Fairs/Festivals
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in Cedar Key 2027
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 4, Max: 4
- Total | Max: 4
Opportunity Summary
The 2027 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts will take place April 3 & 4 on historic 2nd Street in Cedar Key, an island community in the center of Florida's Gulf Coast 60 miles SW of Gainesville. This juried event attracts as many as 10,000 visitors annually and offers approximately $14,000 in prize money and purchase awards. This festival has been voted in Sunshine Artist's 200 Best for the past four years and has been rated one of the top Small Town Art Fairs in the nation by ArtFairCalendar.com. Cedar Key's beautiful natural setting, outstanding artist amenities, and the friendliness and hospitality of the volunteers make this a favorite destination for both artists and art enthusiasts. The town's beachfront City Park is filled with music, children's activities, and seafood sold by local non-profit organizations.
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General Information
Established in 1964 and formerly known as the Cedar Key Sidewalk Arts Festival, this event was revived in 2006 - returning to a juried fine arts show. Since then the event's reputation has grown and the festival has become one of the most charming shows in Florida. The festival has been ranked in Sunshine Artist 200 Best in recent years based on art sales. The jury fee is $25 and upon acceptance, each booth space is $200. Fine Artist and Artisans in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Handicrafts and production work are not acceptable at this event the town has other events during the year that accomodate these artists and craftsman.
Complimentary amenities include continental breakfast both mornings and a private Artist's Reception and Awards Ceremony Saturday evening sponsored by the Cedar Key Arts Center. Volunteers assist with set-up and take-down and are also available to assist artists throughout the weekend as "block captains." An artist and volunteer hospitality center is open both days at the Arts Center as well.
Based on Artist Feedback, we limit the number of invited artists to 100 and have returned to the traditional layout of booths against the curb. Providing 10 ft x 12 ft booth spaces, limiting the number of artists and staggering the line of booths on opposite sides of the street has helped minimize the "tunnel effect." Our goal is to create a spacious environment that encourages engagement of artist and art enthusiasts as well as allowing artist demonstration if requested. We will continue to draw a dedicated, art-buying audience.
The event is open Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, Sunday from 10 am-4 pm. Set up is Friday evening (~6 pm to 10 pm) and Saturday morning (6:30 am - 9 am). Take-down, Sunday 4 pm-7 pm. Artists must be able to complete set-up and take down within these timeframes.
For a list of accommodations please visit our website www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com and the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce at cedarkey.org
Complimentary amenities include continental breakfast both mornings and a private Artist's Reception and Awards Ceremony Saturday evening sponsored by the Cedar Key Arts Center. Volunteers assist with set-up and take-down and are also available to assist artists throughout the weekend as "block captains." An artist and volunteer hospitality center is open both days at the Arts Center as well.
Based on Artist Feedback, we limit the number of invited artists to 100 and have returned to the traditional layout of booths against the curb. Providing 10 ft x 12 ft booth spaces, limiting the number of artists and staggering the line of booths on opposite sides of the street has helped minimize the "tunnel effect." Our goal is to create a spacious environment that encourages engagement of artist and art enthusiasts as well as allowing artist demonstration if requested. We will continue to draw a dedicated, art-buying audience.
The event is open Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, Sunday from 10 am-4 pm. Set up is Friday evening (~6 pm to 10 pm) and Saturday morning (6:30 am - 9 am). Take-down, Sunday 4 pm-7 pm. Artists must be able to complete set-up and take down within these timeframes.
For a list of accommodations please visit our website www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com and the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce at cedarkey.org
Application Requirements
• All work must be original design of the accepted artist.
• Accepted artists must be present at our event Saturday and Sunday. No proctors will be allowed.
• A high proportion of original artwork is expected to be available in booths. Reproductions must be of the same artistic quality as juried work and can make up no more than 20% of the hung artwork.
• Ineligible Entries: Country crafts, works which are mass produced or manufactured, made from commercial molds, kits or patterns, commercial displays, taxidermy, crocheting, knitting, velvet painting, manufactured or kit jewelry, candles, ceramics from commercial molds, and art supplies. Buy/sell or imports will not be tolerated.
