Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival announces 2024 call for artists
March 6, 2024
Visual and performing artists are invited to participate in the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival, Aug. 2-4, in Vancouver, Washington. Applications are now open for the juried art exhibit, community stage performances, and art vendor and demonstration booths. Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The festival is presented by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA and the City of Vancouver.
Located in historic Esther Short Park, the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival features award-winning musicians, visual artists and performers from Vancouver, the region and around the world. The three-day event hosts multiple stages, juried art shows, pop-up galleries, dance performances, family activities and food vendors. Each day of the festival will culminate in a symphonic performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA.
Call for visual artists
The visual arts component of the festival includes a juried art show administered by Columbia Arts Network. Selection for the exhibit is based on originality, creativity, the elements and principles of design, and technical skill. Cash prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories.
Applications for the juried art show are open now through June 30, for two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists working in any medium. Artists selected for the juried art show will be notified by July 15.
Call for art vendors and demonstrators
Vendor booth applications are open to artists who wish to sell original artwork or provide live art demonstrations on the festival grounds. Two types of vendor opportunities are available to artists.
- Fine art vendors are experienced artists who have also been selected to exhibit their work in the juried art show. Their booths will be in prime position, near the juried art exhibit. Applications are open now through June 30. Selected Fine Art Vendors will be notified by July 15.
- Artist in the Park vendors may be emerging or experienced artists who are not participating in the juried art show. Their booths will be stationed in Esther Short Park. Applications are open now through April 15. Selected Artist in the Park vendors will be notified in May.
Call for performing artists
Musicians, dancers, storytellers and performing artists of all genres are encouraged to apply and be featured on the festival’s community stages. There is no fee to apply, all selected performing artists will be compensated. The performing artists’ application is open now through March 31. Selected performers will be notified in April.
Interested artists can learn more and apply for all call for artist opportunities at www.vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com.
Melody Burton; Senior Communications Specialist, Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
melody.burton@cityofvancouver.us, 360-869-8746
Ashley Johnson, Communications and Media Manager, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA
ahsley@vancouversymphony.org, 360-735-7278
About the Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival
The Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival is a celebration of culture, community and the unbridled joy of experiencing the arts together. This free, community-focused event is coming to Vancouver, Washington, August 2-4, 2024, and will feature award-winning musicians, visual artists and performers from Vancouver, the Northwest region and around the world. The festival is presented by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA and City of Vancouver. For more information visit www.vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com.
About Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA
The VSO, now in its 46th season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing symphony music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community. For more information, please visit www.vancouversymphony.org.
About the City of Vancouver
Vancouver, Washington is building a city of the future on the Columbia River through a shared commitment to equity, stewardship, resilience, and community safety. Vancouver combines the excitement of a major metropolitan area with small-town charm and abundant recreational opportunities.
About Columbia Arts Network
Columbia Arts Network’s mission is to bring the collective voice of the Pacific Northwest art organizations to continually create opportunities for the visual arts. They endeavor to unify art organizations through partnership, education and collaboration to promote economic and cultural vitality in the region and create equitable artistic opportunities for everyone. For more information visit www.columbiaartsnetwork.org.