Gasparilla Arts opens 2027 Emerging Artists Program applications Oct. 1
Gasparilla Arts will begin accepting applications Oct. 1 for its 2027 Emerging Artists Program, which will select 15 artists to exhibit at the 57th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in Tampa. The program includes a free booth, a $450 stipend, mentorship and a chance for one artist to win a $1,500 award.
Why it matters: - The program gives emerging artists a paid pathway into one of Tampa’s major juried fine arts festivals. - Selected artists get exposure to more than 30,000 expected attendees, plus professional guidance before the event. - One participant will receive a $1,500 Emerging Artist Award.
What happened: - Gasparilla Arts will open applications Oct. 1 for its 2027 Emerging Artists Program. - Fifteen artists will be selected to exhibit at the 57th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. - The festival is scheduled for March 6-7, 2027, in Tampa.
The details: - Each selected artist will receive a free booth to present and sell work at the festival. - Participants will also get a $450 stipend to help offset preparation expenses. - Artists in the program will receive mentorship from established artists and arts administrators in the months before the festival. - The program is open to up-and-coming artists who will be 18 years old by March 6, 2027. - Applications are due Nov. 29, 2026. - More information is available at GasparillaArts.com or by email at EmergingArtists@GasparillaArts.com.
Between the lines: - The program is designed to help artists build practical business skills, not just show work. - Clay Hollenkamp, a member of the Gasparilla Arts Advisory Board, said the initiative is meant for artists ready to take the next step toward building a sustainable career. - Gasparilla Arts positions the festival as both an exhibition platform and a professional development opportunity.
What's next: - Applications open Oct. 1, 2026. - Gasparilla Arts will review applicants and choose 15 participants ahead of the March 2027 festival. - One selected artist will be named the Emerging Artist Award winner during the festival cycle.
The bottom line: - Gasparilla Arts is using its flagship festival to give emerging artists money, mentorship and a high-profile sales platform in Tampa.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
Sign up for:
Jobs & Careers Watch
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.