Fairs/Festivals
Cottonwood Art Festival Spring 2027
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
Located in Richardson, Texas, just minutes from Dallas, the award-winning Cottonwood Art Festival is a premier juried art show featuring more than 200 talented artists showcasing their work beneath towering oak trees in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top fine art festivals, Cottonwood continues to uphold its reputation as a first-class event with a rich history spanning more than 58 years. Produced by the City of Richardson, the festival attracts a vibrant and culturally diverse audience of loyal art collectors, enthusiasts, and families who value creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic expression.
Beyond the exceptional artwork, Cottonwood offers a dynamic weekend of entertainment and experiences, including live music on two stages, a Friday evening gala for artists and guests, an interactive children’s art area, and much more. Artists are invited to apply for the opportunity to exhibit their work and become part of one of Texas’ most celebrated and longstanding fine art festivals, May 1-2, 2027.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top fine art festivals, Cottonwood continues to uphold its reputation as a first-class event with a rich history spanning more than 58 years. Produced by the City of Richardson, the festival attracts a vibrant and culturally diverse audience of loyal art collectors, enthusiasts, and families who value creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic expression.
Beyond the exceptional artwork, Cottonwood offers a dynamic weekend of entertainment and experiences, including live music on two stages, a Friday evening gala for artists and guests, an interactive children’s art area, and much more. Artists are invited to apply for the opportunity to exhibit their work and become part of one of Texas’ most celebrated and longstanding fine art festivals, May 1-2, 2027.
General Information
From its humble beginnings in 1969, the Cottonwood Art Festival has developed into one of the most prestigious fine art festivals in the United States. Local artists staged their first festival at the scenic Cottonwood Park in Richardson, Texas. It was all tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and braids back then, where the artists laid down blankets and set up easels with the hopes of selling a few pieces of art. Since that first weekend, five decades later, Cottonwood has established itself as a signature national art event, become a tradition in the community, and the home to the finest artists in the country.
With the City of Richardson’s support, the Cottonwood Art Festival strives to deliver an experience for our patrons that allows them to engage, experience, and grow their appreciation of the arts. We celebrate the inclusivity of our community, the originality and creativity of our artists, and value the quality in which we operate.
Cottonwood Art Festival is committed to enriching lives through arts education and experiences by continuing to engage, enhance, and inspire the creativity of Richardson and the surrounding communities. Through local partnerships with the Richardson Independent School District, Cottonwood inspires creativity and provides innovative support to young aspiring artists via the Emerging Artist Program and Visiting Artist Program.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Application Available – August 31, 2026
Application Deadline – December 8, 2026
Jury – Starting January 4, 2027
Notifications Emailed – January 26, 2027
Deadline to confirm participation/pay booth fee – February 23, 2027
Cancellation for Refund Deadline - March 9, 2027
Deadline to submit Artist agreement and insurance documents – April 3, 2027
FESTIVAL FACT SHEET (all information subject to change)
Location: Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Festival Date and Hours: Saturday, May 1, 10a - 7p; Sunday, May 2, 10a – 5p
Website: cottonwoodartfestival.com
Email: cottonwood@cor.gov
Contact: Dianna Lawrence, CFEE, Festival Director
Mailing Address: 2100 E. Campbell Rd, Suite 100, Richardson, TX 75081
Telephone: 972-744-4580
Sales: Artists retain all revenue from the sale of their work and are responsible for state and local sales tax
Images: 4 images of work + 1 booth image
Monitor Jury: Images viewed remotely and online as submitted (images 1-5).
Jurors: 5 paid. The jury includes 2 artists and 3 art industry professionals.
Jury Format: Artists are evaluated by jury members on a scale of 1–10 during the first round of judging. Scores are used to establish a ranked pool of artists within each category who are eligible to advance to the second round of judging, if applicable.
Jury/Application Fee: $35 per application
Multiple Applications: Artists may apply in different media categories, but not with the same body of work. Artists with distinctly separate bodies of work within one medium must apply with multiple applications.
Booth Fee: $500 single booth, $1,000 double booth (limited availability), $100 electricity per booth.
