Conference Profile | Conference Overview | Showcase Criteria | Artist Eligibility Policy | Showcase Provisions

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ArtsMarket 2024 will take place in-person in downtown Durham, NC (Oct. 21-23) and will feature up to 26 live and 10 virtual juried showcase performances and an exhibition hall marketplace, allowing agents and artists to meet one-on-one with presenters throughout the three days. 

NEW THIS YEAR! ArtsMarket is adding a special Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) showcase block. This category encompasses artists of all disciplines who perform for young audiences (Pre-K-12). We will feature five in-person performance showcases each lasting 10 minutes in length on the stage in Cinema 1 at the Carolina Theatre of Durham. The technical requirements of these showcases must be minimal (no backline will be provided) and the artist/artists must be able to showcase on a small stage.

Presenter attendees come from all parts of North Carolina and the Southeastern region and represent a wide variety of arts organizations and venues, including small concert associations, colleges and universities, mid and large-size performing arts centers, and everything in between. Many of them look to ArtsMarket to book a significant part of their future seasons.

Main stage juried showcases take place at the historic Carolina Theatre of Durham and are 15 minutes in length. They are a key feature of ArtsMarket, providing selected artists and ensembles with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their work in a professional setting to talent buyers. ArtsMarket showcases are scheduled not to overlap with any other conference activities, so all delegates have the opportunity to attend all performances. In addition to the showcase performances, networking opportunities are abundant in the marketplace and at other scheduled conference activities.

Performing artists of ALL disciplines are encouraged to apply for a main stage showcase (music, dance, theatre, children’s/educational, magic, comedy, variety, professional speakers etc.).  We are committed to presenting a wide range of diverse performances, though the final slate of artists depends on the number, type, and quality of applications received.

The Virtual Spotlights are short 5-minute, self-produced videos that will be shown at various points throughout the conference. If you would like to be considered for this category you MUST indicate this in your application and artists will be chosen by the jury.

See more info under Showcase Criteria.

We do NOT facilitate or encourage independent showcases at ArtsMarket.

Health and safety are our top priority, and we will strictly adhere to all state and local guidelines that are in place at the time of the conference. 

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Showcase artists will be selected through a juried panel process governed by the North Carolina Arts Council. Panels are composed of experienced presenters, artists, and other arts professionals from across the state who represent diverse communities, genres, and expertise. Showcases are highly competitive and sought after.

As an ArtsMarket showcase applicant, please beware of misleading emails from third parties claiming association with NCPC or the N.C. Arts Council, offering you a guarantee to showcase for a set payment amount. These are fraudulent scams, and we urge you to not respond or participate in any way.

Artistic quality, professional touring capability, and quality of media and promotional materials are primary factors determining the selection of showcase artists. Beyond these essential ingredients, the selection panel will take into consideration the following criteria to curate the overall showcase program:

Artists should be prepared to showcase the performance that was stated in the application. Any configuration changes must be proposed for consideration by ArtsMarket staff as early as possible before the conference.

Should your application not be selected for an in-person live showcase, the jury will consider you for a Virtual Spotlight slot ONLY if you have indicated so in the Showcase Info Task options. Spotlight artists will be chosen based on the selection committee’s review of showcase applications and, if invited, will be asked to submit a self-produced, captioned video not exceeding 5 minutes (you do not have to submit the Spotlight video as part of this application). Spotlight videos should include an introduction or personal message and performance footage that best showcases your work--think of it as a virtual video pitch to presenters. There is no additional application fee to be considered for a Virtual Spotlight showcase, however, if you are chosen, there will be a technical fee of $100 (USD) that will need to be paid before your video is shown at the conference. If you are unable to attend the conference and wish to ONLY apply for a Virtual Spotlight video, please indicate that in the Showcase Info Task options.

All artists that are chosen for an in-person, live showcase are required to purchase an exhibit hall table OR be represented by an agent who has purchased an exhibit hall table for the duration of the conference.  It is important to have representation at the conference to interact with presenters, give out information, and answer questions during exhibit hall hours. If an artist is not able to have representation at a table in the exhibit hall, they will not be considered for a live in-person showcase.

