Artists sought for SaratogaArtsFest 2009

The third annual SaratogaArtsFest, scheduled for June 11-14, 2009, is now accepting applications from artists who wish to participate in this three-day citywide celebration of the arts. Applications are being sought from local, national and international artists representing a wide range of disciplines.

The selection of artists will be competitive, and decisions will be made by the ArtsFest program coordinators, each one specializing in a particular genre or type of participation. Consideration will be given to balancing the demands and availability of venues, audience appeal, budget, performance quality, and scheduling requirements.

There are different application forms for performing artists and visual artists, and both of these documents can be found at www.saratogaartsfest.org.

Applications can be filed online or printed out and sent by mail. The deadline for review in phase one of the selection process is November 1, 2008, for performing artists and December 1, 2008, for visual artists.

Additional applications will be accepted during phase two of programming on a rolling basis. For this phase, performing artists may submit applications until January 10, 2009, and visual artists until February 1.

Letters of notification will be sent to all artists in early February 2009.

Use of the online application is encouraged. Mail-in applications or supporting materials may be sent to SaratogaArtsFest, c/o Skidmore College, Box 2460, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1632.

The mission of SaratogaArtsFest is to strengthen the position of Saratoga Springs as a premier arts destination. The ArtsFest is committed to increasing appreciation for the arts and strengthening cultural tourism in the Saratoga region.

"Our goal is to establish the ArtsFest as the gateway for the arts season and to make it a tradition for Saratoga Springs," said Marie Glotzbach, president of the SaratogaArtsFest Board of Directors. "We are confident that the 2009 ArtsFest will not only dazzle those interested in the visual, literary, and performing arts, but will also further establish Saratoga Springs as a center for culture and the arts."