2025
Emerging + NANA PROGRAMS
Presented By
The Guild's Emerging Artist Program
About the Program
The Guild’s Emerging Artist Program acts as a catalyst to launch emerging artists’ visual art careers. Through a series of workshops, The Guild’s Emerging Artist Program, geared to artists who have little to no experience with exhibiting their work at Art Fairs, teaches them:how to apply for art fairs; how to price their work; tools/technology necessary for a great display, marketing their work, and selling their work; how to prepare for shows of various sizes, necessary inventory, packaging; and more! Guild artist members provide mentorship and instruction at each of these workshops.
After engaging in the workshops, Emerging Artists can jury for the chance to participate with the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair. 12 will be selected to share 10×20 tents to display and sell their work at the 2025 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.
Find this year's Emerging Artist tents at:
State + South University
South University + Church
South University + Tappan
Participating artists coming soon!
Photo by C2 Visual Media
NANA (New Art New Artist)
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original
WHAT IS NANA?
Established in 2006, the New Art, New Artists (NANA) College Student Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for Michigan college students to showcase and sell their artwork at Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original—at no cost to participants. Artists keep 100% of their sales revenue while receiving comprehensive guidance and mentorship, gaining invaluable exposure and entrepreneurial experience.
Each year, six college artists are selected through a competitive jury process to exhibit their work at the fair on Ingalls Mall in a 60' gallery style tent. These artists enjoy equal access to all professional amenities and join a tradition of fostering artistic growth. Eligibility is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities.
HOW DOES NANA WORK?
The NANA artists collaborate as a cohesive team to create a shared booth while receiving personalized mentoring from the AASAF team. From April to July, NANA artists participate in meetings to develop skills such as:
Designing captivating art fair booths
Writing compelling artist statements
Effectively engaging with the public and making sales
Each artist is also paired with a professional mentor who provides additional guidance and fosters lasting connections. These relationships often extend well beyond the program, supporting artists as they establish their careers. In addition each year, juried NANA Artists receive mentorship and catered lunch with AASAF Board President John Stanley, former director of the Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Toledo Museum of Art.
State Street District's Emerging Artist Program
The State Street District Art Fair Emerging Artist Program is designed to give early-career artists the chance to exhibit, connect, and grow in a professional setting—right alongside nationally recognized creators. For fairgoers, this program offers an exciting opportunity to discover up-and-coming talent, support artists at the beginning of their careers, and perhaps even collect a first piece from a future favorite.
What is the Emerging Artist Program?
This initiative is open to visual artists who have participated in no more than three art fairs at the time of application. Whether self-taught or formally trained, these artists are at the start of their creative journey—and the fair gives them a high-profile platform to share their work, tell their stories, and build their audience.
Each Emerging Artist is juried into the fair and receives:
A $200 booth fee reduction
An individual booth space, giving them the full exhibitor experience
Exposure to tens of thousands of visitors—including collectors, curators, and art lovers
Opportunities to sell directly and gain real-world insight into pricing, presentation, and customer interaction
Informal mentorship from veteran artists who offer guidance on booth setup, signage, sales, and strategy
Why it Matters
For attendees, this is a chance to explore the creative voices of tomorrow—artists who bring fresh ideas, experimental work, and new energy to the streets of Ann Arbor. For participants, it’s a pivotal step toward building a sustainable art practice with support, visibility, and community.
2024 Promising Emerging Artist award winner, Bo Inthivong