Organizer Information
The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit arts organization established in 1960. It is one of three fairs that make up the renowned Ann Arbor
Art Fair summer celebration in Michigan. With a mission to enrich lives by connecting art, artists, and communities, the fair showcases original fine art and craft from national and international artists and consistently ranks among the top art festivals in the United States. It offers significant exposure, educational engagement, and community interaction for participating creatives and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Title & Description
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original 2026
This is a juried art fair and exhibition that transforms downtown Ann Arbor and the central University of Michigan campus into a vibrant outdoor gallery for three days in July. It invites artists working in a broad range of
Visual Arts disciplines to apply for booth space where they can exhibit and sell original works directly to collectors and the public. With amenities such as hospitality tents, volunteer booth sitters, buyer tours, and dedicated artist receptions, this event provides both commercial and promotional benefits to exhibiting artists.
Categories
The fair welcomes a variety of creative disciplines, including (but not limited to):
- Visual Arts (all original art forms)
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Mixed Media
- Craft/Traditional Arts
- Drawing
- Film/Video/New Media
Art disciplines reflect the scope of artwork accepted in jury review.
Eligibility
- Open to international artists and U.S.‑based artists.
- Artists must exhibit original artworks (no mass‑produced or reproduced prints).
- Artists may submit up to three applications in up to two categories.
- Submission includes up to 5 images, with a required booth shot as part of jury evaluation.
Program Benefits & Awards
Professional Benefits & Exposure:
- Exhibitor booth at one of the top outdoor art fairs in the U.S. with over 400,000 visitors.
- Buyers Tour + Lunch, attracting 100+ influencers, corporate buyers, patrons, curators, gallery owners, and designers directly to artist booths.
- Artist Reception to connect with patrons and community stakeholders.
- Artist Hospitality Tent, refreshments, volunteer booth sitters, security, and support amenities.
- Inclusion in the online artist directory with year‑round exposure via website and social media promotion.
Awards & Recognition:
- In recent editions, the fair has awarded $22,000+ in combined Jury Awards, Purchase Awards, and Featured Artist honors.
- Individual Awards of Excellence in disciplines (e.g., Painting, Drawing, Jewelry, Photography) with ~12 winners receiving cash or recognition.
- Featured Artist receives complimentary booth space, prime placement, and typically an opportunity to design the fair’s official poster.
Application Fee & Booth Fees
Application Fees:
- $45 USD – Early Bird (by 31 December 2025)
- $55 USD – Regular (1 January – 15 February 2026)
- $65 USD – Late (16 February – 18 February 2026)
Application fees are non‑refundable and submitted online.
Booth Fees (upon acceptance):
- $700 USD – Standard 10′ × 10′ booth
- $950 USD – 10′ × 20′ double‑back booth
- $1,500 USD – 20′ × 10′ front‑facing booth
Electricity is included in all booth fees.
Application Requirements
- Up to 5 artwork images, including one professional booth shot.
- Artist statement and CV/resume.
- Category selection and accurate contact information.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Early Bird Deadline: 31 December 2025
- Regular Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Late Deadline: 16–18 February 2026
- Event Dates: 16–18 July 2026
Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Additional Details
- Artists keep 100% of sales proceeds from their booths.
- Participation enhances online visibility via the fair’s digital directories and social media.
- The fair includes ancillary programs like the New Art, New Artists (NANA) College Program offering free shared booths and mentorship for Michigan college students.
- Accepted artists are responsible for transport logistics, booth setup, lodging, travel, and other personal costs not covered by the fair.