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In-Person Main Stage Showcases:

Showcase artists will be featured in 15-minute showcases on stage in Fletcher Hall at the Carolina Theatre of Durham (www.carolinatheatre.org).  To respect the work of all showcase artists, we strictly adhere to time limits.  No more than 5 minutes will be allowed for setup and change-over.

Virtual Spotlight Showcases:

If chosen for a Virtual Spotlight showcase slot, you will need to submit a 5-minute video that is captioned. Help will be provided with this if needed.

Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) Showcases:

Chosen TYA showcase artists will be featured in 10-minute showcases in Cinema 1 at the Carolina Theatre of Durham. The technical requirements of these showcases MUST be minimal (no backline will be provided) and the artist/artists must be able to showcase on a small stage. To respect the work of all showcase artists, we strictly adhere to time limits. No more than 5 minutes will be allowed for setup and change-over between showcases. Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload study guides in your application.

Please note: this category of showcases is in-person only and does not have a virtual option.

ArtsMarket will provide the following to main stage showcase artists:

SOUND: A full FOH and monitor sound system will be provided for showcasing artists.  This will include FOH and monitor consoles with operators, monitor wedges, microphones, and cabling.  This will be set up and operated in a “Festival Style.”

LIGHTING: A general static wash will be available.  This will be preset and cannot be modified for showcases.  If you have any special lighting needs such as black lights, blackouts, etc., please indicate these in your application.

BACKLINE: A standard main stage backline package will be provided, including:  an acoustic drum kit, electric piano, synthesizer, two guitar amplifiers, and a bass amplifier/cabinet. This equipment is provided as a convenience to the artists and to assist in keeping showcases running smoothly and on time. Use of artist-provided drum kits will not be allowed. Showcases utilizing the drum kit will have a maximum of 15 minutes prior to their showcase to adjust the drums off-stage during other showcases. Specific models of equipment to be offered will be finalized and included in the contract/technical specification sent to presenting performers.

PIANO ACCESS: A tuned 6’ or 7’ grand piano will be available for use during main stage showcases.

SOUND CHECK: Performers must be available three hours prior to the beginning of their showcase to run a brief sound check/stage setup and to review final needs with the technical staff and stage manager. Each sound check will be limited to a maximum of 15 minutes. All showcasing artists will be notified in advance of their load-in/sound check schedule.

DRESSING ROOMS: Facility dressing rooms will be provided for showcasing artists.

The ArtsMarket Production Manager will work closely with showcase artists to best meet their needs, but certain modifications may be necessary due to time constraints and production flow.  Only technical staff provided by ArtsMarket may operate equipment during the juried showcases unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.

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Applications to showcase at the ArtsMarket 2024 conference will be accepted until 5:00PM (EST) on Friday, May 3rd, 2024.  Late applications will not be accepted, and incomplete applications will not be considered.  All applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of $50 per application, which is required by credit card at the time of submission. 

If selected for an in-person live showcase, artists must:

ArtsMarket does not facilitate independent showcases. Independent showcases are prohibited from being arranged or scheduled at any time concurrent with official conference activities and are not permitted in any space on the Carolina Theatre, Durham Marriott, or Durham Convention Center premises at any time during the three days of the conference.

Membership in the North Carolina Presenters Consortium is not required to attend, showcase, or otherwise participate in ArtsMarket.

ArtsMarket reserves the right to use showcase artists’ submitted images and content for the promotion of North Carolina Presenters Consortium, N.C. Arts Council, and the ArtsMarket conference.

This application does not represent a commitment by ArtsMarket, North Carolina Presenters Consortium, or the North Carolina Arts Council to provide a showcase.

The North Carolina Presenters Consortium or the N.C. Arts Council assumes no responsibility for costs associated with showcasing, including travel, meals, or accommodations.

Showcase Options:

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New to  ArtsMarket? Click here to check out our video for artists with tips and information about showcasing at ArtsMarket 2024! 

Application Period Opens: February 21, 2024

Application Period Closes: May 3, 2024 at 5pm

Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)

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