TAMPA, Fla. - Marylandian -- Gasparilla Arts (GA) is now accepting applications for its Emerging Artists Program at the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, which offers aspiring artists a platform to showcase their work at one of the nation's premier outdoor fine art festivals. The Festival will take place February 28 – March 1, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.

The Gasparilla Arts Emerging Artists Program allows up-and-coming artists to present and sell their work to a large audience in a professional setting—often for the first time. Selected artists will gain invaluable exposure and the opportunity to connect with thousands of art enthusiasts, collectors, and patrons.

"Opening applications for the Emerging Artists Program underscores our dedication to advancing the arts by fostering new talent," said Jeffrey Nader, GA Board President. "This initiative provides a critical platform for emerging artists to gain professional exposure, connect with collectors and patrons, and begin establishing themselves within the broader arts community."

More on Marylandian

• XRP fever is coming again, WOA Crypto helps the new trend and earns tens of thousands of dollars a day
• Helen Welch Stars in "Carpenters: The Songs. The Stories" at New Spire Arts
• Inflation Rebounds Under Tariff Shadow: Wall Street Veteran Kieran Winterbourne Says Macro Signals Matter More Than Market Sentiment
• Mensa Foundation's New Science Program Encourages Hands-On Discovery
• Golden Paper Introduces TAD Hand Towel Technology, Ushering in a New Era of Premium Tissue Quality

Application Details
Applications for the 2026 Emerging Artists Program will be accepted from October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Interested artists are encouraged to apply early. Follow GA on social media (@gasparillaarts on all platforms) for updates.

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Emerging Artists Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must not have an established record as a professional artist showing in museums, major galleries, or major juried art exhibitions.
• Must not derive more than 25% of their total annual income from the sale of artwork.
• Must not be employed professionally as a visual artist in the medium they intend to present at the Festival.
• Must be at least 18 years of age by February 28, 2026.

For questions about eligibility, please email EmergingArtists@gasparillaarts.com.

More on Marylandian

• ReedSmith® Creates Founder-Investor Connections at The Investor Dating Game™ by Tech Coast Venture Network During LA Tech Week
• OfficeSpaces.co Expands Its AI-Powered Website Builder Across North America
• Tobu Railway Group Will Host the Fourth Annual "Take-Akari" Bamboo Lantern Festival in East Tokyo, November 7, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• New Article by Roy J. Meidinger – Examines Hidden Hidden Healthcare Kickbacks
• Why Generic Platforms Fail in Emerging Markets: Bettorify Exposes the Gap Between Promise and Reality

For more information about the Emerging Artists Program and the link to apply, visit the Emerging Artists Program

About Gasparilla Arts
Gasparilla Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that believes art has the power to enrich lives and transform communities. Its mission is to connect people with art, create an environment for artists to flourish, and support arts education through our annual festival and year-round programs while celebrating an inclusive and vibrant Tampa Bay community where art and people thrive. The non-profit organization relies on support from sponsorships, festival weekend retail sales, and corporate and individual gifts to fund its programs and events.