TAMPA, Fla. - eTradeWire -- The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) is excited to announce that the Emerging Artists Program (EAP) applications open on October 1st. This unique program, held as part of the renowned festival, provides a platform for emerging artists from across the country to showcase their work, often for the first time at one of the most prestigious art festivals in the nation. Celebrating its 55th year, GFA will host hundreds of juried artists, with a select group chosen for the Emerging Artists Program.

The EAP is designed to highlight the creative talents of up-and-coming artists and offer them the opportunity to present their work professionally. The 15 artists selected for the program will receive a free booth at the festival, a $400 stipend to reimburse expenses for building out their booth and mentioning opportunities from established artists and arts administrators. This exposure helps artists gain recognition and establish themselves within the visual arts industry. By showcasing their art at GFA, these artists can build early career momentum while connecting with art patrons, buyers, and the wider creative community.

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"The Emerging Artist Program gave me the tools to successfully launch my career. It was my first time selling my art, and I was fortunate to sell out during the show. The connections I made continue to drive my success, and the experience opened many doors in my artistic journey," said Ashli Harper, 2024 GFA Emerging Artist.

Artists must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the Emerging Artists Program. They should not have an established record as professional artists or be employed professionally in the medium they intend to present at the festival. Additionally, participants must earn no more than 25% of their total annual income from the sale of their artwork. The closing date for applications for this program is December 1, 2024.

"The Emerging Artist program was a game-changer for me since I had been handcrafting furniture and had never marketed or promoted my work. By being part of that program, they helped me show my work, helped me with pricing, and presented my work at the festival. I highly recommend applying," said Raul Darriba, 2024 Emerging Artist.

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To learn more and apply, visit GasparillaArts.com or email EmergingArtists@GasparillaArts.com

About the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA): Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that believes art has the power to enrich lives and transform communities.  The organization connects people with art, creates an environment for artists to flourish, and supports art education through our annual festival and year-round programs while celebrating an inclusive and vibrant Tampa Bay community where art and people thrive. For more information, visit GasparillaArts.com.

Contact:  Rebecca Hagen, GFA Marketing Chair, BOD, (813) 255-9917 info@gasparillaarts.com