Application Process and Guidelines
for Studios and Galleries
Now in its 20th year, RAAC’s Fall Art Tour has grown into one of Virginia’s premier events. The Art Tour features over 80 artists in studios and galleries throughout Rappahannock County. Each participating studio and gallery must go through an application and vetting process to be on the Tour and must follow the guidelines below.
How to Apply
New studios or galleries. New studios or galleries need to complete the new artist form on the Art Tour website by June 1. The co-chairs of the Art Tour Committee will then confirm county residency and begin the application process. Several members of the Art Tour Committee, consisting of members of the RAAC Board and the community, will schedule a visit to the prospective studio or gallery to determine adherence to the guidelines below. After the vetting visit, if approved, the studio or gallery will be sent an application.
Returning studios or galleries. Returning studios and galleries that have participated in the Art Tour in the past three years will be sent an application by April 15 for the upcoming Tour. Returning studios and galleries that have not participated in the Tour in the past three years will need to go through the vetting process again. Any returning studio or gallery that is changing its location must contact the co-chairs of the Art Tour Committee to set up a vetting appointment prior to submitting an application.
The review process for both new and returning studios and galleries is careful, deliberative and confidential.
All Art Tour participants must follow the guidelines below.
Guidelines
The following guidelines will be used to determine the eligibility of studios and galleries to participate in the Art Tour.
1. Quality. Your artwork must be fine art or craft, and of a professional quality. A measure of this includes exhibitions of your work, shows where your work was displayed and/or sold, or a record of salability to stores and galleries.
2. Location. Your studio or gallery must be located in Rappahannock County, Virginia and Art Tour applicants must be Rappahannock residents. Your studio or gallery must be open throughout the designated hours of the Tour weekend.
3. Studios: Primary Place Where Artwork is Created. Studios must be the primary place where your artwork is created. Your studio must be a permanent working studio, not a temporary “pop-up” studio, gallery, or display area.
4. Galleries: Changing, Advertised Shows. Galleries must have changing, advertised and promoted shows. Galleries must also have dedicated gallery space.
5. Origin of Work. Your primary body of work must be made by you or be of your original design. Embellishing or adorning purchased objects or media for resale is not considered original work.
6. Body of Work and Inventory. You should have both a cohesive body of work which represents your artistic skills for display and sufficient inventory for a two-day show.
7. Adequate Studio/Gallery Space. Your studio or gallery should be visually pleasing and capable of comfortably accommodating ten or more visitors at one time. Studios and galleries assume all liability for visitors and are responsible for assuring a safe and accessible space. Use of your home as a studio and display space is acceptable provided the space is safe and accessible.
8. Demonstrations. Demonstrations of your artistic process are highly encouraged. Demonstrations, studio or workshop tours, or visual presentations of the production process during Art Tour hours are desirable.
9. Participation in Promotions. Art Tour artists need to assume promotional responsibilities such as distributing flyers or brochures at art shows and during the Tour and sending emails, texts, or mailings to your customer lists to promote the Tour. Artists also need to supply current images of their work to Tour organizers for social media promotions.
10. Studio Guest Artists. Each studio may have one or more guest artist.
11. Parking and Access. Studios and galleries need to have sufficient parking and access for Art Tour visitors.
12. Free Admission. The Art Tour is free and open to the public; studios and galleries will not charge an admission fee.
13. Relocation. Any Art Tour artist who relocates his or her studio or gallery will need to be re-vetted for compliance with these guidelines.
14. Abiding by Tour Guidelines. Participating Art Tour studios and galleries are required to abide by all Tour guidelines, including those announced from time to time by Tour organizers. This includes adherence to Tour deadlines.
I have read the above guidelines and agree to follow them.