Booth Space: Estimated 13’ x 13’ booth space. A limited number of double booths are available.
Electric: $100 per booth.
Artist Presence: Artists are required to be present at their assigned booth throughout the entire duration of the festival.
No. of Invited Artists: Approx. 200
No. of Artists Exempt from Jury: Approx. 10 (at the discretion of the Festival Director)
Security: 24-hour on-site, fenced-in festival site.
Parking: Free/reserved/off-site dedicated.
Structure: Artists are not permitted to use cheaply made, lightweight, accordion-style pop-up tents. Tents must be clean, WHITE, commercial, or professional grade, fire-retardant, with at least 40 pounds of weight securely fastened (not dangling) on each corner and with stabilizing maneuvers that provide maximum safety. “In-ground” stakes, such as straight or hammer-driven, will not be permitted without additional weights.
ARTIST AMENITIES
JURY PROCESS
Approximately 200 artists will exhibit at the Cottonwood Art Festival, and 190 spots will be available for applicants this year. These spots will be determined through a competitive monitor jury process, where each artist is scored by jury members on a scale of 1-10 in the first round, creating a ranked group of artists in each category deemed qualified to advance to the second round after reviewing submitted images and artist statements. The scoring for the second round is on a 1 - 10 scale. The third and final round will encourage discussion. Jurors have the choice of revising their scores, and final scores are then recorded. The top scorers in each category receive an invitation to the show. All work must be original and created by the applying artist and is considered solely on the merit of the work projected. The better the image presented, the better your opportunity for this highly competitive jury process. The director of the show has the right to invite up to, but not to exceed, 10 artists at their discretion.
The jury is composed of two quality artists and three art professionals. The jury will review applications in a “blind jury” process and will view each artist's set of five images individually on a monitor, arranged by the date the artist's application was submitted. The process, materials, and dimensions for each image, as well as artist information statements, will be made available to the jury. A well-balanced show of artistic excellence, quality, creativity, and overall impression of work are the criteria for the selection of exhibiting artists. An additional number of artists will be retained for a waiting list of alternates based on the scores received in their category. Decisions of the jury panel are final. Cottonwood reserves the right to reject any application if it does not comply with the covenants and rules outlined in this document.
The following guidance is given to the jurors:
Ceramics: All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each must be signed.
Digital Art: This category includes any original work for which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using a computer. Work in this category must be in limited editions, signed and numbered on archival-quality materials. Traditional photographs taken through digital media should apply in the photography category. Work that starts with a photograph and is manipulated by digital means must be entered in either Mixed Media or Photography.
Drawing/Pastels: 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 are to be entered in this category.
Fiber: All work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and papermaking. This can be wearable or non-wearable. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted. No factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, may be exhibited.
Glass: No forms of mass production are permitted
Jewelry: All jewelry, whether the work is produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic, or other materials, must be entered in this category. No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work is allowed.
Metal: Includes all non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work is allowed.
Mixed Media: Works that include both 2 and 3-dimensional, that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production. Includes non-sculptural work as determined by the artist.
Painting - Oil/Acrylic: Works created in oil or acrylic
Painting - Watercolor: Work created in watercolor
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 prints that have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition.
Printmaking/Graphics: 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 may be entered in this category. All photogravure, giclee, photocopy, and/or offset reproductions, will be rejected. Printmakers are encouraged to do their own printing which has been processed by the artist, or under his/her direct supervision. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional works done in any medium.
Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, or carved are accepted in this category.
With the City of Richardson’s support, the Cottonwood Art Festival strives to deliver an experience for our patrons that allows them to engage, experience, and grow their appreciation of the arts. We celebrate the inclusivity of our community, the originality and creativity of our artists, and value the quality in which we operate.
