Fall for the Arts 2026

The Fall for the Arts Festival is a one-day celebration of creativity, community, and culture that brings together artists, performers, families, local businesses, and community organizations for an engaging and inspiring experience. Designed to be accessible and welcoming to all ages, the festival showcases the important role the arts play in building vibrant communities and creating meaningful connections among residents and visitors.

Throughout the day, attendees can explore a diverse collection of visual arts and handcrafted works created by local and regional artists. From painting and photography to ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, and mixed media, the festival provides opportunities for artists to share their talents, connect with new audiences, and contribute to the cultural vitality of the community.

Live music and performing arts are featured throughout the event, creating an energetic and inviting atmosphere. Performances by local musicians and other artists provide entertainment while highlighting the depth of creative talent found within the region. These performances encourage community participation and create memorable experiences for attendees of all ages.

Event Components

• Visual arts and artisan marketplace
• Live music and performing arts
• Interactive art demonstrations
• Children's creative activity area
• Local food and beverage vendors
• Family-friendly activities and experiences
• Opportunities for community engagement and cultural enrichment

Fall for the Arts Festival welcomes artists and artisans whose work is original, handcrafted, and created by the exhibiting artist. The festival celebrates a wide variety of visual arts and creative expression while providing an engaging experience for attendees and a professional showcase opportunity for artists.

Accepted Categories

Applications are accepted in, but not limited to, the following categories:

• Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media)
• Drawing and Illustration
• Photography
• Ceramics and Pottery
• Sculpture
• Fiber Arts and Textiles
• Jewelry
• Glass
• Woodworking
• Metal Arts
• Printmaking
• Digital Art
• Fine Crafts
• Artisan Goods
• Other original handmade works

All artwork must be original. Commercially manufactured items, mass-produced products, and resale merchandise are not permitted.

Artist Amenities

Participating artists will receive:

• Designated booth space
• Event marketing and promotion
• Artist listing on festival materials and/or website
• Volunteer assistance, when available
• Booth sitting assistance, when available
• Access to restrooms 

Artists are responsible for providing their own tents, tables, chairs, display equipment, weights, and other booth necessities. Booths must remain staffed and open during festival hours. Artists accepted as part of the Emerging Artists Grant Progam will have a booth, table and two chairs provided should they be needed. 

Jury and Awards

Applications may be reviewed by a selection committee to ensure a diverse and high-quality artist lineup. Depending on sponsorship support and available funding, awards may be presented in categories such as:

• Best in Show
• Excellence in Fine Art
• Emerging Artist Award

Award categories and prize amounts are subject to change.

Wait List Policy

If artist spaces fill before all qualified applicants can be accepted, a wait list will be established. Artists on the wait list will be notified if a space becomes available due to cancellations. Placement on the wait list does not guarantee acceptance.

Sales and Transactions

Artists are responsible for processing their own sales and collecting any applicable taxes. Artists are encouraged to accept multiple forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, and electronic payment methods.

Weather Policy

Fall for the Arts Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Artists should plan accordingly and ensure their displays are secured for varying weather conditions. Refunds will not be issued due to weather-related circumstances beyond the control of event organizers.

Festival Mission

Fall for the Arts Festival is committed to supporting artists, fostering creativity, and strengthening community connections through accessible and engaging arts experiences. The festival seeks to create an inclusive environment where artists can thrive and community members can experience the transformative power of the arts.

Additional details regarding setup, parking, check-in procedures, and festival logistics will be provided to accepted artists in their Artist Information Packet.

To ensure a high-quality experience for artists, patrons, and the community, all participating artists agree to comply with the following rules and regulations:

1. Original Work Requirement

All artwork and products displayed and sold must be original works created by the accepted artist(s). Work must be designed and produced by the exhibiting artist or collaborative team identified in the application.

2. No Buy-Sell Policy

The Fall for the Arts Festival maintains a strict No Buy-Sell Policy.

The resale of commercially manufactured items, imported goods, wholesale merchandise, kit-produced items, or work created by individuals other than the accepted artist(s) is prohibited. Any artist found exhibiting buy-sell merchandise may be required to remove the items immediately and may be asked to leave the festival without refund.

3. Artist Presence Requirement

The accepted artist, or an approved collaborator listed on the application, must be present in the booth for the duration of the festival.

Representatives, employees, agents, family members, or friends may assist with booth operations but may not serve as substitutes for the artist's presence. Artists may not rent, transfer, share, or sublet their booth space without prior written approval from festival organizers.

4. Booth Display Standards

Artists are expected to maintain a professional, safe, and attractive booth presentation.

• Displays must remain within the assigned booth space.
• Tent weights are required on all canopy tents.
• Booths must be structurally sound and able to withstand wind and weather conditions.
• Displays may not obstruct neighboring booths, walkways, or emergency access routes.

Festival organizers reserve the right to request modifications to displays that create safety concerns.

5. Setup and Tear-Down

Artists must complete setup before the festival opens to the public.

• Vehicles must be removed from the festival area by 10AM.
• Early tear-down is not permitted except in emergency situations approved by festival staff.
• Booths must remain open and staffed during all festival hours.
• Artists are responsible for removing all materials and leaving their space clean at the end of the event.

