Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair 2027 - Artist Application

59th Annual Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair
July 15-17, 2027
Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan

The Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair (SSDAF) is one of three official fairs that comprise the award-winning Ann Arbor Art Fair, transforming downtown Ann Arbor into one of the country’s most celebrated art fair destinations. This prestigious event draws nearly 400,000 attendees each July, providing artists with an exceptional opportunity to connect directly with art lovers, collectors, and the local community.

Since 1968, the Ann Arbor SSDAF, consistently recognized among the nation’s Top 100 fairs, has showcased original fine art and fine craft selected through a rigorous jury process that celebrates exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ann Arbor’s historic theater district, the SSDAF offers a vibrant atmosphere that enriches the experience for artists and visitors alike.

Artists enjoy top-tier hospitality throughout the event, including access to our air-conditioned Artist Hospitality Lounge inside the historic Michigan Theater, a lively opening-night celebration hosted by local favorite Knight’s Steakhouse, and 24/7 professional event security. The fair combines a thriving art marketplace with downtown Ann Arbor’s distinctive dining, shopping, and entertainment scene, creating an unforgettable cultural experience for artists, collectors, and families alike.

(734) 768-2907

On-Site Rules for Exhibition

1. Exhibitors must comply with all local ordinances, regulations, and rules, including but not limited to prohibitions on firearms within the Fair boundary and open flames in tents or other enclosed areas.
    
2. Picture I.D. is required for Fair registration and must be presented upon request of State Street District staff at any time during the Fair.
    
3. Designated fire lanes and fire breaks must remain free of storage or any other obstruction that blocks clear passage. All storage must be neatly concealed within the booth structure. Violations must be corrected immediately or the booth will be required to close until resolved.
    
4. Sales are permitted only during Art Fair hours — Thursday & Friday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Early closing is not allowed except with prior approval or in an emergency. Each artist is responsible for recording all sales for Michigan sales-tax purposes.
    
5. On-site consumption of alcoholic beverages and the use of recreational marijuana or any illegal substances during Fair hours are prohibited.
    
6. All exhibiting artists must maintain a high level of professionalism. Hawking, harassment, rude or obscene language, threats, physical restraint, or abuse toward staff, volunteers, artists, businesses, or the public are strictly prohibited.
    
7. Booth structures and displays must not exceed the limits of assigned space or obstruct passage. Hazardous or interfering artwork must be removed upon request. Booth substructures must not impede water flow.
    
8. Use of sidewalks and planters is prohibited. All booth materials, chairs, and storage must remain within the assigned space. ADA-accessible routes must remain clear at all times.
    
9. Per Ann Arbor Fire Department regulations, vehicular traffic is not permitted within the Fair boundary from 9:00 a.m. through 9:30 p.m.
    
10. Generators are not permitted within the State Street District Art Fair.
     
11. All electrical cords must be safely secured at a minimum height of 10 feet above ground when connecting to electrical sources. No cords or obstructions may cross streets or sidewalks.
     
12. Artists purchasing electrical service will be provided one 110-volt circuit with a maximum draw of 5 amps. This circuit is suitable for booth lighting, point-of-sale devices, fans, or small electronics only. It is not permitted for use with high-draw appliances such as air conditioners, refrigeration units, or cooking or heating equipment.
     
13. No open flames of any kind are permitted anywhere on the Fair site.
     
14. Respect all planters and private property. Intentional or negligent damage may result in City fines or additional fees assessed by the State Street District.
     
15. Booths must remain open for the Fair’s official hours unless artists receive an emergency notification from organizers. Artists concerned for personal safety may close temporarily but must notify staff and reopen as soon as conditions permit.
     
16. By one hour prior to Fair opening on the first day, artists must have claimed their booth space (by presence or by phone). Unclaimed spaces may be reassigned with no refund.
     
17. Booth spaces may not be transferred or reassigned by the artist.
     
18. Exhibitors or their artwork may not participate in any other Ann Arbor Art Fair occurring concurrently with the State Street District Art Fair. Violation will result in immediate closure and forfeiture of all fees.
     
19. A white-topped tent is required unless officially approved otherwise by the State Street District.
     
20. All booth materials (tarps, roofs, walls, panels, coverings, tents) must be fire-retardant or fire-resistant. Manufacturer certification tags or paperwork must be available on-site.
     
21. Only work representative of the artist’s submitted slides may be exhibited. If displayed work differs significantly, the artist may be asked to leave and forfeit fees.
     
22. Buy/Sell, commercial production, and imported merchandise are not permitted.
     
23. No works from molds, kits, or other commercial methods are allowed. Embellished commercial products are prohibited.
     
24. Commercial reproductions may not be exhibited or sold except for reproductions of the artist’s own original artwork offered under the limited reproduction-bin allowance below.
     
25. Artwork created using artificial intelligence (AI), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. All exhibited work must be created entirely by the artist’s own hand and original creative process.
     
