Calling all dreamers with paint on your hands, clay under your nails, or sketches piled high on your desk — the Coconut Grove Arts Festival’s Emerging Artist Program wants you – and is now officially accepting applications for 2026!

Celebrated as one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals, CGAF is more than a three-day fine arts showcase – it’s a launchpad for the next generation of art show artists. This two-year Emerging Artist Program equips aspiring creatives with the tools, training, and confidence to turn passion into a life-long profession.

YEAR 1: Selected participants dive into free workshops on everything from portfolio reviews and booth displays to pricing strategies and financial planning. They even intern at the Festival, working side-by-side with seasoned professionals to learn the business of being a festival artist — the kind of real-world education no classroom can provide.

YEAR 2: This is where things get exciting. Emerging Artists receive their very own tent in the Festival’s dedicated section, plus one-on-one guidance to prepare their applications and polish their presentations. By the end of the program, participants have not only sharpened their artistic voices but also gained the confidence and business know-how to thrive on the national festival circuit.

PHOTO: Jacob Stiltner, an emerging artist from Miami, completed the two-year program in 2025.

Why does it matter? Because art festivals like CGAF depend on fresh talent to keep the scene alive, vibrant, and relevant. “By mentoring these young creatives, we aren’t just showcasing art – we’re building the future of the outdoor arts movement by investing in the next generation of fine artists,” says CGAF Executive Director Camille Marchese.

It is also a practical, roll-up-your-sleeves experience. From loading vans and setting up tents to managing finances and meeting customers face-to-face. “These lessons ensure festival art remains a vibrant, sustainable career path,” she adds.

Applications are open to artists 18 and older who’ve never participated in a major juried art festival. Local residents are encouraged to apply, though artists willing to travel to Miami are also welcome.

So, if you’ve been waiting for your chance to break into the festival world, here it is: Applications for 2026 are officially open!

PHOTO: A work by Stephen Anglim (pictured above), an emerging artist from Long Island, NY, who completed the two-year program in 2025.