Member News

Rochester, NY, February 26, 2026— The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) invites artists and designers from across the country to get involved in the 2026 M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival, taking place August 29 and 30, 2026, on the museum’s campus. As MAG’s largest annual fundraiser and one of the region’s longest-running juried art festivals, Clothesline offers multiple opportunities for artists—both established and emerging—to participate, be recognized, and connect with thousands of visitors.

Now in its nearly 70th year, the M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival brings together more than 300 artists and makers alongside live entertainment, local food trucks, free family art activities, and access to MAG’s galleries. Artists working across fine art and fine craft media are encouraged to apply for participation in the 2026 festival. Click here to learn more about the festival.

New in 2026: Koret Fellows Emerging Artist Award
MAG is pleased to introduce the Koret Fellows Emerging Artist Award, designed to support artists in the early stages of their careers. The award provides selected artists with a complimentary booth space at the 2026 festival, helping reduce barriers to participation while amplifying emerging creative voices. Artists with a growing body of work, an evolving artistic practice, and an interest in expanding their audience are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm, with award notifications sent by May 14, 2026. Click here to learn more and apply now.

Merch Madness Tee Design Competition
Artists and designers are also invited to participate in Merch Madness, MAG’s annual T-shirt design competition for the Clothesline Festival. Submitted designs will compete in a public voting bracket in May, giving the community a chance to choose the graphic that will appear on the official 2026 Clothesline tee. The winning designer will receive $350 in prize money or a free booth space at the festival. Click here to learn more and submit your design.

Merch Madness key dates include:

• Monday, February 2: Submissions open
• Friday, March 21: Submissions close at 11:59 pm
• Monday, May 4: Public voting begins
• Monday, June 1: Winner announced

Together, these opportunities reflect MAG’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists, fostering creativity, and strengthening connections between makers and the community. More information about the 2026 M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival, including artist applications and participation details, can be found at mag.rochester.edu/events/clothesline-festival