If you’re interested in taking part in this year’s Arts in the Park, read on for everything you’ll need to know about the event and what’s expected of our exhibitors. Once you’re ready, you can complete your application online.

2023 Important Dates

• Wednesday, March 15 Application deadline
• Thursday, April 6 Notifications of juror’s decisions
• Friday, June 16 Exhibitor load in, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, June 17 Arts in the Park hours, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, June 18 Arts in the Park hours, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location

The two-day event takes place in Melgaard Park in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The festival is held rain or shine. To preserve the integrity and quality of the show, and out of consideration for fellow exhibitors, you may not take down your exhibit before the closing time. Failure to exhibit both days during festival hours will affect eligibility for future festivals.

Fees/Booth Description

The fee for a single booth is $150 for a 12’ x 12’ space. Double booths are available for $300 for a 24’ wide x 12’ deep space. This fee is for space only; artists must provide their own display units, tables, chairs, and canopies. Some of the spaces are in full sun, so be prepared. An additional fee of $10 per space will be charged for any booths requiring electricity (110 volts only). Booth spaces with electrical access are limited to booth numbers 1 through 17. These spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Booth configurations are based on the park’s natural landscaping. In applying, you agree to be willing to adjust to the space assigned you. View map.

All fees are payable to Aberdeen Arts in the Park. Payment needs to be in full and must accompany a completed and signed Arts in the Park Application Form. Post-dated checks and incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. We will send you an e-mail notification that we have received your application. This notification does not mean you have been accepted – just that we have received your application. It will also let you know that your application is complete or if anything is missing.

Jury Procedure

The show is open to artists and fine craftsmen who produce visual works, art or craft of original concept, design, and execution. Each applicant is required to submit a completed and signed Arts in the Park Application Form on which a detailed description of the product has been completed. Notification letters will be emailed/mailed by April 6, 2023. Information submitted will be used by our panel of experienced artists and crafters who will jury your application to ensure we create a show with variety between the various art forms. They will also review your written description as well as your submitted images.

Applicants are to submit a minimum of 7 digital images as follows: a) 5-6 images representative of all work to be displayed at Arts in the Park. b) 1-2 images of your work area showing your creative process c) 1 of your booth space.

Jurying is based largely on images. Send current, high-quality .jpg images that show the workmanship of the items you will be selling. Some tips for images you submit:

1. Photograph your work in a professional manner.
2. Be sure your images are in focus and have good lighting.
3. Be sure it is obvious what is your artwork vs. other random things that might be in the background.
4. No collages of several images.
5. Submitting the exact same images year after year does not represent your work in a positive manner.

These images may be uploaded as part of your online application, submitted by e-mail to ArtsInThePark@nvc.net or by CD/jump drive. No printed photos will be accepted. Images may also be used in publicity for the event so again high-quality images are necessary.

Originality, craftsmanship, skillful use of materials, type of product, number of applicants in a product category, written description and product originality, freshness, and workmanship will all be a determining factor for acceptance or rejection into the festival. The decision of the committee is final.

Acceptable/Unacceptable to the Show

The festival will feature fine arts and skilled crafts of original design and handmade by the exhibitor. Please note on the application any manufactured items used to enhance hand-crafted work (i.e. painting on a purchased sweatshirt, purchased decorative accents used on hand-crafted woodwork.) Originality, craftsmanship, skillful use of materials, type of product, number of applicants in a product category, written description and product originality, freshness, and workmanship will all be a determining factor for acceptance or rejection into the festival.

No buy/sell in any category, middlemen, manufactured items, or work other than that made by the exhibitor in any category.

Exhibitor Spaces

Exhibitor space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no guarantees or promises regarding preference for space locations or the filling of other kinds of requests. No exhibitor can have more than two spaces. Artists wishing to be adjacent to each other should request such booth assignments on their applications. An exhibitor cannot sell part or all of their space to another exhibitor.

Set-Up

Set-up is not allowed before 1 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023. Each exhibitor is responsible for their own display materials, including tables, chairs, canopies, backdrops, and especially rain and sun protection. Liability is the responsibility of the exhibitor. The Aberdeen Area Arts Council and the City of Aberdeen will not be responsible for any loss or damage incurred at Arts in the Park either during the festival hours or overnight.

Specific instructions regarding load-in and load-out procedures will be sent to those accepted in May. Generally, those with large trailers will be the last to load-out after the event closes.

Cancellations

If an exhibitor finds it necessary to cancel, the Aberdeen Area Arts Council must be notified immediately. Exhibitors may not transfer or sell their space. Failure to notify the Committee of cancellation will affect the exhibitor’s eligibility for future festivals.

The Arts in the Park booth fee is non-refundable. An exhibitor who finds it necessary to cancel due to medical reasons may submit a letter addressed to the committee explaining the reason. The committee will consider each request individually with no guarantees of a refund.

Sales Tax

You are required to collect sales tax and report that to the SD Department of Revenue within 30 days of the event. Forms from the state will be included in your registration packet. The SD Department of Revenue will be furnished a list of registered exhibitors and may attend the festival to check on exhibitors. If you have not paid your sales tax from a previous event, you will not be allowed to set up. If you have any questions regarding sales tax, please contact the SD Department of Revenue at (605) 626-2218.

Violations

Any violation of the Exhibitor Rules & Regulations, South Dakota Sales Tax Law or City of Aberdeen Ordinance, or a material misrepresentation on the application shall suffice for the sponsor to elect to immediately close down the exhibitor and/or deny the exhibitor the right to return to Arts in the Park in the future.

Questions

Please contact the Aberdeen Area Arts Council at (605) 226-1557 or e-mail at ArtsInThePark@nvc.net for more information.

Online Application

You can apply online and either choose to pay via PayPal, credit card or by sending a check. Or you can submit a paper application and payment via mail.