26. Works incorporating materials derived from the killing, hunting, trapping, or mutilation of endangered species, or using elephant or mammoth ivory (including fossilized ivory), are strictly prohibited.
     
27. Each 2-D artist may offer one bin containing no more than 250 reproductions of their own original artwork inside their booth. All reproductions must be matted and clearly labeled as reproductions. Reproductions may not be displayed on booth walls.
     
28. Printmakers who handcraft their plates, stones, or screens may sell “Original Multiples,” properly registered and numbered, not exceeding 250 impressions.
     
29. Photographs and digital artworks must be limited to 250 editions or fewer per image. Artists must be able to verify the edition size upon request.
     
30. All paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints, digital art, and photographs must be framed or matted and displayed in suitable portfolios or stands.
     
31. Ceramics must be handmade and individually designed. No works from commercial kits, molds, patterns, stencils, or prefabricated forms are permitted. Functional ceramics (bowls, cups, plates, tiles) may be exhibited if handcrafted.
     
32. Jewelers may not use commercially fabricated forms or settings. Only artists accepted in the Jewelry category may display or sell jewelry.
     
33. Leatherworks must not be produced using machine tooling, machine-screened patterns, or other mass-production methods.
     
34. Artists must represent their own work and be present for the full three-day event. No agents are permitted. Assignments are non-transferable, and all work must remain within the assigned booth.
     
35. A two-person partnership producing a single body of work qualifies as a single exhibitor.
     
36. Artists leaving prior to the end of the show are subject to a two-year suspension from future participation. Booths must remain open during all official hours.
     
37. Artists accepted in multiple categories will exhibit within a double booth space. Artists may apply in more than one category, but not with the same body of work. If accepted in multiple categories, adjoining booths will be required.
     
38. The State Street District Art Fair reserves the right to refuse any work not presented according to these guidelines and application materials.
     
39. Artists violating any rule may be asked to leave and may be deemed ineligible for future Fairs.
     
40. Signs advertising sales, discounts, markdowns, or other promotional pricing are prohibited during the first two days of the Fair. On the final day of the Fair, artists may display tasteful signage promoting reduced pricing or special offers **inside their booth only**.

All such signage must be professional in appearance, appropriately scaled to the booth, and consistent with the overall character and quality of the Fair. The State Street District reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to require the modification or removal of signage that is excessive, visually disruptive, or creates the appearance of a liquidation, clearance, or closeout sale.

Promotional signage may not be placed outside the booth or extend beyond the booth boundaries.

41. Demonstrations are permitted within booth space only with prior approval by State Street District staff; all other requests will be reviewed case-by-case.
     
42. Barricades placed by Fair staff or City of Ann Arbor emergency personnel may not be moved or altered under any circumstances. Doing so is a violation of City ordinance and subject to enforcement by the Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD), which monitors barricade compliance throughout the event.
     
43. Because the Fair occurs in Downtown Ann Arbor, all tents must be removed on Saturday night during move-out. No debris may be left behind; improper disposal may affect future eligibility.
     
44. In an emergency, artists must follow directions of the City of Ann Arbor’s Emergency Manager, State Street District Executive Director, or Fair Director. No refunds are issued due to weather or emergency conditions.
     
45. All artists must name the State Street District as additionally insured under a short-term event policy and provide proof upon request.
    
    Certificate wording:
    State Street District
    527 East Liberty Street, Suite 208
    Ann Arbor, MI 48104

 

EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM

The Emerging Artist Program supports artists who have exhibited in no more than three prior shows before applying.

• Applicants must select “Emerging Artist” as their medium category.
   
• Include a 300-word artist statement describing your work, early-career challenges, and goals.
   
• Upon acceptance, a $200 booth-fee reduction is provided.
   
• Emerging artists are encouraged to seek mentorship from veteran exhibitors on booth display, pricing, and operations.
  Artists may apply as either an emerging or established artist, but not both.
   

RULES VIOLATION

Violations of these Exhibition Rules will be handled by State Street District staff and designated officials.

RULES AGREEMENT

The undersigned agrees to hold the State Street District and its officers, employees, and agents harmless from claims for any damage to property of the undersigned while in the possession of the State Street District or is being displayed in said Fair, and further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the State Street District and its officers, employees, and agents from claims for any damage to person or property resulting from participation of the undersigned in said Fair.  The undersigned agrees to abide by all rules of the State Street District and that the State Street District has the right to make binding interpretations of those rules.  The undersigned authorizes use of scans or images submitted with this application for State Street District publicity.  The undersigned certifies that he/she is the sole producer or co-producer of work submitted for exhibition, and that if more than one individual has produced the work all such producers have signed this application.