Cottonwood Art Festival is committed to enriching lives through arts education and experiences by continuing to engage, enhance, and inspire the creativity of Richardson and the surrounding communities. Through local partnerships with the Richardson Independent School District, Cottonwood inspires creativity and provides innovative support to young aspiring artists via the Emerging Artist Program and Visiting Artist Program.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Application Available – August 31, 2026
Application Deadline – December 8, 2026
Jury – Starting January 4, 2027
Notifications Emailed – January 26, 2027
Deadline to confirm participation/pay booth fee – February 23, 2027
Cancellation for Refund Deadline - March 9, 2027
Deadline to submit Artist agreement and insurance documents – April 3, 2027
FESTIVAL FACT SHEET (all information subject to change)
Location: Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Festival Date and Hours: Saturday, May 1, 10a - 7p; Sunday, May 2, 10a – 5p
Website: cottonwoodartfestival.com
Email: cottonwood@cor.gov
Contact: Dianna Lawrence, CFEE, Festival Director
Mailing Address: 2100 E. Campbell Rd, Suite 100, Richardson, TX 75081
Telephone: 972-744-4580
Sales: Artists retain all revenue from the sale of their work and are responsible for state and local sales tax
Images: 4 images of work + 1 booth image
Monitor Jury: Images viewed remotely and online as submitted (images 1-5).
Jurors: 5 paid. The jury includes 2 artists and 3 art industry professionals.
Jury Format: Artists are evaluated by jury members on a scale of 1–10 during the first round of judging. Scores are used to establish a ranked pool of artists within each category who are eligible to advance to the second round of judging, if applicable.
Jury/Application Fee: $35 per application
Multiple Applications: Artists may apply in different media categories, but not with the same body of work. Artists with distinctly separate bodies of work within one medium must apply with multiple applications.
Booth Fee: $500 single booth, $1,000 double booth (limited availability), $100 electricity per booth.
Booth Space: Estimated 13’ x 13’ booth space. A limited number of double booths are available.
Electric: $100 per booth.
Artist Presence: Artists are required to be present at their assigned booth throughout the entire duration of the festival.
No. of Invited Artists: Approx. 200
No. of Artists Exempt from Jury: Approx. 10 (at the discretion of the Festival Director)
Security: 24-hour on-site, fenced-in festival site.
Parking: Free/reserved/off-site dedicated.
Structure: Artists are not permitted to use cheaply made, lightweight, accordion-style pop-up tents. Tents must be clean, WHITE, commercial, or professional grade, fire-retardant, with at least 40 pounds of weight securely fastened (not dangling) on each corner and with stabilizing maneuvers that provide maximum safety. “In-ground” stakes, such as straight or hammer-driven, will not be permitted without additional weights.
ARTIST AMENITIES
- Two-day set-up schedule for artists
- Artist Set-up and Take-down assistance by local Boy Scout Troop (Artist Relations Team)
- Exclusive Friday night invite to Artist and Festival VIP dinner, including a fully catered dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
- Designated Artist Hospitality Area with continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, chilled water, and private restroom
- Responsive website and integrated social media campaign with over 35,000+ followers
- Event Guide for patrons with map, artists' names, and booth locations
- Complimentary Festival T-Shirt for exhibiting artists
- Fully staffed artist relations team (local Boy Scout Troop) available to assist with load-in and out, as well as booth sitting throughout the festival weekend
- Comprehensive emergency/evacuation plan with 24-hour weather monitoring
- 24 Hour security and the City of Richardson Police presence
- Discounted hotel rates at designated hotel locations within Richardson
- Extensive marketing campaign to include the entire DFW region and the state of Texas
- Free admission and free parking for all attendees
JURY PROCESS
Approximately 200 artists will exhibit at the Cottonwood Art Festival, and 190 spots will be available for applicants this year. These spots will be determined through a competitive monitor jury process, where each artist is scored by jury members on a scale of 1-10 in the first round, creating a ranked group of artists in each category deemed qualified to advance to the second round after reviewing submitted images and artist statements. The scoring for the second round is on a 1 - 10 scale. The third and final round will encourage discussion. Jurors have the choice of revising their scores, and final scores are then recorded. The top scorers in each category receive an invitation to the show. All work must be original and created by the applying artist and is considered solely on the merit of the work projected. The better the image presented, the better your opportunity for this highly competitive jury process. The director of the show has the right to invite up to, but not to exceed, 10 artists at their discretion.
