SELMA – Returning after a successful first go, an upcoming community event looks to bring an extra splash of color to the city’s downtown.
Artists and vendor applications are now open for the second Selma Arts and Culture Fest, which will take place on High Street on April 24 from 5-8 p.m. Artists have until March 31 to submit their work for the Selma Arts Center’s lobby gallery exhibit, and vendors have until April 9 to submit their applications.
Art submissions can be done free of charge on the Selma Art Center’s website. Vendor applications available on the city of Selma’s website, and will require a $20 booth fee and a $34 one-day business license fee.
Though the fest is still a ways away, organizers are working proactively to bring it to its full potential.
“We just hope that this event is fun for everyone, and it’s free, so it’s a good way to get involved in the community and connect with others,” said Samantha Valles, community services coordinator for the city of Selma. “We hope it provides some sort of light, or feelings of comfort, for those who are looking for it.”
Art submissions opened on March 18, and artists are welcome to submit multiple pieces or collections. SAC will be looking for pieces that represent themes of community, healing and connection, or anything that inspires feelings of hope, and Valles said that submissions are open to all forms of art.
In addition to the gallery, SAC will have a lineup of performances during the day for those looking to enjoy some performing arts.
High Street will be closed off to make way for a robust street fair with various food and craft offerings. Valles shared that some local favorites who regularly participate in the city’s events have already signed up, but there’s still plenty of room for those looking to reach a new audience.
Since the event seemed to be a “big hit” last year, Valles said the goal is to keep that momentum going and make it an annual experience. She noted that the initial inspiration was to follow through on SAC’s goal of exposing the community to the arts, while bringing residents together for an exciting evening.
“We wanted to host an event that involved all of the best things: good music, good food, some art and some community,” Valles said.
Updates for the Arts and Culture Fest, as well as any other upcoming community events, can be found on the Selma Arts Center and Selma SPARCS social media pages.
