Chalk the Bay Art & Music Festival – Artist Information

Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027, 6 p.m. – Location TBD

Hosted by Clearwater Arts Alliance

• 2D Artists (10’ x 10’): $500
• 3D Artists (min. 20’ x 10’): $800
• Wall Artists (8’ x 8’): $1,000

All selected artists will receive an official festival t-shirt and are required to wear it while working.

• Artists traveling from more than 2 hours away are eligible for a $400 room stipend
• All artists may access discounted group rates

Official Hotel Options:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach: $199/night + tax (includes breakfast, no resort or parking fees)
• Dolphin Sands Hotel: $169/night + tax (no resort or parking fees; breakfast at Hampton)

Booking Contact: Juli Norberg, Juli.Norberg@Hilton.com

Artists are responsible for booking their own accommodations.

Room Sharing (Optional):

Artists may request to be matched with another artist to share a room. A list of participating artists will also be provided to coordinate independently.

• Trolley and bus service available between hotels and the park
• Complimentary trolley passes will be provided
• The hotel is approximately 3 miles away (across the bridge on Clearwater Beach)
• E-bikes are also an option to rent

Parking:

Artists driving must submit vehicle information (including tag number) for free parking access in city garages.

Note: Transportation from the airport is not provided.

• No required theme or design submission - artists are encouraged to create in their own style
• Artists must check in and confirm placement before starting
• Artists should be actively working most of the day
• Engagement with the public is strongly encouraged
• Artwork must cover at least 90% of the assigned space

Allowed:

• Umbrellas or small tents (must be weighted and not obstruct others)
• Covering artwork overnight (artist must provide materials)

• Artists must supply all materials
• Only tempera paint is allowed (no acrylic or oil-based paint)
• If traveling, paint can be shipped in advance to local contact (provided upon acceptance)

Artwork must be family-friendly and may NOT include:

• Political content or messaging
• Advertising or commercial logos
• Nudity or sexual imagery
• Profanity or vulgar language
• Violence, gore, smoking, or vaping imagery

• Sponsor logos must be displayed at the bottom of artwork
• Personal music must be kept low or used with earbuds
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Non-compliance may result in removal from the event

By participating, artists agree to the use of images of their work and likeness for promotional purposes.

• Application Deadline: Aug. 31, 2026
• Artist Notifications: Sept. 25, 2026

To be announced.

• Artists may begin base painting and outlining on Thursday, Jan. 14, after 4 p.m.
• Artists may work throughout the day on Friday, Jan. 15; however, please note that artists are expected to be actively chalking for the full duration of the event on Saturday.
• Artists must be actively working from at least 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16.
• All artwork must be completed by 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 for judging.
• Sunday, Jan. 17 attendance is required (morning to 1 p.m.) for public engagement and award display.
• Artists may leave after 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17.

Please see the sponsorship application for more details

• 2D Chalk Art Sponsor – $500
• 3D Chalk Art Sponsor – $800
• Mural Wall Sponsor – $1,000

Add-on: Select Your Artist– $150 (additional)

View the Sponsorship Application

View examples of the art

• Open to students and emerging artists ages 13–22
• Pastel set provided by the city
• 10x10 chalking location provided by the city
• Free lunch on Saturday
• Free dinner and award opportunities at the artist dinner on Saturday night
• Required to be on site Saturday and Sunday (only if work isn’t completed)
• This is a non-paid opportunity

Apply here