Indiana Artisan Applications Due January 5, 2011

Indiana Artisan Applications Due January 5, 2011

The Indiana Artisan application and guidelines for the first 2011 jury panel sessions are posted at www.IndianaArtisan.net, and visual artists are encouraged to apply prior to the January 5 deadline. Visual artists interested in the business expansion benefits of Indiana Artisan should complete the online application.  A timeline for the process is part of the guidelines, and artists are encouraged to apply through this first opportunity in 2011 because those whose work juries into the program will be able to participate in the first Indiana Artisan Marketplace.  The Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds will host the April 15-17, 2011 trade show.  An invitation-only "retail day" will see more than 4,000 retailers within a 150-mile radius of Indianapolis invited to place orders with the participating artisans for all of 2011.  Saturday and Sunday of the event will be open to the public, and more than $40,000 will be invested in advertising and promotion.

All applicants to the Indiana Artisan are juried by one of two panels - one for arts applicants and one for value-added food applicants - comprised of business development, retail, arts, and culinary professionals.  Since Indiana Artisan was launched by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman in 2008, nearly 900 art and food artisans from around the state have applied for their work to be part of the program.The application is designed to take no more than 20 minutes to complete, and there is no fee for applying.  There also is no limit to the number of times an applicant can apply, and previous applicants are encouraged to apply again prior to the deadline at noon EST on January 5.

More information is available at www.IndianaArtisan.net