The Art of Emerging: How the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is Cultivating the Next Generation of Creative Entrepreneurs

For more than six decades, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) has been the pinnacle of Florida’s fine arts scene, drawing art enthusiasts to its three-day outdoor spectacle. But beyond the canvases and sculptures displayed under Miami’s sunlit skies, CGAF is making waves in an entirely different way—by fostering the next generation of artists through its Emerging Artists Program. Designed as a two-year, immersive initiative, this pioneering program is providing young artists with the tools, mentorship, and real-world experience to build sustainable careers in the competitive art world.

Unlike traditional fine arts education, the Emerging Artists Program offers an intensive 16-month training in the business of art—an aspect often overlooked in academia. Through hands-on experiences, participants gain invaluable skills, from transporting and displaying artwork to mastering financial literacy and pricing strategies. The program also offers a mock jury process, allowing young artists to understand the selection criteria that can make or break a career in festival art.

One of the most transformative aspects of the program is the mentorship initiative. Each year, selected artists who have never exhibited professionally are paired with seasoned festival veterans who guide them through every aspect of presenting and selling their work. In 2024, forty professional artists mentored twelve emerging talents, offering them a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of being a festival artist.

Award-winning photographer Evan Reinheimer, known for his aerial photography using kite-mounted cameras, served as a panelist in the mentorship program, offering insights into festival art as a viable and rewarding career.

This hands-on training has been a game-changer. Ten emerging artists from last year’s program are now exhibiting and selling their work at the 2025 CGAF, while eleven new participants are gearing up to begin their mentorship journey.

For many young artists, the Emerging Artists Program has opened doors to a path they never considered viable.

“Gaining tips on presentation, pricing, and even how to engage with customers was invaluable,” says Stephen Anglim from Long Island, NY, who has completed the two-year program. “I walked away with a fresh perspective, a notebook full of ideas, and a confidence that has only grown over the past year.”

While some artists find their calling in the festival circuit, others use the program to make informed decisions about their future. “I’m still testing the waters,” says Jacob Stiltner, a Miami-based emerging artist. “It was one thing to observe the festival artists in action, but another to step into their shoes. I’m still figuring out if this path is for me.”

As the art world evolves, CGAF is ensuring that festival-based careers remain a thriving avenue for artists. By combining education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, the Emerging Artists Program is preserving the tradition of festival art while modernizing it for the next generation.

Tickets: Available online at cgaf.com