A small town in South Carolina might not be the first place you think of when considering the South’s art scene, but for nine days each year, it transforms into a vibrant art gallery. This transformation is thanks to ArtFields, an annual competition and festival that celebrates art and community, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the power of art.

From now until November 1, Southeastern artists working in any media and living in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia are invited to apply for the competition, which will be held in Lake City, South Carolina, from April 25 to May 3, 2025. The application fee is $25.

Entering its thirteenth year in 2025, ArtFields offers selected artists exposure to art lovers, collectors, and curators who come to Lake City to see what one artist described as “art at its best.” Participants will also have the chance to compete for over $100,000 in prizes.

ArtFields began in 2013 to celebrate Southeastern artists. Since then, it has awarded over $1 million in prize money, helped launch the careers of numerous artists, and grown into an organization with robust year-round programming that continues to honor and support visual artists in the South and beyond.

Submissions Timeline:

• Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
• Selected Artists Notified: December 12, 2024
• 2025 Competition & Festival: April 25–May 3, 2025

Prizes:

• Grand Prize: $50,000
• Second Place: $25,000
• People’s Choice 2D: $12,500
• People’s Choice 3D: $12,500
• Merit Awards: $2,000 (Five awards)
• Southeastern Partner Awards: Exhibitions and Opportunities
• Are you considering applying or planning to visit the festival? It sounds like a fantastic opportunity to experience and celebrate the vibrant art scene in the Southeast!
   

Sayart / Amia Nguyen, amyngwyen13@gmail.com