The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through its flagship event, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. Established in 1973, the organization owns and operates the original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, which was first established in 1960. The fair is renowned as the largest juried outdoor art fair in the United States, showcasing nearly 1,000 artists across a sprawling 30-city-block area in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

History and Mission

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc. was founded to increase public knowledge and appreciation of the arts by providing a platform for artists to exhibit and sell their original works. Since its inception, the fair has been held annually on the streets of Ann Arbor and surrounding the University of Michigan's central campus, attracting artists and visitors from around the nation. The nonprofit status underscores its commitment to supporting the arts community rather than generating profit.

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair

The fair spans several days each summer and features an extensive variety of original artworks, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and mixed media. It has built a reputation for high-quality juried exhibitions and significant artist sales, with over $2.2 million in annual sales recorded. The event also offers over $16,000 in jury and purchase awards to participating artists.

Programs and Community Engagement

Beyond the exhibition itself, the organization hosts several programs designed to foster artistic development and community participation, including:

• The New Art New Artists (NANA) program, which highlights emerging talent.
• The Youth Art Fair, encouraging young artists to participate.
• Interactive zones such as the Art Activity Zone and Demo Zone, in collaboration with local museums and art studios.
• Partnerships with institutions like the Toledo Museum of Art, Detroit Institute of Arts, University of Michigan Museum, and others to enrich the cultural experience.

Symbolism and Branding

The fair’s emblem, a stylized letter “A,” reflects both the name of the event and the city of Ann Arbor. The design incorporates vibrant colored rectangles that represent the dynamic footprint of the multiple fairs held concurrently in the city. The emblem subtly references artistic tools like an easel and pencil, symbolizing creativity and expression, and pays homage to Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, emphasizing the fair's dedication to high-quality art.

Impact and Reach

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc. reaches a broad audience, with its marketing efforts generating millions of viewers and listeners nationally via television, radio, print, and online media. The fair not only provides a vital marketplace for artists but also serves as a cultural highlight in Ann Arbor, drawing visitors from across the country and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Through its ongoing commitment to the arts, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc. continues to be a prominent nonprofit organization fostering artistic talent, community involvement, and public appreciation of the visual arts in the United States.