The jury is composed of two quality artists and three art professionals. The jury will review applications in a “blind jury” process and will view each artist's set of five images individually on a monitor, arranged by the date the artist's application was submitted. The process, materials, and dimensions for each image, as well as artist information statements, will be made available to the jury. A well-balanced show of artistic excellence, quality, creativity, and overall impression of work are the criteria for the selection of exhibiting artists. An additional number of artists will be retained for a waiting list of alternates based on the scores received in their category. Decisions of the jury panel are final. Cottonwood reserves the right to reject any application if it does not comply with the covenants and rules outlined in this document.
The following guidance is given to the jurors:
- Your selection criteria should be based on ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE of the quality, creativity, and overall impression of original hand-crafted work created by the artist. The ideal work will be well-conceived and expertly executed.
- There is no entitlement or quota per category, or ratio of applications received to the number of artists selected.
- Artwork is considered solely on the merit of the work pictured. This and the submitted Artist Statement will be the only criteria considered.
- We are looking for a show that represents diverse styles and techniques. We are also looking to include a broad range of pricing.
- We are asking you to bring your areas of expertise to the forefront, as well as make an effort to look beyond your area of expertise, keeping in mind that we are aiming for a diverse, well-balanced show formed by consensus.
- Booth images may not contain the artist’s name, company name, or any other affiliation; artists may use Photoshop techniques to remove the name(s).
- The booth image must include the entire booth.
- The booth image must be that of your outdoor booth (no indoor booth images).
- The booth image must not have people in or around it.
- The booth image shows the jury your body of work, provides dimension and scale, a sense of artistic and creative presentation, and reflects what your booth will look like at the show. It will also report to the jury if the work submitted in the individual images reflects your current style and overall body of work.
Ceramics: All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass-produced work is permitted. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each must be signed.
Digital Art: This category includes any original work for which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using a computer. Work in this category must be in limited editions, signed and numbered on archival-quality materials. Traditional photographs taken through digital media should apply in the photography category. Work that starts with a photograph and is manipulated by digital means must be entered in either Mixed Media or Photography.
Drawing/Pastels: 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 are to be entered in this category.
Fiber: All work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and papermaking. This can be wearable or non-wearable. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted. No factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, may be exhibited.
Glass: No forms of mass production are permitted
Jewelry: All jewelry, whether the work is produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic, or other materials, must be entered in this category. No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work is allowed.
Metal: Includes all non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work is allowed.
Mixed Media: Works that include both 2 and 3-dimensional, that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production. Includes non-sculptural work as determined by the artist.
Painting - Oil/Acrylic: Works created in oil or acrylic
Painting - Watercolor: Work created in watercolor
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 prints that have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition.
Printmaking/Graphics: 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 may be entered in this category. All photogravure, giclee, photocopy, and/or offset reproductions, will be rejected. Printmakers are encouraged to do their own printing which has been processed by the artist, or under his/her direct supervision. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional works done in any medium.
Wood: Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, or carved are accepted in this category.
Application Requirements
Artist Selection
All submitted applications through Zapplication are reviewed and juried before acceptance is offered. Previous Festival participation does not guarantee acceptance, and each Applicant understands that the city may reject an Applicant for any or no reason. Artists may jury in more than one category, but not with the same body of work. Only one application may be submitted per body of work with a jury fee for each category. An artist must use the same name for both applications. It is the work of the artist that is juried; therefore, any change will require approval from the Festival Director before the show. Absolutely no consideration will be made if the work is of a different category. The jury committee or Festival management reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the submitted images. The City reserves the right to grant exclusive rights to any product/item deemed appropriate for the festival.
Artists whose work is selected in multiple categories will exhibit in one booth space. Submission of an application and the signed Artist Agreement for artists who are invited to participate constitutes acceptance of the Festival’s rules, regulations, and requirements. Noncompliance may result in expulsion from the current Festival and ineligibility to exhibit at the Festival for a minimum of two years.
