Call to Artists & Dates Announced: 2026 M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival at the Memorial Art Gallery

Rochester, NY - The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) invites artists from across the country to apply for participation in the 2026 M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival. The annual two-day celebration will be held on August 29 and 30, 2026. For nearly 70 years, the M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival has brought together over 300 artists and thousands of visitors on the grounds of MAG to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. The festival is MAG’s largest annual fundraiser and one of the region’s longest-running juried art festivals. Attendees can explore and purchase original works, enjoy live entertainment, sample offerings from local food trucks, participate in free family art activities, and explore MAG’s galleries. More information about the M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival can be found here: https://mag.rochester.edu/events/clothesline-festival/

To apply, interested artists can submit work here: https://mag.rochester.edu/clothesline/clothesline-artist-applications/

Key Details for Artists:

Application Period: Open now

Eligibility: All submitted work must be original, one-of-a-kind, or limited-edition creations conceived and designed solely by the artist. Vision, imagination, and originality are paramount.

Restrictions: Commercial kits, patterns, stencils, molds, mass-produced items, personal care items, edible goods, candles, plants, flowers, and beaded jewelry made solely from commercially produced beads are not permitted. Reproductions of an artist’s own work may not exceed 30% of the booth display.

Artists will be evaluated by a panel of jurors based on MAG’s eligibility criteria. While individual feedback is not provided, the festival’s high standards ensure an exceptional showcase of talent and craftsmanship.

For questions about artist spaces, eligibility, or the application process, please contact clothesline@mag.rochester.edu or 585.276.8949.