Fairs/Festivals
Big Four Arts Festival 2027
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist & Non-Artist Vendor
- Submission Limit: 3
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 4, Max: 4
- Total | Max: 4
Opportunity Summary
The Big Four Arts Festival in Louisville, KY has been the most attended (15k+) two-day event ever held at Waterfront Park. The 11th B4AF 2027, the weekend following Labor Day, will be held at Waterfront Park on the Big Four Bridge Lawn. The venue is tree-lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, designed for festivals and special events..
2026 was a huge success, JOIN US in 2027!
Such was the overall success of the B4AF that Louisville's Tourism Bureau presented us the Rose Award for bringing in so much commerce. In 23", 24", 25", & 26"we were selected Top 200, by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Ranked #20 in 2026!
Festival dates:
Saturday Sept 11th, 10 am-7 pm
Sunday Sept 12th, 10 am-5 pm
Friday Sept 10th Artist set up, 9am - 5pm
"What Big Four does is it allows me access to the art-centric city of Louisville, offers a wonderful venue, and it does bring in interested buyers. The director, organization, and staff volunteers are all dedicated to making artists feel welcome and running an excellent show. Thank you to everyone involved."- Stew Rein
“B4AF almost sold me out [on the first day]!”- J. Malagum
EZ in-out, with direct vehicle access for set-up & tear down
Reserved artist parking adjacent to Festival grounds
24-hour security
Light breakfast Sat. & Sun.
Booth relief and water delivery
Hotel discounts
Ample parking
Record crowds with a proven multimedia campaign
Known for our artists, food, activities, and acoustic music
Competitive cap of 195 Juried Artists!
Jump to
General Information
Key Dates for the Big Four Arts Festival
Jan. 1, 2027 Artist application period begins
May 10, 2027 Artist application deadline @ midnight EST
May 13, 2027 Artist jury process begins
May 20, 2027 Accepted artist notified by email
June 20, 2027 Deadline for invited artist to accept/confirm invitation, pay booth fees
July 20, 2027 Waitlisted artist to accept/confirm invitation, pay booth fees
July 20, 2027 Deadline for artist cancellations (total less $50 refund)
Aug. 15, 2027 Exhibitor Packet & booth assignments sent by email
Aug. 15, 2027 List of accepted artist posted to Big Four Arts Festival website
Sept. 10, 2027 Artist set-up 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m./rain or shine. (Vehicles off lawn after 5:30)
Sept. 11, 2027 Festival opens to public 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m./rain or shine
Sept. 12, 2027 Festival open to public 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sept. 12, 2027 Artist teardown starts at 5:15 p.m.
Permitted Works and Mediums
The Festival is open to individual and collaborating artists who make their own fine art and fine crafts by hand. All work must be original and made by the artist/collaborating artist; any subsidiary reproduction works must strictly adhere to the rules described in “Reproductions” below. We accept the following mediums:rn
Entry/Application Instructions
For an application to be processed, you must fully complete and submit the online application, including four digital images as specified below, and the $35 non-refundable payment through Zapp using an accepted credit card or Pay Pal. Follow Zapp guidelines and quality specifications for uploading images. Please submit high quality images, as they are critical to the jury selection process.
IMAGES
All artists must submit a total of (4) images for jurying 3 images (representative of the artist work to be exhibited); 1 of booth (preferably an outside shot of the booth.) Do not submit images with any identifiable markings or of the artist themselves, which would compromise the jurying process.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The application will have a field for the artist description of material and technique using 300 characters or less. Please provide a balance between inspiration, material, and technique. Statements are read to jurors during the process. Please submit a well-written statement, as portions will also be posted on our website and Facebook page to promote your works!
PRICE RANGE
We expect and encourage artists to offer a varied price range. We ask that the images you submit represent the price range you will display at the Festival.
JURY PROCESS
Jury is scheduled for May 12th - 18th, 2027. The jury will select a balance of mediums but we do not impose limits for any given category. The integrity of the jury panel review process is of the greatest importance to the Festival and to the larger arts community. Jury decisions are final and not subject to review. The jury is conducted by a panel of three experienced art community professionals and their selections will be based solely upon the quality of work as illustrated in submitted digital images. Images are viewed by medium categories, and artist statements are read during the multi-phase jurying process.