Booth Assignments

Booth Requirements

• Booth spaces are assigned with priority granted to 2026 Award Winners and re-invited artists.  
• Each artist is limited to one booth location, even if accepted into multiple mediums.
• All booth material, tarps, and other coverings must be fire retardant or resistant. All roofs, walls, panels, coverings, and tents must be fire retardant or resistant. A manufacturer tag or paperwork certifying that all materials are fire retardant or resistant must be original and available on-site. A white-topped tent is required unless officially approved by the State Street District.
• Only Heavy-Duty EZ-Up tents and framed tents are permitted. (If you have any questions, please contact us.) Aluminum tents are highly discouraged as they will require additional weight and may bend. Artists must supply their own booth tents with sufficient weights, or rent one for the 4 days from a local tent rental company. If renting, artists must provide the name of the tent company and contact information to the State Street Art Fair by June 1, 2027, so the tent company can have access to the site on set-up day. Tent companies will not be permitted on site outside of the allotted delivery window.
• Weights are mandatory throughout the fair and the responsibility of the artist. Local tent companies have recommended a minimum of 500 lbs of weight per tent; or 125 lbs per tent post.

Location Requests

• The booth map is preliminary and subject to change pending final approval by the City of Ann Arbor. Booth locations and assignments may be adjusted to reflect the approved layout.
• Artists may request amenities and booth space locations during the application process. Though we cannot guarantee that all artists will receive their booth location choice, we make every effort to place the artist in the general location that is requested.
• Fees must be paid before locations are assigned.
• Re-invited artists are priority placed. If you are a returning artist, please follow the instructions in the invitation email to request your booth location.

No Relocation Allowed

Artists are not permitted to relocate space during the event. Any relocation of assigned booth location will be at the discretion of the State Street District Executive Director or local authorities. 

Fees, Payments, and Refunds

• 2027 basic booth fees are based upon 10x10 footprints and vary by location. A standard corner adds $100 to the basic booth price. A corner has two open or visible sides and is not necessarily at a street intersection. A premium intersection corner is at a true street intersection and adds $200 total to the basic booth price ($100 corner premium plus an additional $100 intersection premium). All corner requests are subject to availability. Corners are highly desirable, and premium intersection corners are extremely desirable and limited; neither is guaranteed.
   
  • Liberty Street - $800.00 (includes electrical access)
  • 300 Maynard Street - $750.00 (includes electrical access)
  • 300 Maynard Street, Covered Carport - $850.00 (includes electrical access)
    • The Covered Carport booths are located under the Maynard Parking Structure overpass and provide a cool shaded area protected from sunshine and rain
  • 400 Maynard Street - $650.00 (electricity not available)
  • North University - $700.00 (electricity not available)
  • North University, Parkside - $850.00 (electricity not available)
    • The North University Parkside booths are located on the south side of North University, with additional space behind the booth for storage.
  • William Street - $750.00 (includes electrical access)
• Electricity is included in the booth price at all locations except North University (including Parkside) and the 400 block of Maynard. At electrified locations, the electricity charge applies whether or not you use it; selecting No on the Booth Request Form does not reduce the booth price. If you select No and include North University or the 400 block of Maynard among your street preferences, we will do our best to place you there, subject to availability.
• A $700 booth deposit is due by April 15, 2027. The deposit is applied toward your final booth fee. If your final booth fee is less than $700, we will refund the difference after your booth assignment is finalized. Refunds and cancellations on the part of the artist will be honored and receive a refund, less a $100 administration fee, until May 15, 2027. Michigan Sales Tax is 6%. Artists are responsible for collecting and reporting their own sales tax.
• All cancellations/refund requests must be made via email with a brief explanation for cancellation.
• All refunds are issued by check and will be mailed to the artist's address provided in ZAPP.
• Application fees are nonrefundable as they are priced specifically to cover the costs of Zapplication.org per our service agreement.
• No refunds after May 15, 2027, except at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Waitlist Artists

A single waitlist is maintained, and waitlisted artists receive regular updates via ZAPPlication. In the event space does become available, artists will be notified and all fees will be due immediately

Application Fees:
Application fees are nonrefundable, as they are priced specifically to cover the administrative and service costs associated with ZAPPlication.org.

Booth Fees:
Refunds and cancellations on the part of the artist will be honored and receive a refund, less a $100 administration fee, until May 15, 2027. No refunds will be issued after this date except at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Corner and Electrical Fees (Add-Ons):
Corner and electrical upgrade fees will be collected outside of ZAPP and will follow the same refund policy as booth fees, refundable less a $100 administration fee until May 15, 2027. After this date, these fees are nonrefundable.

Third-Party Fees:
For any fees paid directly to outside organizations such as parking, hotels, or other City of Ann Arbor services, please refer to the respective organization’s refund policy, as those are not managed by the State Street District.

Refund Process:
All cancellations or refund requests must be submitted via email to ArtFair@StateStreetDistrict.org with a brief explanation for cancellation.
All refunds are issued by check and mailed to the artist’s address provided in ZAPP.