The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is proud to showcase the work of emerging artists representing a diversity of styles and media through the Festival’s Emerging Artists Program. The purpose of the Emerging Artist Program is to recognize and showcase the artwork of up-and-coming artists who wish to establish themselves in a professional visual arts career. A limited number of emerging artists are selected to show in the Festival from the field of applicants through a collaborative selection process involving the Emerging Artist Juror and a special committee comprised of members of the Festival’s Board and Committee. Once selected, these artists are invited to participate in the Festival as “emerging artists” at no cost. The Festival provides each emerging artist with a 10’x10′ display tent to showcase their work. In addition, each emerging artist receives a $250 stipend to cover expenses. Although emerging artists do not compete with the other Festival artists for prize money, their artwork is reviewed by the Festival awards juror who decides which emerging artist will receive the $1,500 Emerging Artist Award.