ACCEPTED AND WAITLIST
Accepted artists will be notified via email, or phone no later than May 20, 2027. A reserve list of Waitlist artists will also be selected to ensure a complete and balanced show. Waitlist artists will be notified by phone or email immediately after July 20, 2027, with booth fees due within 20 days of notification for those who wish to confirm.
At the Event Director’s discretion, and on the Board of Director’s behalf, the Event Director may make up to eight additional artist acceptance decisions to enhance the quality and balance of the Festival.
COLLABORATING ARTISTS
If your application includes a collaborating artist, you must include both names with the application. To submit a Zapplication including a collaborating artist, please follow this procedure:
Jan. 1, 2027 Artist application period begins
May 10, 2027 Artist application deadline @ midnight EST
May 13, 2027 Artist jury process begins
May 20, 2027 Accepted artist notified by email
June 20, 2027 Deadline for invited artist to accept/confirm invitation, pay booth fees
July 20, 2027 Waitlisted artist to accept/confirm invitation, pay booth fees
July 20, 2027 Deadline for artist cancellations (total less $50 refund)
Aug. 15, 2027 Exhibitor Packet & booth assignments sent by email
Aug. 15, 2027 List of accepted artist posted to Big Four Arts Festival website
Sept. 10, 2027 Artist set-up 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m./rain or shine. (Vehicles off lawn after 5:30)
Sept. 11, 2027 Festival opens to public 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m./rain or shine
Sept. 12, 2027 Festival open to public 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sept. 12, 2027 Artist teardown starts at 5:15 p.m.
Permitted Works and Mediums
The Festival is open to individual and collaborating artists who make their own fine art and fine crafts by hand. All work must be original and made by the artist/collaborating artist; any subsidiary reproduction works must strictly adhere to the rules described in “Reproductions” below. We accept the following mediums:rn
- Oil
- Pastel
- Acrylic
- Pencil
- Pen and ink
- Charcoal
- Ceramic/ceramic sculpture
- Fiber Art
- Glass/glass sculpture
- Jewelry
- Metal work/metal sculpture
- Other
- Photography (standard and digital)
- Printmaking
- Stencil
- Stonework/stone sculpture
- Instruments
- Book arts/papermaking
- Woodworking/wood sculpture
- 3d sculpture
- Acrylic
- Craft's vendor
- Leather
- Mixed media
- Pencil
- Tempera
- Textile
- Watercolor
Entry/Application Instructions
Artist applications are processed through ZAPP. All applications posted after 12:00 a.m. midnight EST May 10, 2027 may not be considered. We reserve the right to refuse any application after said date. You may submit up to 3 applications per artist profile (each application will incur a separate $35 fee). Any application questions please call: 502-435-7602.
For an application to be processed, you must fully complete and submit the online application, including four digital images as specified below, and the $35 non-refundable payment through Zapp using an accepted credit card or Pay Pal. Follow Zapp guidelines and quality specifications for uploading images. Please submit high quality images, as they are critical to the jury selection process.
IMAGES
All artists must submit a total of (4) images for jurying 3 images (representative of the artist work to be exhibited); 1 of booth (preferably an outside shot of the booth.) Do not submit images with any identifiable markings or of the artist themselves, which would compromise the jurying process.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The application will have a field for the artist description of material and technique using 300 characters or less. Please provide a balance between inspiration, material, and technique. Statements are read to jurors during the process. Please submit a well-written statement, as portions will also be posted on our website and Facebook page to promote your works!
PRICE RANGE
We expect and encourage artists to offer a varied price range. We ask that the images you submit represent the price range you will display at the Festival.
JURY PROCESS
Jury is scheduled for May 12th - 18th, 2027. The jury will select a balance of mediums but we do not impose limits for any given category. The integrity of the jury panel review process is of the greatest importance to the Festival and to the larger arts community. Jury decisions are final and not subject to review. The jury is conducted by a panel of three experienced art community professionals and their selections will be based solely upon the quality of work as illustrated in submitted digital images. Images are viewed by medium categories, and artist statements are read during the multi-phase jurying process.
