We’re looking for bold, independent artists who want more than just a mark on their resume—they want a big platform for big ideas.

Startup Art Fair offers your own hotel room to transform however you imagine, a built-in supportive community, and collectors who are looking for something unique—we hope that might be you.

We also offer:
Direct Sales: Keep 100% of your sales

Premium Location: Four nights accommodation included

Professional Exposure: Connect with thousands of collectors, curators, and gallerists

Complete Fair Support Package:

• Personal artist webpage

• Comprehensive PR and marketing support

• Curatorial and professional development guidance

• Complimentary fair passes for your guests

• Four nights at the hotel with discounted off-street parking during the fair

If you’re a strong early/re-emerging or a mid-career artist ready to take control of your art journey—yes you might be in the right place.

Watch the recording of our recent informational webinar with Director Ray Beldner, “Is Startup Art Fair Right for You?”

Each fair is juried by a rotating panel of curators, gallerists, collectors, and arts professionals. This ensures a fresh perspective each year and maintains the high-quality, thoughtfully curated experience Startup is known for.

Yes, we understand the process is subjective—that's part of the deal in the art world—but it's also a great way to gauge fit and readiness for this kind of direct-to-collector experience.

The panel changes each year, so we strongly encourage you to apply again if you aren’t accepted your first time out.

Artists apply online with a resume, bio, proposal and up to eight images. Up to three artists may apply to exhibit together.

Applications will be reviewed, and artists will be accepted on a rolling basis. Upon acceptance, you'll have the opportunity to choose your preferred room—apply early to secure your preferred spot.

The application fee is $30.

Applications Open: December 15th 2025

Applications Close: March 15, 2026

Notification of Results: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You’ll be notified within a few days of submitting.

Deposit Due: Upon acceptance and exhibitor contract signing.

Room Selection: Artists can select their room once they have made their deposit.

Final Payment Due: March 30, 2026

Artists selected by our esteemed jury will create an exhibition of their work in a room at The Kinney for all three days of the fair. Exhibitor fees include

• 4 nights at the hotel

• Complimentary fair passes your guests

• A personal artist page on the Startup Art website

• Discounted off-street parking

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

• Public liability insurance

• Private security through the duration of the exhibition

• PR, advertising, and marketing through our newsletter, ad buys, and social media channels

• Curatorial and professional development support in the weeks before, during, and after the fair

• Automatic acceptance to our leading online gallery partner, Singulart

The application fee is $30.

Exhibitor fees (depending on the size and type of the room) range from 125 sf with 20 linear feet of wall space ($2200) up to 440 sf and approx 95 linear feet of wall space ($4600).

Startup's cost per square foot is among the lowest of all artists fairs, and unlike the others, we do not take a commission of sales. Startup artists keep 100% of the sales from their work at the fair.

Click here to view room map and pricing.

Artists may share a room with one to two other artists to split costs which given the square footage and wall space of most rooms, gives each artist plenty of space.

Crowdfunding campaigns and "studio sales weekends" are other good options. Some artists have had their fees underwritten by friends, family, and/or collectors in exchange for artwork.

We also offer interest free payment schedules.

Still have questions? Watch the recording of our informational webinar with Director Ray Beldner, “Is Startup Art Fair Right for You?”

Exhibitors can begin installing their exhibitions at 3pm on the Thursday prior to the fair. No nails or screws are allowed in the walls. We recommend using 3M Command nail-less hangers to install artwork as exhibitors will be charged for any damage to the walls. Hotel art will be removed by the staff prior to the fair, furniture can be rearranged as needed but cannot be removed from the rooms. Your room must be returned to its exact original condition before checking out at the end the weekend.

Exhibitors must have their rooms open and available to attendees during all fair hours. Rooms must be staffed by the exhibitor or an assistant at all times.

You will receive an exhibitors manual with detailed instructions prior to the fair.