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.
About the Program
The intent of the Emerging Artist program is to provide opportunities, resources and a platform for under-recognized and up-and-coming artists to show their work and evolve their craft. This program encompasses artists of all ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, and ability whose careers are on the rise in their respective mediums and genres. We’re seeking artists whose voices and artistic perspectives break barriers and contribute to a greater dialogue in our community about issues of social justice, belonging, inclusion and diversity. Our ultimate goal is to help to define new styles, lift up amazing work, give under-represented artists a voice and further support professional development, and to do that across all programs of the Utah Arts Festival.
We are accepting applications from individual artists or small groups seeking to perform, exhibit, or propose ideas for unique projects they wish to share with the community that meet the above criteria. When you complete your 2026 Utah Arts Festival application, you will specify your medium.
Please note that if you were accepted as an individual emerging artist and participated in any past Utah Arts Festivals, you are not eligible to apply through this program in 2026.
If you are an organization and would like to discuss opportunities to be involved with the Festival, please contact Amanda Neff at
All applications must be completed online. NO drop-off applications are accepted.
2026 Deadlines & Important Dates
- January 23, 2026: Completed applications must be received by the Utah Arts Festival
- March 13, 2026: Notification emails sent to applicants
- March 27, 2026: Signed contracts due back to Festival
- June 18 - 21, 2026: Utah Arts Festival
Resources that will be offered to accepted artists:
- Access to a professional photographer and/or videographer to help build your profile and set you up for future success.
- A chance to meet with our program coordinators to better understand the application process, and tips for the best way to promote yourself as an artist.
- Visual Artists: Application and Booth Fee waived ($695 value). Festival will provide accepted artists with; one 10x10 tent, one 6’ table, two chairs, and three pieces of grid wall (over $700 value). You will also be invited to the Artist Marketplace Reception during set-up to mingle with other visual artists.
- Performing Artists: Music/Dance/Literary/Street Theater: Paid performance slot between 10-50 mins long depending on comfort level of carrying a set with available material and schedule availability.
- Film Artists: Opportunity for your work to be seen and included as part of our People’s Choice Voting for that program.
