Santa Ana, CA

Bowers Museum
Comic Art Expo

2 Days . June 15-16, 2024 . 10 am - 4 pm

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Call for Artists, Writers, Animators, & More

We are currently seeking talented artists/vendors to join us for this exciting event — comic artistry is the focus, but artists/vendors of all styles are welcome to submit their work.

Sharing or splitting of booths is allowed!

And you get 20% discount for booth/table fee if you refer someone to apply as well (that someone will get the discount, too)!

Whether you're a seasoned professional or emerging talent, we invite you to showcase your art, connect with fellow artists, and engage with an enthusiastic audience.

Animators, brick builders, cosplay & Harajuku fashion show participants, and speakers/presenters pay $0 to apply and display artwork!

Note: Application does not guarantee acceptance.

What we're looking for:

  • Artists / makers / fabricators / vendors
    • Seasoned professionals and upcoming talent are all welcome to apply!
    • Get 20% discount on your booth/table fee when you refer someone to apply as well (that someone will get the discount, too)!
  • Animators
    • Your animated short(s) could be showcased in our museum’s auditorium! Selected animated shorts will be screened in our auditorium during the Expo weekend. Please submit a link to your animated short(s); include the title and description of your work(s); and a brief biography and/or artist statement if you have them (not required). No limit to the number of submissions per animator/team.
    • Free to apply and screen your work!
  • Toy building bricks/blocks contestants
    • Submit your masterpiece(s) for a juried competition! Drop off your finished creation(s) in person on Friday, June 14, and contestants’ works will be displayed during both Expo days; winners will receive prominent placement in the museum’s lobby.
    • Free to apply and display your work!
  • Cosplay & Harajuku Fashion Show Participants
    • Show off your creative attire at our Cosplay & Harajuku Fashion Show! Sign up opens on-site on Saturday, June 15, and continues through the morning of Sunday, June 16. The fashion show takes place at 2 pm that Sunday in our auditorium — get ready to strut your stuff, all in the name of fun!
    • Free to apply and walk the show!
  • Speakers / presenters
    • Interested in participating in an artists' open forum or panel discussion? Let us know!
    • Free to apply and share your ideas!

Submission guidelines:

Please send your submissions to expo@bowers.org. Questions are welcomed and we are here to support you.

Because exhibitor spaces are limited, our selection committee will select and reserve artists’ booths/tables until all spaces are filled. Application does not guarantee acceptance.

For all submissions: art, animations, cosplay/fashion, and brick builds:

  • Please ensure that all art/materials/cosplay/fashion on display are suitable for people of all ages and cultures

  • Feel free to include a bio and/or artist statement (not required)

  • We reserve the right to make the final decisions on all exhibiting art, artists, and vendors – thank you!

For booth/table rentals:

  • Please include a link to your portfolio, social media, or samples of your work; between 5-20 samples that represent the style(s) of work that you do

Booth & Table Fees:

Available spaces include indoor booths, outdoor booths, and outdoor tables. While we'll do our best to accommodate your preferred selection, please note that booths will be placed based on availability. Application does not guarantee acceptance.

Please also indicate if you'd like to speak at an artists' open forum to take place on stage in the museum auditorium -- seasoned professionals and upcoming talent are all welcome to apply!

Fees listed below include our Base Level, as well as our Hero Level. The additional contributions for the Hero Level are not required. Your added donation will go directly to supporting our museum’s mission, such as educational programs that benefit thousands of students each year.

Note: Animators/brick builders/cosplay & Harajuku fashion show participants/speakers and presenters do not need to purchase a booth/table.

Bowers Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our community thrives thanks to the generosity of heroes like you!

Apply Online | By Email

INDOOR BOOTHS

  • 10’ x 10’ covered booth w/ walls on 3 sides, 8' draped table, 2 chairs
  • Sharing/splitting of booths is allowed!

OUTDOOR BOOTHS

  • 10’ x 10’ covered booth w/ walls on 3 sides, 8' draped table, 2 chairs
  • Sharing/splitting of booths is allowed!

OUTDOOR TABLES

  • 6' draped table, 2 chairs; located under spacious, shaded arcades in beautiful historic courtyard
  • Sharing/splitting of tables is allowed!

Refer others to apply
& get 20% off your booth/table fee!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a dynamic art community!

• Show off your creativity at a world-class museum

• Sell your original artwork, prints, merch, and commissions

• Share or split your booth with a friend

• Network with fellow creators and art enthusiasts alike

Artists & Writers

Become a Member

Become a member today and enjoy a year of unlimited free General Admission and access to featured exhibitions including the current blockbuster, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form. Memberships can be purchased by phone at 714.567.3639, in person at Bowers' admission desk, or online here. Questions? Email membership@bowers.org

Bowers Fellows

Become a Bowers Fellow today, and join a legacy of unforgettable adventures that never end. Bowers Fellows are presented with exclusive travel opportunities, including an international trip and a domestic trip each year. Learn more here.

Bowers Museum

bowers.org | 2002 N. Main Street | Santa Ana, CA 92706

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