Startup Art Fair room sign Charlie Milgrim artist

Artist Application
Information Page

Thinking of Exhibiting at Startup Art Fair?

Startup Art Fair is more than your own creative exhibition space, it’s a launchpad.

Designed for independent artists who want to connect directly with collectors, curators, and peers, our fair puts artists at the center of the story. No gallery needed. We prioritize quality, authenticity, and accessibility, welcoming early/re-emerging and mid-career artists ready to take their practice to the next level. If you're looking for an art fair that feels like community, with real opportunities to build your network and expose your work, Startup might be your perfect match.

Each Startup Art Fair is carefully curated by a rotating jury of respected artists, curators, and art professionals. We believe thoughtful selection is key to maintaining the quality and integrity of the fair, not only for our visitors and collectors, but for the artists themselves. The jury process helps ensure a strong and balanced show, and it also gives artists an opportunity to assess whether the fair is the right fit for their work at this stage. Of course, all jurying is subjective, and each year brings a fresh set of eyes, new voices, and evolving tastes. Even if you’re not selected this time, we encourage you to apply again next year.

Artist

FAQ

  • 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 continental breakfast

    • Complimentary 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.

  • 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.

  • LA Applications Open: September 1, 2025

    Applications Close: November 30, 2025

    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: December 30, 2025

  • 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 website

    • Discounted valet 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 is free.

    Exhibitor fees (depending on the size and type of the room) range from $2700 to $4700. Room map . 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.

  • Coming soon

  • 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. Email ray@startupartfair.com for details.

  • 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.

Check out our Instagram page for more photos. Need more information? Reach out to ray@startupartfair.com

Applications for Startup Los Angeles open September 1. Apply early to get your choice of room.

Woman with cape that has a painted face on the fabric

“The fair was all-around such a positive and rewarding experience...I've not had other experiences where in 3 days I was able to interact with hundreds of people including collectors, corporate buyers, gallerists, and other artists or potential collaborators. And most significantly, it looks like the fair may have been just the initial seed planting which may have far-reaching effects on my art practice and professional growth.”

— Amy Oates