Cherry Creek Arts Festival 2026

About the Open Call

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival invites artists to apply for its 2026 edition, seeking 250 exceptional exhibitors for this world-class celebration of art. The festival welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually, providing artists with strong art sales potential (average $17,470 per artist in 2025), high national rankings, and on-site amenities. CherryArts, a Denver-based nonprofit, supports artists and arts education through year-round outreach and this iconic festival, which facilitates an estimated $4.5 million in annual art sales. Rules and Regulations: All submitted work must be original, handcrafted by the artist(s). Collaboration is allowed for up to two artists, both must be present. Artists must be present for the entire three-day festival with photo ID. Exhibited work must match the discipline, style, and quality of juried images. No reproductions or commercially produced work are permitted. A maximum of 15% 'new work' is allowed, provided it is original, handcrafted, and within the same discipline as juried work. Booth Information: Upon acceptance, artists can purchase a 10'x10' row booth ($900), corner booth ($1,100), or double booth ($2,300), or participate in the Emerging Artist Program ($350). Artists must provide their own display and professional-grade tent structures properly weighted (minimum 50 lbs per leg). A 3% convenience fee applies to credit card payments; administrative processing fees are non-refundable. Jury Details: Approximately 2000 applications are submitted annually, with 230 artists selected by jury and 20 exempt artists invited. Returning artists may be selected based on awards or on-site jury. Jurors review images in a blind jury process using ZAPP® JuryBuddy™ high-definition projection, scoring applications on a 1-7 scale in multiple rounds. The jury panel consists of five members, including working artists and art professionals, focused on artistic excellence, quality, creativity, and overall impression.

What is Offered

Strong art sales potential (2025 Artist Survey reported an average of $17,470 per artist), consistently high national rankings, on-site artist amenities, and exposure to a loyal, art-savvy audience. The festival contributes to an estimated $4.5 million in annual art sales.

Requirements

All work must be original, handcrafted. Collaborating artists (max two) must both be present. Artists must be present for the entire three days of the festival. Exhibited work must align with juried images. No reproductions, commercially acquired casts, molds, or prefabricated forms are allowed. A maximum of 15% 'new work' is permitted, provided it is original, handcrafted, and within the same discipline as the juried work. This opportunity does not accept applications from emerging artists.

How to Apply

Artists can apply to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival by clicking the 'Apply to this Show' button on the ZAPPlication platform (link: https://www.zapplication.org/login.php?applyingTo=13872). Applicants may submit up to 19 applications for consideration.