American Craft Made Emerging Artists Program
American Craft Made Emerging Artists Program
The American Craft Council's Emerging Artist program was formerly known as Hip Pop.
Now in its seventh year, the American Craft Made Emerging Artists program is a juried showcase of top emerging talent that provides a pathway for early-career artists into our established, competitive craft marketplaces. With lower-cost booths, extensive exhibitor support, and marketplace award opportunities, this program gives emerging artists an unparalleled opportunity to grow their clientele and careers. Artists may enroll in the program for up to three years.
Applications for Baltimore 2023 Are Open Now
Artists may apply April 1 – July 15, 2022, to participate as an Emerging Artist in American Craft Made / Baltimore 2023, taking place in person at the Baltimore Convention Center March 3–5, 2023. The application and process are the same as our regular application process; applicants will submit an application form and five application images. Artists applying to our 2023 marketplace through the Emerging Artists program will not have to submit an application fee. Applicants must apply to the program exclusively, and application submissions will be scored by a separate jury panel.
Scholarship Opportunity for BIPOC Minnesota Artists
For our 2022 American Craft Made / St. Paul marketplace event, ACC will offer three scholarships (valued at $2,910) to emerging artists who are Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC) and who work and reside in Minnesota. The three awarded artists will be included in the American Craft Made Emerging Artists Program and will receive intensive support towards building sustainable and successful careers as craft artists and makers. These scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Harlan Boss Foundation for the Arts. Apply by June 1, 2022!
Why Participate in the Program
- A reasonable point of entry to an established marketplace that attracts nearly 50,000 collectors and craft enthusiasts
- Access to a well-educated audience that appreciates the value of craft
- Engagement with established makers and a supportive community of fellow emerging artists
- A high level of exhibitor support, including a dedicated program manager plus marketing and public relations support
- Media coverage with help from public relations firms and media buyers
- Promotion in advertising, social media, special marketplace-preview sections in American Craft magazine, and on site

Emerging Artist Definition
Based on the guidelines of the Jerome Foundation (St. Paul, Minnesota), ACC embraces a broad definition that supports artists early in their careers, regardless of age, who create new work, and:
- Offer a distinct vision, authentic voice, and have a focused direction and goals
- Take risks and embrace challenges
- Show evidence of professional achievement but haven’t yet established a solid reputation as an artist/maker/business within their field, the media, funding circles, or the public at large
Program Eligibility
The types of work that are eligible for American Craft Made also apply to the Emerging Artists program. Artists who have previously shown in standard booths with ACC will not be permitted to participate in the Emerging Artists program. Past participants in School-to-Market and AltCraft are eligible, however.

Participation Fees
- American Craft Made / Baltimore (May 20–22, 2022): $700
- American Craft Made / St. Paul (October 7–9, 2022): $650
Participation Fee Includes
- 5 x 10 ft. floor space
- Pipe and drape
- One six-foot skirted table
- One chair
- Electricity
- Wifi
Questions about our Emerging Artists Program?
Please contact marketplace and emerging artist coordinator Alaina Nuehring at [email protected].