At its core, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival celebrates creativity and connection. Artists have the opportunity to showcase and sell their remarkable works to an impressive crowd of over 150,000 visitors annually, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, children’s activities, and delectable food vendors.
The festival’s reputation for exceptional quality and the potential for substantial art sales make it a highly sought-after destination for visual artists. Beyond the artistic offerings, the event fosters a warm and inclusive environment where the community comes together to revel in the transformative power of art, creating cherished memories and forging lasting connections.
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Contact Information
| Website: | cherryarts.org |
| When: | Yearly in July |
| email: | hello@cherryarts.org |
| Facebook: | CherryArts |
| Instagram: | cherryarts |
About the Cherry Creek Arts Festival
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a highly anticipated and iconic cultural event in Denver’s vibrant Cherry Creek North neighborhood. With a history of over three decades, the festival has become a beloved tradition for locals and attracts visitors from near and far.
What makes the Cherry Creek Arts Festival truly special is its reputation as a leading show in the industry. The festival consistently garners high national rankings and receives extensive press coverage, solidifying its status as a must-attend event for art sellers and enthusiasts alike.
Its popularity and large attendance, averaging around 150,000 visitors, make it a hub for art collectors, enthusiasts, and community members who seek to immerse themselves in creativity and inspiration.
With its impressive art sales potential, estimated at $18,381 per artist based on the 2023 Artist Survey, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival provides artists an exceptional platform to showcase and sell their work. No wonder this event has become a cultural staple, weaving itself into the fabric of Denver’s artistic landscape.
Beyond its artistic offerings, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival offers a variety of live music performances, engaging kids’ activities, and delectable food options that cater to all tastes. The festival creates an immersive and inclusive environment where visitors can explore diverse artistic styles, connect with artists, and expand their artistic horizons.
Venue Information
Cherry Creek is a charming neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, known for its unique blend of upscale living, thriving businesses, and a lively arts scene.
Dotted with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, Cherry Creek offers a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to residents and visitors alike. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and well-designed architecture create a picturesque backdrop to its allure.
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival takes place in the heart of this captivating neighborhood, specifically along the 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The festival’s location within Cherry Creek North is ideal for artists to showcase their work and engage with a diverse and discerning audience.
Cherry Creek’s artistic vibrancy, upscale amenities, and picturesque surroundings make it a perfect host for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and a delightful destination for art enthusiasts and visitors seeking an enriching cultural experience.
Opportunity for Artists
With an estimated attendance of around 150,000 visitors, the festival provides artists a significant opportunity to gain exposure and connect with a vast audience of art enthusiasts and collectors. The festival’s reputation and extensive press coverage contribute to its popularity, ensuring a steady stream of potential buyers and art enthusiasts throughout the event.
One of the festival’s most enticing aspects for artists is its high sales potential. According to the 2023 Artist Survey, the average sales per artist were estimated at an impressive $18,381. This lucrative revenue opportunity can be attributed to the festival’s large and enthusiastic crowd and the widespread appreciation for the arts in the Denver community.
However, securing a booth spot at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival is highly competitive. Only 230 jury-selected spots were selected from over 2000 applicants (2023), and there were only a limited number of corner and double booths. Artists must submit compelling applications and high-quality images to stand out among talented applicants.
The festival’s jury panel, comprised of esteemed art professionals, ensures a careful selection process that results in a well-balanced and diverse showcase of artistic excellence.
How to Participate
Artists must submit five images for each application, four of which must be individual pieces of their original and handcrafted work. The fifth image should depict the artist’s booth or display, showcasing the continuity and presentation of their current body of work.
The festival strictly prohibits the display of reproductions and commercially produced artwork. All work must be the artist’s creation, and collaborations are limited to a maximum of two artists who must be present at the festival.
Artists must also commit to being present with their work for the entire three days of the event, as representatives are not allowed.
The application process involves a blind jury system consisting of multiple rounds. The initial round is silent, with jurors reviewing and scoring images through a monitor. Subsequent rounds incorporate projected images, allowing in-depth jury discussions and consensus-based scoring. The festival aims to create a well-balanced show of artistic excellence, creativity, and diverse styles and techniques.
The final selection of artists is typically notified within a few weeks after the jury process concludes. Successful applicants can participate in one of Denver’s premier arts events, showcasing their work to a wide audience of art enthusiasts and potential buyers.
Fees and Costs
The application fee for artists is typically $45 per application, which allows them to submit their work for consideration by the jury panel. Upon acceptance, artists must pay a space fee of $900 for a standard 10′ x 10′ booth in a row or $1,100 for a corner booth location. Double booths, available for $2,200, are also an option.
Additionally, artists must provide proof of liability insurance, with a minimum coverage of $2,000,000 in general liability. Certificates of Insurance must name CherryArts as an additional insured party. Artists without existing policies may need to obtain short-term event policies.
It is important to note that the Cherry Creek Arts Festival does not provide booth infrastructure, so artists are responsible for acquiring and setting up their display structures, such as tents, racks, and tables. Artists may also choose to purchase electricity in designated areas if necessary.
Parking and Setup Logistics
Artists are assigned specific load-in times the day before the festival, allowing ample time to set up their booths and prepare their displays. This structured approach helps artists to arrange their artwork and create an inviting exhibition space efficiently.
Regarding parking availability, the festival strives to accommodate participating artists by providing designated parking areas convenient to the grounds. Additionally, detailed maps and directions are supplied to artists, aiding them in navigating the festival grounds and locating their assigned spaces.