• Exhibited art must represent submitted juried art. It is not acceptable to display and sell work that is not directly related to the visual artwork that is juried into the show (ie: novels/music written/preformed by the artist). Coloring books and story books that include the artist's artwork are acceptable.
• Exhibitors are responsible for insurance on their artwork and display. Old Florida Celebration of the Arts will not be responsible for damage to work or displays due to weather or unrelated incidents.
• Exhibitors are responsible for collection, reporting, and payment of sales tax.
Application through Zapplications. No exceptions. If you need special assistance in applying in Zapplications, please contact Zapplications Help Desk.
Cancellation Policy
Artist cancellations before February 15 will be handled based on the ability to fill the booth space. Refunds due to artist cancellations will not be given after March 1.
Refunds (minimum 75% - up to 100%) will be issued in as timely manner as soon as possible if the entire event is canceled due to unforseen circumstances. Artists will also have the option to rollover payments to a future event in lieu of a refund.
• Accepted artists must be present at our event Saturday and Sunday. No proctors will be allowed.
• A high proportion of original artwork is expected to be available in booths. Reproductions must be of the same artistic quality as juried work and can make up no more than 20% of the hung artwork.
• Ineligible Entries: Country crafts, works which are mass produced or manufactured, made from commercial molds, kits or patterns, commercial displays, taxidermy, crocheting, knitting, velvet painting, manufactured or kit jewelry, candles, ceramics from commercial molds, and art supplies. Buy/sell or imports will not be tolerated.
• Exhibited art must represent submitted juried art. It is not acceptable to display and sell work that is not directly related to the visual artwork that is juried into the show (ie: novels/music written/preformed by the artist). Coloring books and story books that include the artist's artwork are acceptable.
• Exhibitors are responsible for insurance on their artwork and display. Old Florida Celebration of the Arts will not be responsible for damage to work or displays due to weather or unrelated incidents.
• Exhibitors are responsible for collection, reporting, and payment of sales tax.
Application through Zapplications. No exceptions. If you need special assistance in applying in Zapplications, please contact Zapplications Help Desk.
Cancellation Policy
Artist cancellations before February 15 will be handled based on the ability to fill the booth space. Refunds due to artist cancellations will not be given after March 1.
Refunds (minimum 75% - up to 100%) will be issued in as timely manner as soon as possible if the entire event is canceled due to unforseen circumstances. Artists will also have the option to rollover payments to a future event in lieu of a refund.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
200
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
100
Booth Information
Tent Size 10' x 10' ($200) or 10' x 20' ($400) - space for each booth is 12' wide x 10' deep.
Tents must be weighted, no stakes or screws in the pavement.
As required by the Cedar Key Fire Chief for safety purposes (1) all booths must be positioned against the curb (2) no front awnings are allowed (3) space between booths must be kept clear and (4) sidewalks behind booths must be clear to foot traffic.
Your distributed booth tag MUST be placed in the upper left hand corner of your booth as viewed from the street for judging compliance. We use a well qualified judge from a different instituition each year and require the judge to enter each tent and engage with the artist as part of the judging process.
Tents must be weighted, no stakes or screws in the pavement.
As required by the Cedar Key Fire Chief for safety purposes (1) all booths must be positioned against the curb (2) no front awnings are allowed (3) space between booths must be kept clear and (4) sidewalks behind booths must be clear to foot traffic.
Your distributed booth tag MUST be placed in the upper left hand corner of your booth as viewed from the street for judging compliance. We use a well qualified judge from a different instituition each year and require the judge to enter each tent and engage with the artist as part of the judging process.
Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy
Artist cancellations before February 15 will be handled based on the ability to fill the booth space. Refunds due to artist cancellations will not be given after March 1.
Refunds (minimum 75% - up to 100%) will be issued in as timely manner as soon as possible if the entire event is canceled due to unforseen circumstances. Artists will also have the option to rollover payments to a future event in lieu of a refund.
Artist cancellations before February 15 will be handled based on the ability to fill the booth space. Refunds due to artist cancellations will not be given after March 1.
Refunds (minimum 75% - up to 100%) will be issued in as timely manner as soon as possible if the entire event is canceled due to unforseen circumstances. Artists will also have the option to rollover payments to a future event in lieu of a refund.
Additional Fees
Booth Fee: $200