Artist Eligibility
Artists may only exhibit work in the medium(s) in which they are juried, and all work exhibited must be original art produced by the exhibiting artist(s). Work done by a production studio, in classes or workshops, “Buy-Sell” and/or imports, work from kits, commercial designs, and derivative work are prohibited. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted on all work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and papermaking. No factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, may be exhibited. The Festival Director reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the application-submitted images and festival rules. If an artist is removed from the show for noncompliance with the rules, no booth fee refund or compensation will be made.
Only limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artworks are allowed. Artists must define “limited edition” through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer. Original art must occupy more than 75% of the applicant’s booth space. Postcards, t-shirts, books, note cards, posters, or any other offset reproductions are not permitted. Cottonwood Art Festival will have the right to identify the Artist as a participating Artist and use the Artist’s name and trademarks in advertising and promoting Cottonwood Art Festival.
Artist Payment & Required Documents
Artist participation will not be confirmed until the festival has received a signed Artist Agreement on behalf of the Artist, required insurance documents and the Artist has processed their payment in full. All Artist payments shall be paid through ZAPP by February 23, 2027 and agreements as well as insurance documents are due by April 3, 2027. The Artist’s payment to the city is not tax-deductible under federal income tax laws or otherwise. Failure to make full payment and submit all required documents by the required deadline will result in the Artist's withdrawal from the festival.
Booth Assignments
Booth assignments are made after payment and all required documents have been received. Booth locations are assigned at the discretion of the Festival Director and artists may submit up to three preferred booth location requests. Requests will be considered in the order payments are received; however, submission of a location request does not guarantee assignment to a requested location. Artists requesting a double booth must purchase a double booth space. Double booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning the day acceptance notifications are issued. Once booth assignments have been finalized, no booth assignment changes will be permitted.
Booth Space
Booth spaces are approximately 13’ x 13’, depending on location. Artists are required to be present on-site and actively exhibit from their assigned booth throughout all Festival hours. Spouses, employees, assistants, or other representatives may not exhibit or occupy the booth in place of the accepted artist. Booth sharing between multiple artists is not permitted. The booth, artwork, and display must remain intact and fully operational throughout all Festival hours. Artists may not dismantle, remove, or vacate any portion of their booth or display before the Festival officially closes.
Booth Operations
Artists must wear Festival credentials and be on site and ready 15 minutes before opening each day. Booth sitters are available during Festival hours if needed for a restroom or break. All Artists and/or staff must conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to Festival Management. Festival Management reserves the right to remove any Artists and/or associates from the festival if operating the Booth in a manner that detracts from the purpose/objective of the festival or breaks festival rules.
Cottonwood strives to create a polished, professional appearance throughout the festival, and artists agree to make every effort to keep the booth clean and professional looking, which includes, but is not limited to, the front entrance area, storage of supplies, the appearance of the Artist, and the back of the booth, if visible, to the public. Artist booth and art must be consistent with the images submitted in the application, or the Artist will be subject to removal from the festival. Festival Management can require the modification or removal of items in a booth to comply with Festival standards.
Tent
Artists are not permitted to use cheaply made, lightweight, accordion-style pop-up tents. Tents must be clean, WHITE, commercial, or professional grade, fire-retardant, with at least 40 pounds of weight securely fastened (not dangling) on each corner and with stabilizing maneuvers that provide maximum safety. “In-ground” stakes, such as straight or hammer-driven, will not be permitted without additional weights. Any variation is prohibited and will result in the artist being excluded from the festival without compensation or consideration.
An artist may rent a tent through the City of Richardson's tent vendor, Bright Rentals. Please contact Charlie at 714-483-7412 or by email at charlie@bright.com to confirm your rental. Rentals must be rented and confirmed 2 weeks prior to the show.
Insurance
Upon acceptance of the invitation, artists are required to obtain and provide the Cottonwood Art Festival with the following insurance certificates (COI). Certificates must include the dates the artist will be on-site for setup, festival participation, and tear-down, and must be submitted to our office no later than April 3, 2027. Artists will not be permitted to set up or exhibit until the
Insurance Requirements:
Electricity
Electricity must be requested and paid for at the time of acceptance. If requested, artists are allotted one 110v/20a per booth for $100 per booth. Maximum wattage is 400. If incorrect amperage is used, the Artist will be responsible for any damages to the festival, as well as additional expenses required to make the artist’s booth functional. Costs incurred by the festival will be charged to the artist and must be paid at the festival’s conclusion. Generators are prohibited. Only outdoor-rated extension cords are permitted and must be a minimum of 12 gauge with grounds for any source.