ACCEPTED AND WAITLIST
Accepted artists will be notified via email, or phone no later than May 20, 2027. A reserve list of Waitlist artists will also be selected to ensure a complete and balanced show. Waitlist artists will be notified by phone or email immediately after July 20, 2027, with booth fees due within 20 days of notification for those who wish to confirm.
At the Event Director’s discretion, and on the Board of Director’s behalf, the Event Director may make up to eight additional artist acceptance decisions to enhance the quality and balance of the Festival.
COLLABORATING ARTISTS
If your application includes a collaborating artist, you must include both names with the application. To submit a Zapplication including a collaborating artist, please follow this procedure:
- Go to “My Profile” on ZAPP
- Enter one artist as the primary contact in the profile form (this name will always appear first in the publications and online if accepted).
- After completing the information requested, enter the collaborating artist’s name in the section at the bottom of the profile page.
- This information is carried over to the application for purposes of identifying a collaborative artist. No collaborating artists will be accepted after the jury process is completed.
Application Requirements
RULES / REGULATIONS
The following items are not permitted at the Festival: any work that you did not make by hand or is not your own work. This includes but is not limited to, buy-sell, imported items, kit made or pattern items, and commercially manufactured items. If prohibited items are found, you will be asked to leave the Festival and forfeit all fees! Removal decisions are at the discretion of the Event Director who is the final arbiter of any such decision. Please do not apply if works include prohibited items described above!
The Big Four Arts Festival considers its enforcement rules and regulations our exclusive right and responsibility. Festival staff will visit all displays throughout the Festival to ensure that exhibitors comply with all Festival rules and regulations.
Work in juried images must be representative of the work to be shown at the Festival and in the correct inventory proportions. Example: If a photographer submits 3 black and white images and 1 color image to the jury, the inventory displayed must be representative of the submitted works.
Current body of work must be displayed starting from creation date of 2018 forward. Work created before 2018 will be considered reproductions and adhere to guidelines for reproductions.
The artist and collaborating artist must be present at check in, present valid picture ID, and must be present in the booth during festival hours except for reasonable breaks.
No mass-produced or manufactured work will be permitted.
All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist(s). It is the work by the artist that is juried, therefore any change in the body of the work by the artist is not considered juried and may not be sold unless approved by the Event Director.
Artists are required to display an Artist Statement in their booth during the Festival.
The sale of promotional items at artist booths is prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to: note cards, cards, postcards, posters, how-to books, books, calendars, t-shirts, mouse pads, coasters, or photocopies of any kind.
Artists retain 100% of their sales and are responsible for the collection and reporting of all applicable sales taxes. Kentucky sales tax is 6.0% and a Kentucky sales reporting form is provided for your convenience in the Exhibitor Memo. You do not report sales or taxes to us at the Big Four Arts Festival.
We all hope for great weather, but all exhibitors are responsible for having their booths weighted at a minimum of 25 lbs. at each corner to prevent damage from high winds. Weights must be attached to the frame of the tent. Light-weight, accordion-style pop-up tents are strongly discouraged. NO STAKING IS ALLOWED AT THE PARK SITE, due to sprinkler system.
Artists will abide by Load-in/Load-out procedures and all instructions given by Festival staff. Late arrival will result in load-in at the conclusion of scheduled load-in periods.
Reproductions
Reproductions must be a subsidiary part of the artist's display, and not exceed 25% of booth inventory. All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled “Reproduction” on the front of each piece as such; no other terms such as "print" or "offset lithograph" may be used.
Works made before 2020 will be considered a reproduction and must be labeled as such.
Reproductions must be in signed editions of no more than 250, hand pulled by the artist.
Framed reproductions may be displayed on one wall of the booth, not to exceed ten (10) linear feet. All unframed reproductions must be displayed in browse bins. An excessive number of reproductions will not be tolerated at the Big Four Arts Festival. If you feel any artist is violating regulations or guidelines, please contact us during the Festival at: 502-435-7602. All removal decisions on reproductions will be made at the sole discretion of the Event Director.
