Performing + Literary Artists

The Show

The 50th annual Utah Arts Festival is scheduled for June 18-21, 2026, at Library Square in downtown Salt Lake City. Each summer the Utah Arts Festival transforms downtown Salt Lake City, attracting 35,000+ attendees and generating over one million in art sales. Being one of the only remaining multi-disciplinary events in the nation, we strive to combine high quality artistic presentations bringing together the best local, regional and national talent across all programs. We proudly present four days of award-winning, fine arts in the artist marketplace, music performances, dance, literary and street theater performances along various stages throughout the grounds, as well as an internationally recognized short film program, urban arts program, a children’s art yard filled with free make-and-take projects, demonstrating artists, workshops and a wide variety of culinary and beverage options.

2026 Deadlines & Important Dates

• Wednesday, January 21: Completed applications and supporting materials must be received by the Utah Arts Festival by January 21, 2026. All performing arts applications must be completed online. NO drop-off applications are accepted.
• Friday, March 13: Notification emails sent to applicants
• Friday, March 27: Signed contracts due back to Festival no later than 5:00 pm
• June 18 - 21, 2026: Utah Arts Festival

Selection Process

The Utah Arts Festival places an emphasis on review of recent, (all performance videos need to be produced within the past five years) live performance and/or rehearsal video as part of the jury process. Please provide links to your most current and relevant live performance and/or rehearsal videos to ensure we are able to understand and evaluate your work as an artist. Applications without required materials in the format specified below will be disqualified.

Artists will be selected by a peer jury composed of professionals and performing arts enthusiasts. Jury selections will be based upon materials submitted with the application, including live performance or rehearsal videos. The jury will look for professionalism, originality, creativity, and suitability for the Utah Arts Festival.

At this time, we are unable to accept applications from international artists. However, if you are an internationally based artist or booking agent representing an international artist that will already be touring in the U.S. in 2026, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Any applications received will not be considered without prior approval.

Booking Agents/Artists Outside of the Mountain West Region

DO NOT submit an application through this system until you have contacted us directly. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information on booking a routed artist or if you are an artist outside the Mountain West. Any applications received will not be considered without prior approval.

Please follow this link to apply online now.

Apply Now

Contracts

Accepted performing artists are required to sign a contract with the Utah Arts Festival Foundation, Inc., specifying, among other things, payments, requirements and liability. Accepted performers grant the Festival permission to use submitted materials for archival, publicity, and website purposes before, during, and after the Festival.

A limited number of headliner and sub-headliner slots are available annually by invitation and the terms of these contracts are negotiated independently. The Utah Arts Festival does not pay transportation or housing for local or regional artists.

Information packets detailing all production and setup information will be sent to accepted artists with their contract. Questions regarding the Utah Arts Festival may be directed to Festival offices, (801) 322-2428, by mail to 350 E 400 S STE 409, Salt Lake City UT 84111, or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Payments

Artists who apply and are offered a performance opportunity through our juried process will receive payment based on length of performance and the number of performers in the group. Note: Dance and Music groups of over 20 performers will be compensated for a maximum of 20 persons. Literary groups over 6 people will be compensated for a maximum of 6.

Please note that payments to groups will be one lump sum made out to the group or a designated representative, and not individual payments to each performer.

No on-site payments will be made. All payments will be made through ACH deposits or mailed by July 31, 2026.

Nonprofit Performing Arts Organizations

Nonprofit performing arts organizations will be granted a stipend to the organization rather than a per performer amount. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions or clarifications.

Location

The Utah Arts Festival will be in downtown Salt Lake City at Library Square and Washington Square.