Aspiring artists have until Friday, Sept. 11, to apply for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival's 2027 Emerging Artists Program. The free two-year mentorship trains participants for careers on the national art festival circuit.

Program pairs classroom training with festival internship

The program pairs professional workshops with hands-on festival experience. In year one, participants attend classes on portfolio development, booth presentation, pricing, financial planning and the business of exhibiting.

They also intern during the annual festival, working alongside nationally recognized artists. In year two, they exhibit and sell their own work in a dedicated Emerging Artists section while receiving one-on-one mentoring.

Graduate credits program with launching his career

"Learning directly from established artists and then having the opportunity to exhibit my own work the following year gave me both the knowledge and confidence to grow my business," program graduate Stephen Anglim, now a professional fine artist, told Community Newspapers.

Chair Pamela Mayer and Executive Director Camille Marchese said the program builds careers and teaches skills no traditional classroom covers, including connecting with collectors, managing finances and transporting artwork.

Eligibility open to artists outside Miami-Dade

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must never have exhibited in a major juried art festival. Miami-Dade County residents can apply directly. Artists from outside the county are eligible if they can travel to Miami and arrange their own housing during the festival. College enrollment is not required.

63rd festival returns to the Grove's bayfront in February

The 63rd annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival runs Feb. 13-15, 2027, along the Grove's bayfront streets. The festival features 285 juried artists, live performances and interactive art experiences. It is managed by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, a nonprofit supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.

Applications are available at cgaf.com/applications.

Upcoming community dates:

• Friday, Sept. 11 — Emerging Artists Program application deadline
• Feb. 13-15, 2027 — 63rd annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Presidents Day weekend