6. Sales and Taxes

Artists are responsible for conducting their own sales transactions and collecting and remitting any applicable sales taxes required by law.

7. Conduct and Professionalism

Artists are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.

The following are prohibited:

• Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior
• Excessive noise that interferes with neighboring exhibitors
• Aggressive sales tactics
• Activities that create safety hazards

Festival organizers reserve the right to remove participants whose conduct is deemed inappropriate or detrimental to the event.

8. Intellectual Property

Artists are responsible for ensuring they have the rights to all artwork, images, and products displayed or sold. The sale or display of unauthorized reproductions, copyrighted materials, or trademarked works is prohibited.

9. Photography and Promotion

By participating in the festival, artists grant permission for photographs or video of their booth, artwork, and participation to be used by the festival for promotional, educational, and marketing purposes without additional compensation.

10. Weather and Cancellation Policy

The festival will take place rain or shine unless conditions present a significant threat to public safety.

Booth fees are non-refundable due to weather, natural events, or circumstances beyond the control of festival organizers.

11. Compliance and Enforcement

Festival organizers reserve the right to inspect booths and artwork throughout the event to ensure compliance with festival rules.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in:

• Removal of prohibited items
• Loss of eligibility for awards
• Removal from the festival without refund
• Ineligibility for participation in future festivals

Participation in the Fall for the Arts Festival constitutes acceptance of all festival rules, regulations, and policies. These guidelines are intended to preserve the integrity of the event, support working artists, and provide an exceptional experience for all attendees.

The Fall for the Arts Festival provides artists with an opportunity to showcase and sell their work in a vibrant, community-centered environment. Booth spaces are available on a first-accepted basis following the jury/selection process.

Booth Space

• Standard booth spaces measure approximately 10' x 10'.
• Artists are responsible for providing their own tent, tables, chairs, display panels, tent weights, lighting, extension cords, and other booth equipment.
• All displays must remain within the assigned booth boundaries.
• Booth sharing is not permitted unless approved in advance by festival organizers and included on the original application.
• The accepted artist or approved collaborator must be present in the booth throughout festival hours.

Fees

Fee Type	Cost
Non-Refundable Application Fee	$15
Standard Booth Fee	$30
Corner Booth Upgrade (Limited Availability)	$20
Electrical Access (Limited Availability)	$25

Fee Details

• The $15 application fee is due at the time of application submission and is non-refundable. $15  application fee is waived for artists that are members of the Papillion Area Council of Artists, a component organization of the Papillion Arts Foundation. 
• Artists accepted into the festival will be invoiced for the $30 booth fee.
• Corner booth placement is available on a limited basis and may be requested for an additional $20. Requests will be accommodated as space allows and are not guaranteed.
• Electrical access is limited and available for an additional $25. Artists requiring electricity must indicate their needs on the application. Approval is subject to availability.
• Booth fees are due by the deadline stated in the acceptance notification. Failure to submit payment by the deadline may result in forfeiture of the booth space.
• All fees are waived for the Emerging Artists Grant Program. 

Setup and Load-In

Detailed load-in instructions, parking information, booth assignments, and event-day logistics will be provided in the Artist Information Packet sent to accepted artists prior to the festival.

Weather Policy

The Fall for the Arts Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Artists are responsible for preparing their booths for changing weather conditions and securing all tents and displays with adequate weights.

Because festival expenses are incurred in advance, application and booth fees are non-refundable except in the event of festival cancellation by the organizers.

Important: Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Acceptance is based on the festival's selection process and available space. Artists are encouraged to apply early, as booth space is limited.

The Fall for the Arts Festival invests significant resources in planning, marketing, site preparation, and event operations prior to the event date. To ensure the festival's financial sustainability, the following refund policy applies:

Application Fees

• The $15 application fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the festival.

Booth Fees and Add-On Fees

• The $30 booth fee, $20 corner booth fee, and $25 electrical fee are refundable only if a written cancellation request is received on or before 30 days prior to the festival date.
• Cancellations received fewer than 30 days before the festival are not eligible for a refund unless the booth space can be filled from the wait list.

Wait List Replacements

• If a canceled booth space is filled by an artist from the wait list, the booth fee and any applicable add-on fees may be refunded.
• The application fee remains non-refundable.

No-Shows

• Artists who do not attend the festival without prior notification will forfeit all fees paid and may not be eligible for future participation.

Weather Policy

• The festival is a rain-or-shine event.
• No refunds will be issued due to weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, cold, or other weather-related circumstances.
• Refunds will not be issued if an artist chooses not to attend because of forecasted or actual weather conditions.

Festival Cancellation

• If the festival is canceled by the organizers prior to the event date, artists may receive a refund of booth and add-on fees, less any non-recoverable expenses incurred by the festival.
• The non-refundable application fee will not be refunded.

By submitting an application and accepting participation in the Fall for the Arts Festival, artists acknowledge and agree to this refund and cancellation policy. This policy helps ensure the festival can continue supporting artists and providing quality arts programming for the community.