrade - $385 - Limited availability
CORNER Booth Upgrade - $150 - Limited availability
SPRAY POND WALK (SPW) Upgrade - $215
   - Limited availability and placement only by SPW Jury selection
   - Located at the entrance to Festival
   - SPW Upgrade Fee Payment is required with Booth Fee to be included in the SPW Jury Pool
   - SPW Jury Notification will be sent on February 15, 2027 
   - If not selected by the SPW Jury, a SPW Upgrade Fee Refund will be mailed by April 1, 2027
   - Not available with Commission Booth Option
   - No exceptions

*** Fees not paid by the respective due dates may result in being moved to the Wait List and will incur an additional $25 Late Processing Fee. Email exhibitors@findartbirmingham.com to inquire if space is still available and if so, make a late payment arrangement. Fees not fully paid by March 1, 2027 or another agreed upon date will result in loss of placement at the Festival.

RENTAL OPTIONS for Early Bird & Regular Jury 
**Rental Fees are IN ADDITION to and due by March 1, 2027
Single Tent - $475 (10’ x 10’) high-peak tent with opaque, heavy duty, vinyl wrap-around sides
Double Tent - $800 (10’ x 20’) high-peak tent with opaque, heavy duty, vinyl wrap-around sides
6ft table and 2 chairs - $40

SITE REQUESTS
Site requests are not guaranteed accommodation, although geography, health concerns, and dependents are taken into consideration.

DISPLAY & PRESENTATION
Exhibitors are responsible for their own displays, which must be substantial enough to withstand weather and crowds. Each exhibitor is responsible for their own work and displays in case of loss or damage.
All 2D work should be appropriately prepared for exhibition. Items not framed (watercolors, drawings, graphics, photographs, prints, et al) must be displayed in a portfolio or hung using a professional display alternative.

TENT WEIGHTS
Required: 40lb weight per tent leg
NO STAKES ALLOWED

SET-UP - THURSDAY, APRIL 22
Artists are given a designated 1.5 hour time slot between 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM to pull their vehicle up to or if not applicable, near their booth location for unloading. If necessary, nearby free parking is available to park vehicles and return to complete set-up.
An alternate load-in time request should be emailed to exhibitors@findartbirmingham.com by April 10th. Load-in schedule change requests are not guaranteed accommodation, although geography, health concerns, and dependents are taken into consideration.


IMPORTANT DATES
CLOSED - EARLY BIRD JURY Application Deadline: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Nonrefundable Application Fee: $35
Jury in Process: September 16-24
Jury Notification: September 25
Booth Fee + applicable Upgrade(s): Due by OCTOBER 10

OPEN - REGULAR Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Nonrefundable Application Fee: $50
Jury in Process: November 9-13
Jury Notification: November 16
Booth Fee + applicable Upgrade(s): Due by DECEMBER 1

FESTIVAL DATES & HOURS
SET-UP
Thursday, April 22, 2027
EVENT
April 23-24-25, 2027
Friday, April 23, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 24, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, April 25, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Cancellations must be submitted in writing only to Magic City Art Connection by email to exhibitors@findartbirmingham.com.
Refund Request Deadline: March 1, 2027 - for a 65% refund of the Booth Fee and applicable Upgrade and/or Rental Fee(s), minus ZAPP transaction fee(s).
No Refund - if cancellation is received after March 1, 2027.
Refund requests for extenuating circumstances must be submitted in writing only to Magic City Art Connection by email to exhibitors@findartbirmingham.com.