The 2023 Salem Arts Festival is calling all local artists in Salem, Massachusetts!
This is an exciting opportunity for visual artists to showcase their talents and have their work seen by thousands of festival-goers in the stunning historic setting of Old Town Hall. This is also an opportunity to sell your work to collectors and consumers alike.
For the 15th annual celebration, taking place from June 2 to June 4, we’re inviting artists to submit their work to our esteemed juried gallery. The selection process, consisting of an on-site review, will be held the weekend prior to the festival, May 26 through May 28.
With over 8,000 attendees expected, the Salem Arts Festival transforms downtown Salem into a vibrant display of creativity, featuring a broad spectrum of talents, from painting and photography to dance, music, theatre, and spoken word – to name just a few. This family-friendly event is truly a testament to the dynamic arts community in our city.
Artists are welcome to submit up to 3 pieces, at least two of which must be available for purchase. The submission fee stands at $10 per piece or $25 for a trio of artworks.
You can drop off your submissions at Old Town Hall (32 Derby Sq.) on May 26 from 5-8 pm and May 27 from 9 am-noon. All applicants will be informed of the jury’s decisions by the afternoon of Saturday, May 27. Any works not selected must be collected by Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.
Please note that hung artwork may not exceed 36″ in any direction (including the frame) and must be wired to hang – we cannot accommodate sawtooth hangers. If your artwork is larger and is accepted, you will need to supply an easel or stand. Installations are welcome, though please be mindful of the limitations posed by the historic nature of Old Town Hall.
For a comprehensive understanding of our requirements and regulations, please refer to the admission form on our official festival website: salemartsfestival.com/gallery-intent-to-apply-2023.
Our special exhibit will be judiciously juried by an expert panel, featuring luminaries from the Salem arts community and beyond, including Regina Zaragoza Frey the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion director for the City of Salem (and amazing watercolor artist), Kurt Steinberg, the Chief Operating Officer for the Peabody Essex Museum and former president of Montserrat College of Art. Also on the jury panel is published local photographer Susannah Bothe.
Step into the spotlight and have your work celebrated at the 2023 Salem Arts Festival. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to our community this year!
For more information, please see www.salemartsfestival.com or contact Elise Towle Snow at elise@salemmainstreets.org or (978)744-0004 (x115).
Salem Main Streets, the Creative Collective, and a collaboration of Salem organizations organize the Salem Arts Festival. This festival is supported in part by the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Five, The Salem Rainbow Stroll, a grant through the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and by tourism dollars through Destination Salem.
