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.

ACC recognizes and supports artists as they make their way through different stages on their pathway to practice. If you are new to American Craft Made marketplaces and consider yourself an emerging artist, we encourage you to apply as an American Craft Made Emerging Artist (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.

View Application Details

Click Here To Apply

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!

View Scholarship Details

Click Here To Apply

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
Getting selected to participate in this program is a huge step in my career. During one of the shows, I nearly sold out of my weavings, had a record selling day, and felt incredibly supported by fellow artists.
 
– Sydney Sogol of Syd’s Thread
The program removed financial barriers to entry for my small business to try out this high-end craft market. I was able to gain exposure and build customer trust before upgrading to a larger booth.
 
– Jamie Lau of Jamie Lau Designs
The attendees at the show were genuinely interested in fine craft. They wanted to hear about the nuts and bolts of what we were all doing and had a keen sense of design and appreciation for craftsmanship.
 
– Colleen Davy of Cloud 9 Stitching
Joining the program has opened possibilities and my mind to creative work and opportunities I never thought possible. The program put me on a fast track to learning how to truly run my business.
 
– Amy Blair of Sun Ah Blair Jewelry
Artist making a sale via ipad at a craft show

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.

Artist showing off handmade textile clothing in a shared booth space at a craft show

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].