DAM hosts an annual open call for our Featured Artist Program, supporting early-career artists through professional development and connecting them with local collectors and the broader community.

The Featured Artist Program is a cornerstone initiative at Detroit Artists Market, designed to support emerging artists through a professional development series that culminates in a solo exhibition. Through an open call, seven artists are selected to join a cohort that participates in peer learning and a tailored curriculum focused on key career-building topics such as pricing artwork, writing artist statements, and preparing gallery-ready work. The following year, each participating artist presents a cohesive body of work in a solo exhibition at DAM.

The Featured Artist space is designed to highlight a single artist’s work and serves as a separate exhibition space from our main gallery. In addition to elevating the work of an emerging artist, the Featured Artist space encourages new art collectors to discover high-quality, affordably priced artwork. Artists are encouraged to offer a variety of sizes and price points to support a wide range of collectors and community buyers.

Below are key details about how DAM works with Featured Artists:

• Educational Sessions.  Artists participate in a tailored curriculum with DAM staff—covering pricing strategies, artist statements & bios, and preparing gallery-ready work.
• Artwork. The Featured Artist space accommodates works of all media, including 2D and 3D pieces.
• Space Specifications. Artists present in the Featured Artist Gallery, a space measuring approximately 245 sq ft. Pedestals and shelving of various sizes are available for use.
• Pricing. Artists are encouraged to prioritize accessible price points, with most work priced under $500. A select number of pieces may be priced up to $1,000. DAM will work with artists to recommend pricing that aligns with current sales trends and helps maximize opportunities for sales.
• Installation Details. All works must be wired and ready for display upon delivery. All work will be handled and installed by DAM’s professional art installer.
• Pre-Show Deliverables. Artists must submit the following before dropping off work:
  • A brief artist bio.
  • A brief statement about the featured works.
  • High-quality photos of all works for promotional use and the gallery website.
  • A completed consignment form. 

An emerging artist is an individual in the early stages of their professional career who demonstrates exceptional promise and commitment to their creative practice. These artists are actively building their presence within the arts through group exhibitions, community engagement, or self-initiated projects. 

ELIGIBILITY

• Artists living and working in Wayne County, Oakland County, or Macomb County
• Artists who are in the first 5–10 years of actively pursuing a professional career in the arts
• Artists who do not have gallery representation and are not similarly represented by an organization
• Artists who demonstrate a consistent, professional commitment to their practice through exhibitions, residencies, or community projects
• Ability to exhibit a cohesive body of work, either through a collection of existing work or the creation of new work for an exhibition

WHO SHOULD NOT APPLY

• Artists who have an established (locally, regionally, or nationally) career
• Artists who are representation by an art gallery or similar organization
• Artists who have shown at DAM more than 3 curated exhibitions (not including marketplace events Art for the Holidays or Summer Block Party)
• Artists whose primary work is not visual arts
• Artists who have been featured as a DAM Featured Artist within the last five years.
• Artists whose work does not align with DAM’s mission to connect artists, collectors, and communities
• Artists who are unable to meet the Featured Artist artwork price requirements.
• Hobbyists or individuals not actively pursuing a professional career in the arts

CELEBRATING OUR FEATURED ARTISTS!

Lucia Calderon Arrieta, 2020

Elton Monroy Durran, 2020

Tony Rave, 2020

Bana Kabalan, 2020

John DeBoer, 2019

Caroline Del Giudice, 2019

Jennifer Sakarian, 2019

Deborah Kashdan, 2019

Darin Darby, 2019

Lucia Calderon Arrieta, 2019