Insurance
Artists are responsible for maintaining general liability insurance for their booth space during the event for their personal protection against loss. The Big Four Arts Festival will not be responsible for any exhibitor property damage, as detailed in the Legal Agreement. Upon acceptance of your booth space, exhibitors must provide the Festival with an appropriate Certificate of Insurance, with B4B Promotions, Inc. listed as an additional insured pursuant to a general liability insurance policy with minimum event coverage of $1,000,000.
The following items are not permitted at the Festival: any work that you did not make by hand or is not your own work. This includes but is not limited to, buy-sell, imported items, kit made or pattern items, and commercially manufactured items. If prohibited items are found, you will be asked to leave the Festival and forfeit all fees! Removal decisions are at the discretion of the Event Director who is the final arbiter of any such decision. Please do not apply if works include prohibited items described above!
The Big Four Arts Festival considers its enforcement rules and regulations our exclusive right and responsibility. Festival staff will visit all displays throughout the Festival to ensure that exhibitors comply with all Festival rules and regulations.
Work in juried images must be representative of the work to be shown at the Festival and in the correct inventory proportions. Example: If a photographer submits 3 black and white images and 1 color image to the jury, the inventory displayed must be representative of the submitted works.
Current body of work must be displayed starting from creation date of 2018 forward. Work created before 2018 will be considered reproductions and adhere to guidelines for reproductions.
The artist and collaborating artist must be present at check in, present valid picture ID, and must be present in the booth during festival hours except for reasonable breaks.
No mass-produced or manufactured work will be permitted.
All work must be designed and executed by the accepted artist(s). It is the work by the artist that is juried, therefore any change in the body of the work by the artist is not considered juried and may not be sold unless approved by the Event Director.
Artists are required to display an Artist Statement in their booth during the Festival.
The sale of promotional items at artist booths is prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to: note cards, cards, postcards, posters, how-to books, books, calendars, t-shirts, mouse pads, coasters, or photocopies of any kind.
Artists retain 100% of their sales and are responsible for the collection and reporting of all applicable sales taxes. Kentucky sales tax is 6.0% and a Kentucky sales reporting form is provided for your convenience in the Exhibitor Memo. You do not report sales or taxes to us at the Big Four Arts Festival.
We all hope for great weather, but all exhibitors are responsible for having their booths weighted at a minimum of 25 lbs. at each corner to prevent damage from high winds. Weights must be attached to the frame of the tent. Light-weight, accordion-style pop-up tents are strongly discouraged. NO STAKING IS ALLOWED AT THE PARK SITE, due to sprinkler system.
Artists will abide by Load-in/Load-out procedures and all instructions given by Festival staff. Late arrival will result in load-in at the conclusion of scheduled load-in periods.
Reproductions
Reproductions must be a subsidiary part of the artist's display, and not exceed 25% of booth inventory. All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled “Reproduction” on the front of each piece as such; no other terms such as "print" or "offset lithograph" may be used.
Works made before 2020 will be considered a reproduction and must be labeled as such.
Reproductions must be in signed editions of no more than 250, hand pulled by the artist.
Framed reproductions may be displayed on one wall of the booth, not to exceed ten (10) linear feet. All unframed reproductions must be displayed in browse bins. An excessive number of reproductions will not be tolerated at the Big Four Arts Festival. If you feel any artist is violating regulations or guidelines, please contact us during the Festival at: 502-435-7602. All removal decisions on reproductions will be made at the sole discretion of the Event Director.
Insurance
Artists are responsible for maintaining general liability insurance for their booth space during the event for their personal protection against loss. The Big Four Arts Festival will not be responsible for any exhibitor property damage, as detailed in the Legal Agreement. Upon acceptance of your booth space, exhibitors must provide the Festival with an appropriate Certificate of Insurance, with B4B Promotions, Inc. listed as an additional insured pursuant to a general liability insurance policy with minimum event coverage of $1,000,000.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
300
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
195
Booth Information
Booth Information
Booth size is 10x10, and the Festival is known for providing ample surrounding booth space. All exhibited work should be contained within the 10x10 area. There is no electricity available. No generators are permitted, but battery powered fans and devices are allowed. All exhibitors are responsible for providing display booths, racks, tables, fixtures, and associated display equipment and supplies.
