Opportunities for Artists
Welcome, artists, and thank you for your interest in the 2021 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. While our annual open call for artist applications typically runs October – January, we are postponing the start of the application period while monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check back in January 2021 for details about our open call for applications to participate in next summer’s Festival.
As a reminder, when the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust reimagined the 2020 Festival as a virtual experience – in some cases for artists who had already been accepted into an in-person Festival – certain provisions were granted for the 2021 Festival as detailed below.
Artist Market
Any artist invited (“accepted” or “invited”) to the 2020 Artist Market will automatically have that opportunity extended for the 2021 Festival, assuming that it takes place at normal capacity. While we cannot guarantee a specific booth space or session at this time, artist scores from the 2020 jury process will help to inform placement, session, etc. in 2021. Artists who paid their 2020 Booth Fee were contacted to discuss a refund or crediting their payment toward the 2021 Festival.
Assuming a 2021 in-person Festival can take place, there may be a very limited number of opportunities for new applicants (2020 invitees will have first right of refusal). In January 2021, we hope to announce details for a new jury process, applicable for any remaining open booths and the annual waitlist. The selection process will be highly competitive and we encourage you to use this time to ensure that your application is robust, including high quality photos of your work and a well-developed artist statement.
Emerging Artist Scholarship Program
Similarly, assuming a 2021 in-person Festival occurs at normal capacity, all 2020 Emerging Artists will be given the opportunity to showcase as an Emerging Artist at the 2021 Festival. These artists will not need to apply again and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will be in contact in 2021 to discuss schedule and location assignments. Like for the Artist Market at-large, in the event that any 2020 invitees decline to participate, there may be an extremely limited opportunity for new applicants.
Juried Visual Art Exhibition
Any artist invited (“accepted” or “invited”) to 2020’s Transverse: the Juried Visual Art Exhibition will automatically have that opportunity extended for the 2021 Festival, assuming that it takes place at normal capacity.
Assuming a 2021 in-person Festival can take place, there may be a very limited number of opportunities for new applicants (2020 invitees will have first right of refusal). In January 2021, we hope to announce details for a corresponding jury process. The selection process will be highly competitive and we encourage you to use this time to ensure that your application is robust, including high quality photos of your work and a well-developed artist statement.
Performing Arts
Assuming a 2021 in-person Festival occurs, a brand new open call for applications will be announced. All interested artists will have to submit a new application. Please join our mailing list to ensure you have the latest information.
Special Projects / Collaborations
Assuming a 2021 in-person Festival occurs, a brand new open call for applications will be announced. All interested artists will have to submit a new application. Please join our mailing list to ensure you have the latest information.
Opportunities for Artists Email List
Open Call Opportunities
Artist Market
The Artist Market features 350+ independent artists in an open-air setting, selling handmade art from 12 - 8 pm daily.
Juried Visual Art Exhibition
The Juried Visual Art Exhibition showcases exceptional new art by regional artists and is one of the pillars for the Festival’s high-quality visual arts offerings.
Performing Arts
To further performance opportunities for local and regional artists, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust extends an invitation to musicians, dancers, actors, literary and performance artists to submit original work and proposals for stages and spaces throughout the Festival. An emphasis in the selection process will be placed on artists and performers who have never performed before at the festival. Additionally, brand new work and Pittsburgh premieres will be taken into consideration.
Special Projects and Collaborations
To further collaborative and experimental performance opportunities for local and regional artists, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust invites musicians, dancers, actors, literary and performance artists to submit proposals for work beyond the traditional stages of the Festival. In particular, work that is immersive in nature and that directly engages audiences in a participatory way is highly encouraged.
Anthropology of Motherhood
Anthropology of Motherhood (AOM) is a participatory exhibition seeking works of art and design that engage in the complex visual, material, emotional, corporeal and lived experiences of motherhood, caregiving, parenting, nurturing and maternal labor that will be on view during the Three Rivers Arts Festival, June 5-14, 2020. AOM is a functional, hybrid exhibition that is innovatively designed as both an art space, an interactive amenity, and a place of respite for families with young children. This exhibition welcomes all media and innovative uses of materials.
Emerging Artist Scholarship Program
Established in 2002, the Emerging Artist Scholarship Program of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival provides individuals with little to no experience exhibiting in festivals the opportunity to take an important first step towards a future in fine art and craft shows. The program supports the growth and longevity of fine arts and fine crafts in the Pittsburgh region with a special devotion to introducing new art forms to the Festival and new audiences to emerging artists.