Sales and Sales Tax
The artist is responsible for collecting and safekeeping their money and property, and the festival assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen money. Cottonwood will not provide change for the Artist. The artist is responsible for collecting and reporting all taxes for sales made during the festival and reporting them as being sold in Richardson, TX. The state sales tax rate is 8.25%. For more information on filing, call 1-800-252-5555 or visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/
Security
Security personnel will be present throughout both days of the festival. Artists may leave merchandise and other exhibit materials in their booth overnight; however, all items are left at the artist’s own risk and responsibility. Cottonwood will provide after-hours security for the designated festival area only and assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to merchandise, artwork, equipment, or personal property left overnight.
Check-In
A picture ID is required at artist check-in by all participating artists, including collaborators and partners. Artists may not set up until they have provided proof of their presence at the check-in location. Artists must wear a Cottonwood identification badge at all times throughout the show and may not load in without it.
Load-In Schedule
(Vehicles 40 ft or longer ONLY, by appointment only: Thursday: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
All other artists: Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Each Artist will have one hour to unload and must move their vehicle to artist parking once complete. No cars are allowed to park on the grass or sidewalks. Unloading is done from the curb; a dolly is highly recommended. A Boy Scout Troop (Artist Relations Team) is available on the festival site to assist Artists during load-in. To schedule in advance or if you would like more assistance information, please call 214-693-0934.
Load-Out
No early breakdown is allowed; the festival officially closes Sunday at 5 p.m., and due to safety concerns, the street will not be opened until patrons have cleared the roadway. Artist vehicles are not allowed on site until the street is opened and the Artist has obtained a load-out pass. Artists must completely break down their booth and have it staged ready to load into their vehicle before a load-out pass will be issued by our Boy Scout Troop (Artist Relations Team). Artists may not queue their vehicles to enter the park until a load-out pass is obtained.
Artist Parking
Artist parking on Saturday and Sunday is located across from Cottonwood Park at the Richardson High School football stadium parking lot (located on Belt Line Rd.). Thursday and Friday parking after set-up is located on the west side of Cottonwood Park. On Saturday and Sunday, festival staff will be available in the stadium parking lot to check Artist in starting at 7 a.m. Artists can NOT park on any residential or adjacent streets to the park or Festival grounds. RVs or unhitched trailers of any kind are ONLY allowed to park in the festival Artist's designated parking lot.
All submitted applications through Zapplication are reviewed and juried before acceptance is offered. Previous Festival participation does not guarantee acceptance, and each Applicant understands that the city may reject an Applicant for any or no reason. Artists may jury in more than one category, but not with the same body of work. Only one application may be submitted per body of work with a jury fee for each category. An artist must use the same name for both applications. It is the work of the artist that is juried; therefore, any change will require approval from the Festival Director before the show. Absolutely no consideration will be made if the work is of a different category. The jury committee or Festival management reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the submitted images. The City reserves the right to grant exclusive rights to any product/item deemed appropriate for the festival.
Artists whose work is selected in multiple categories will exhibit in one booth space. Submission of an application and the signed Artist Agreement for artists who are invited to participate constitutes acceptance of the Festival’s rules, regulations, and requirements. Noncompliance may result in expulsion from the current Festival and ineligibility to exhibit at the Festival for a minimum of two years.
Artist Eligibility
Artists may only exhibit work in the medium(s) in which they are juried, and all work exhibited must be original art produced by the exhibiting artist(s). Work done by a production studio, in classes or workshops, “Buy-Sell” and/or imports, work from kits, commercial designs, and derivative work are prohibited. No machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other forms of mass production are permitted on all work crafted from fibers, including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, and papermaking. No factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, may be exhibited. The Festival Director reserves the right to refuse the exhibition of work that is not consistent with the application-submitted images and festival rules. If an artist is removed from the show for noncompliance with the rules, no booth fee refund or compensation will be made.