- 10x10 booth space fee: $425.00.
- 20x10 double booth space fee is $825.00; Double booth spaces are limited and sold “first come/first serve” based on date of artist application through Zapp; all 20 x10 booths are located at corner/intersecting locations.
- Be sure to indicate the desired booth size in your application and make booth payment accordingly.
- A limited number of additional standard-size parking spaces are available at $75.00, payable through Zapp. These are standard size parking spaces - large motor homes cannot be accommodated in the parking area. Campers please talk to LOU, 502-435-7602
- For cancellations prior to July 20, 2027, booth space fees will be refunded less a $50.00 processing fee; no booth space fees will be refunded for cancellations after this date.
- First preference is given to returning artists for 20x10 booths, and requests for the same booth location as the prior year, but the Festival reserves all rights with respect to final booth placement decisions.
- 24-hour security is provided for the event space and artist parking lots. EZ In/Out set-up and tear down times will be assigned in the Exhibitor Memo (Artist Packet) emailed August 15, 2027. The event site offers easy access to booth locations. All vehicles must be off the walks and grounds by 5:30 p.m. NO STAKING OF TENTS IS PERMITTED DUE TO THE PARK’S IRRIGATION SYSTEM. PLEASE SEE TENT WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS IN RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Artist Amenities and Benefits
- Free artist parking with 24-hour security
- Booth sitters
- Water delivery
- Light breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
- Negotiated discounts at nearby hotels
- E-Z In/Out access directly to booths
- 24-hour security at Festival & Big Four Bridge Lawn
- Artists and their works promoted on the Big Four Festival website and Facebook page Advertising Support: Newspaper, Radio, TV, Facebook, Social Media, Local/Regional Event Calendars, Louisville Visitors & Convention Bureau, Newsletter, Signs, Flyer, Billboard and TicToc.
QUICK SUMMARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Event Location: Downtown Louisville, KY, Waterfront Park, Big Four Bridge Lawn,
1103 River Road 40206
Event Name: Big Four Arts Festival
Event Director: Louis Nunnelley
Sponsoring Entity: B4B Promotions, Inc.
Email: b4b@TWC.COM
Mail Address: Big Four Arts Festival
2205 Centurion Way
Louisville, KY 40245
Telephone: 502-435-7602
Contact: b4b@twc.com
Website: bigfourartsfestival.com
Trademark Statement
“Big Four” is a registered trademark of Waterfront Development Corporation. Used with permission throughout.
NOTICE
By Submitting a Zapplication or Big Four Arts Festival website application you are confirming that you have read and agree to all terms and conditions stated throughout this application and in the Legal Agreement should you be accepted to participate in the Festival. The Legal Agreement may be viewed by clicking on the “LEGAL AGREEMENT” link below.
I further agree that upon application into The Festival, photographs or digital images of me and/or my work including my artist statement and testimonials in writing may be used by The Festival for promotional and/or publicity purposes.
Refund Policy
All application fees are non-refundable.
For cancellations prior to July 20, 2027, all fees will be refunded less a $50.00 processing fee.
No fees will be refunded for cancellations after July 20th, 2027..
These rules have been expanded to cover any cancellations out of our control.
Policy for all "Confirmed" artists should the Big Four be canceled or postponed by authorities at any time.
For cancellations prior to July 20, 2027, all fees will be refunded less a $50.00 processing fee.
No fees will be refunded for cancellations after July 20th, 2027..
These rules have been expanded to cover any cancellations out of our control.
Policy for all "Confirmed" artists should the Big Four be canceled or postponed by authorities at any time.
- All artists who are confirmed to attend the festival will receive the most generous percentage of booth fees that we are able to return should the festival be called off by the federal, city, state or any official entity.
- If we can move the dates, we will address those issues for artists that cannot attend
Additional Fees
20 x 10 booth corner and intersecting: $825
Corner/Intersecting 10x10 Location: $475
10 x 10 booth size: $425
Trailer parking: $75
2nd Vehicle parking (trialer, car...): $75
Terms to Apply
Jury fee(non-refundable): $35
