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As one of the largest outdoor arts events in Florida draws near (Feb. 18-20), organizers are focused on much more than the weekend’s success.
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Board, its president Monty Trainer, and executive director Camille Marchese also manage to keep a keen eye on the roll-out of their various community arts programs — including the recently revamped the Emerging Artists Program.
Formerly, the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association led the development programs for new artists. Now, with the help of industry professionals, volunteers, and a vibrant talent pool, the Emerging Artists Program promises to fuel the future of independent traveling artists for generations to come.
“If we want art festivals to continue growing,” Marchese said. “We absolutely must join hands to encourage a young group of artists.”
The program in its new iteration was designed by Cindy Lyric, an experienced arts festival executive director who created a similar program in St. Louis. She was brought onboard to provide a structure that focuses on younger artists, allows them cost effective access, and provides them with practical, hands-on experience to understand and appreciate the potential of life as a festival entrepreneur.
“Art schools don’t typically promote festivals as a legitimate option for artists,” Marchese continued. “Clearly, it’s an alternative lifestyle, but for the right person, it is a viable and exciting one. You don’t always have to sit behind a desk to be successful.”
For 2023, the program selected 13 emerging artists from Miami-Dade and Broward counties, between the ages of 19 and 30, who have never shown at a professional exhibit. The artists will be mentored by 24 volunteer festival artists amongst whom they will rotate throughout the weekend.
The emerging artists also will participate in an event dinner and panel discussion on two key topics: Why to choose the life of a festival artist and how to make money doing so. The young participants who decide to continue their education will receive year-round support, including help in applying to other festivals around the country, and a booth at next year’s Arts Festival.
“It’s really about supporting the future of all arts festivals,” said Marchese said. “It’s an industry that needs our support. Without the other festivals, talented artists can’t make a living, so we definitely see it as being about more than just the CGAF, it’s an investment in the future of independent artists.”
For more information on the Coconut Grove Art Festival Emerging Artists Program, visit: https://cgaf.com/emerging-artist.
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