DESTIN, Fla. — The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is accepting artist applications for the 30th Annual Festival of the Arts, set for October 25-26, 2025, at the Dugas Pavilion Green in Destin.
The juried fine arts festival will feature more than 100 artists from across the country, offering attendees a weekend of visual art, live music, and interactive activities. The event will include a beer and wine garden, live entertainment, street performers, and children’s art activities.
Artists competing in the juried show are eligible for more than $12,000 in cash prizes, including Best in Show, People’s Choice, Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit, and Judge’s Recognition Awards. Mediums include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital art, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, glass, wood, jewelry, and mixed media.
More than 6,000 art enthusiasts and collectors are expected to attend. Participating artists will be featured in the official festival guide, both in print and digital formats, with contact details included in the Artist Preview.
MKAF will provide artist hospitality, including complimentary breakfast each morning, an optional kickoff party on Friday, and an artist award dinner on Saturday.
Booth setup benefits include drive-up access, free on-site parking, booth sitters, and overnight security.
Artists must submit four high-resolution images—three showcasing their work and one displaying their booth setup—for jury consideration. The application fee is $30 per category. Booth fees range from $350 for a single space to $700 for a double space, with limited corner spaces available for $400.
The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025, with jury results expected in mid-July.
Proceeds from the festival support MKAF’s cultural outreach programs for K-12 students, individuals with special needs, and active-duty military and veterans.
For details on artist participation and applications, visit www.MKAF.org or contact (850) 650-2226 or info@mkaf.org.