Only limited edition, signed, and numbered reproductions of artworks are allowed. Artists must define “limited edition” through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer. Original art must occupy more than 75% of the applicant’s booth space. Postcards, t-shirts, books, note cards, posters, or any other offset reproductions are not permitted. Cottonwood Art Festival will have the right to identify the Artist as a participating Artist and use the Artist’s name and trademarks in advertising and promoting Cottonwood Art Festival.
Artist Payment & Required Documents
Artist participation will not be confirmed until the festival has received a signed Artist Agreement on behalf of the Artist, required insurance documents and the Artist has processed their payment in full. All Artist payments shall be paid through ZAPP by February 23, 2027 and agreements as well as insurance documents are due by April 3, 2027. The Artist’s payment to the city is not tax-deductible under federal income tax laws or otherwise. Failure to make full payment and submit all required documents by the required deadline will result in the Artist's withdrawal from the festival.
Booth Assignments
Booth assignments are made after payment and all required documents have been received. Booth locations are assigned at the discretion of the Festival Director and artists may submit up to three preferred booth location requests. Requests will be considered in the order payments are received; however, submission of a location request does not guarantee assignment to a requested location. Artists requesting a double booth must purchase a double booth space. Double booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning the day acceptance notifications are issued. Once booth assignments have been finalized, no booth assignment changes will be permitted.
Booth Space
Booth spaces are approximately 13’ x 13’, depending on location. Artists are required to be present on-site and actively exhibit from their assigned booth throughout all Festival hours. Spouses, employees, assistants, or other representatives may not exhibit or occupy the booth in place of the accepted artist. Booth sharing between multiple artists is not permitted. The booth, artwork, and display must remain intact and fully operational throughout all Festival hours. Artists may not dismantle, remove, or vacate any portion of their booth or display before the Festival officially closes.
Booth Operations
Artists must wear Festival credentials and be on site and ready 15 minutes before opening each day. Booth sitters are available during Festival hours if needed for a restroom or break. All Artists and/or staff must conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to Festival Management. Festival Management reserves the right to remove any Artists and/or associates from the festival if operating the Booth in a manner that detracts from the purpose/objective of the festival or breaks festival rules.
Cottonwood strives to create a polished, professional appearance throughout the festival, and artists agree to make every effort to keep the booth clean and professional looking, which includes, but is not limited to, the front entrance area, storage of supplies, the appearance of the Artist, and the back of the booth, if visible, to the public. Artist booth and art must be consistent with the images submitted in the application, or the Artist will be subject to removal from the festival. Festival Management can require the modification or removal of items in a booth to comply with Festival standards.
Tent
Artists are not permitted to use cheaply made, lightweight, accordion-style pop-up tents. Tents must be clean, WHITE, commercial, or professional grade, fire-retardant, with at least 40 pounds of weight securely fastened (not dangling) on each corner and with stabilizing maneuvers that provide maximum safety. “In-ground” stakes, such as straight or hammer-driven, will not be permitted without additional weights. Any variation is prohibited and will result in the artist being excluded from the festival without compensation or consideration.
An artist may rent a tent through the City of Richardson's tent vendor, Bright Rentals. Please contact Charlie at 714-483-7412 or by email at charlie@bright.com to confirm your rental. Rentals must be rented and confirmed 2 weeks prior to the show.
Insurance
Upon acceptance of the invitation, artists are required to obtain and provide the Cottonwood Art Festival with the following insurance certificates (COI). Certificates must include the dates the artist will be on-site for setup, festival participation, and tear-down, and must be submitted to our office no later than April 3, 2027. Artists will not be permitted to set up or exhibit until the
Insurance Requirements:
- General Liability Insurance: A policy with a minimum combined single limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate listing the City of Richardson, 2100 E. Campbell Rd., Suite 100, Richardson, TX 75081 (Festival Producer) as an Additional Insured.
- Proof of Automobile Liability Insurance: Minimum liability limit of $30,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, for any vehicles utilized during the festival for work-related purposes on Cottonwood Art Festival/City of Richardson property.
Electricity
Electricity must be requested and paid for at the time of acceptance. If requested, artists are allotted one 110v/20a per booth for $100 per booth. Maximum wattage is 400. If incorrect amperage is used, the Artist will be responsible for any damages to the festival, as well as additional expenses required to make the artist’s booth functional. Costs incurred by the festival will be charged to the artist and must be paid at the festival’s conclusion. Generators are prohibited. Only outdoor-rated extension cords are permitted and must be a minimum of 12 gauge with grounds for any source.
Sales and Sales Tax
The artist is responsible for collecting and safekeeping their money and property, and the festival assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen money. Cottonwood will not provide change for the Artist. The artist is responsible for collecting and reporting all taxes for sales made during the festival and reporting them as being sold in Richardson, TX. The state sales tax rate is 8.25%. For more information on filing, call 1-800-252-5555 or visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/
Security
Security personnel will be present throughout both days of the festival. Artists may leave merchandise and other exhibit materials in their booth overnight; however, all items are left at the artist’s own risk and responsibility. Cottonwood will provide after-hours security for the designated festival area only and assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to merchandise, artwork, equipment, or personal property left overnight.
Check-In
A picture ID is required at artist check-in by all participating artists, including collaborators and partners. Artists may not set up until they have provided proof of their presence at the check-in location. Artists must wear a Cottonwood identification badge at all times throughout the show and may not load in without it.
Load-In Schedule
(Vehicles 40 ft or longer ONLY, by appointment only: Thursday: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
All other artists: Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Each Artist will have one hour to unload and must move their vehicle to artist parking once complete. No cars are allowed to park on the grass or sidewalks. Unloading is done from the curb; a dolly is highly recommended. A Boy Scout Troop (Artist Relations Team) is available on the festival site to assist Artists during load-in. To schedule in advance or if you would like more assistance information, please call 214-693-0934.
Load-Out
No early breakdown is allowed; the festival officially closes Sunday at 5 p.m., and due to safety concerns, the street will not be opened until patrons have cleared the roadway. Artist vehicles are not allowed on site until the street is opened and the Artist has obtained a load-out pass. Artists must completely break down their booth and have it staged ready to load into their vehicle before a load-out pass will be issued by our Boy Scout Troop (Artist Relations Team). Artists may not queue their vehicles to enter the park until a load-out pass is obtained.
Artist Parking
Artist parking on Saturday and Sunday is located across from Cottonwood Park at the Richardson High School football stadium parking lot (located on Belt Line Rd.). Thursday and Friday parking after set-up is located on the west side of Cottonwood Park. On Saturday and Sunday, festival staff will be available in the stadium parking lot to check Artist in starting at 7 a.m. Artists can NOT park on any residential or adjacent streets to the park or Festival grounds. RVs or unhitched trailers of any kind are ONLY allowed to park in the festival Artist's designated parking lot.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
800
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
200
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
10
Booth Information
Upon acceptance, artists may purchase a single booth for $500, or a double booth for $1,000 (first-come, first-served basis, with limited availability). Each artist will be provided an estimated 13” x 13” booth space for your tent. Artists are to provide their own display booth, racks, and/or tables in order to display their work in an outdoor environment.
Thank you for your interest in the Cottonwood Art Festival. For additional information, please contact Dianna Lawrence, CFEE, Festival Director at dianna.lawrence@cor.gov. We look forward to seeing you in May!
Thank you for your interest in the Cottonwood Art Festival. For additional information, please contact Dianna Lawrence, CFEE, Festival Director at dianna.lawrence@cor.gov. We look forward to seeing you in May!
Refund Policy
A refund of paid booth fee(s), less a $50 administrative fee, is available through March 9, 2027. Refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to dianna.lawrence@cor.gov.
All refund requests must be submitted by the artist only; requests from agents, friends, spouses, or other representatives will not be accepted. Requests must include the reason for the refund.
All refund requests must be submitted by the artist only; requests from agents, friends, spouses, or other representatives will not be accepted. Requests must include the reason for the refund.