CALL TO ARTISTS
Folk Alliance International Showcase Opportunity
Shreveport Regional Arts Council
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM CST
OVERVIEW
The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) is seeking Shreveport-based performance artists to represent our region at the Folk Alliance International Conference in New Orleans, January 21–25, 2026. This juried opportunity will select 9–15 artists (with two alternates) to perform in SRAC's private showcase during the world's largest gathering of the folk music community and industry.
Folk Alliance International draws over 3,000 artists, booking agents, festival programmers, record labels, managers, publishers, and media professionals from around the world. This is a rare chance to showcase your work on a global stage and build meaningful connections within the industry.
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered, applicants must:
• Reside in Shreveport, Louisiana
• Be 21 years of age or older
• Have an active artist profile on Culturalyst (https://culturalyst.com)
• Perform music that fits within the folk/roots/acoustic tradition, including: traditional acoustic styles, singer-songwriters, roots music, bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, blues, Celtic, world music, and indie folk
• Be available to attend the full conference, January 21–25, 2026
• Be able to perform a 30-minute acoustic set (unamplified)
• Register for the Folk Alliance International Conference if selected (required to perform)
Solo artists, duos, and bands are welcome to apply. All performances must be acoustic/unamplified. No drums or drum sets are allowed.
ARTIST GRANT PACKAGE
Selected artists will receive:
Performance Fee: $100 for a 30-minute showcase performance (date and time
determined by SRAC)
Per Diem: $50 per day for three days ($150 total)
Travel Grant (up to $1,000):
• Hotel accommodations: 3 nights (estimated $705)
• Conference registration: $120
• Travel expenses: up to $175 (gas, transportation, etc.)
Professional Development Opportunity:
• Full conference access to panels, workshops, networking events, peer sessions, and official showcases
• Direct access to industry professionals, including booking agents, festival programmers, record labels, and media
ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES
If selected, artists agree to:
• Register for and attend the full Folk Alliance International Conference, January 21–25, 2026
• Perform a 30-minute set at the time and date designated by SRAC
• Provide a credit card at hotel check-in for incidentals (room charges, movies, etc.)
• Attend all three days of conference programming—this is a professional development opportunity and a condition of the grant
• Understand that SRAC does not cover expenses for guests
• Forfeit all grant funds (hotel, registration, per diem, travel, and performance fee) and repay SRAC if they do not perform at their designated time slot for any reason
• Please note: 30-minute sets are to take place between 9 PM - 3 AM throughout the weekend of the conference
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Submit the following materials via SRAC's Submittable portal:
• Artist bio (250 words maximum)
• 3–4 song samples (streaming links or MP3 uploads)
• Current high-resolution photo
• Brief statement (150–300 words) describing how this opportunity supports your career goals
• Confirmation of availability for January 21–25, 2026
SELECTION CRITERIA
A panel of Shreveport arts professionals will review applications based on:
• Musical excellence and originality
• Representation of Shreveport's cultural diversity
• Professional readiness for industry networking
• Genre fit within the folk/roots/acoustic tradition
TIMELINE
Call Opens: November 1, 2025
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM CST
Panel Review: First week of December 2025
Artist Notification: December 10, 2025
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Applications must be submitted online at: https://srac.submittable.com/submit
QUESTIONS?
Contact Wren Coker, Administrative Director & Artist Liaison
Email: wren@shrevearts.org
Phone: 318-673-6500
ABOUT FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Folk Alliance International Conference is the premier annual gathering for the folk music industry, featuring panels, workshops, official and private showcases, networking opportunities, and direct access to the professionals who book tours, sign artists, and shape the future of folk and roots music.
ABOUT SHREVEPORT REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL
Founded in 1976 as the official Arts arm of the City of Shreveport, SRAC’s mission is to develop, nurture, produce and present, promote, engage and educate the citizens of Northwest Louisiana about the Arts, thereby maximizing access to the Arts. SRAC continues to serve as the official arts arm of the City of Shreveport and the State of Louisiana for Northwest Louisiana, operating by contract with both entities, working to support the Arts Community, sustain Community Based Arts Education, and create Innovative and Accessible Programming.
This opportunity is made possible through City of Shreveport funding.
OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS: Mardi Gras at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
Presented by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) in partnership with Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
Get ready to let the good times roll — with Art! Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana invites Artists from Northwest Louisiana (Region 7) to submit original works that capture the high-energy glitz, glamour, and celebration of Mardi Gras 2026 and the thrilling spirit of Live! Casino & Hotel.
Selected works will be purchased for $1,000 and displayed at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana throughout February and March 2026. After their display, these works will be donated to SRAC’s Christmas in the Sky 2026 Auction, supporting free access to the Arts across Northwest Louisiana.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
We want to see artwork that:
- Reflects the energy, fun, and excitement of Mardi Gras
- Captures the bold, high-stakes spirit of Live! Casino & Hotel
- Showcases the talent and creativity of local NWLA Artists
ARTIST COMPENSATION:
- A minimum of 10 works will be selected
- Each chosen artist will receive a $1,000 purchase award
- Selected works will be framed and proudly displayed by Live! Casino & Hotel during Mardi Gras season
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
- Artists must reside in Louisiana’s Region 7:
Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Bienville, DeSoto, Red River, Sabine, Natchitoches - Must be registered on the Culturalyst Directory: https://nwla.culturalyst.com/
- Original artwork only (prints/copies of your original works may be accepted)
- Mediums accepted: All 2D wall-hung art (painting, photography, mixed media, etc.)
- Size requirement: 36" x 36" maximum and can be framed or unframed
- 3D/Sculptural works accepted if they can fit through a standard 36” x 80” doorway
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Open Call Opens: October 31, 2025
- Submission Deadline (Concepts Due): November 30, 2025, by 5:00 PM
- Artist Notifications Begin: Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
- Final Art Due: Friday, January 9, 2026.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Submit your concept:
- Digitally via Submittable:
https://srac.submittable.com
NOTE: All submissions will be reviewed digitally on screens up to 65". Please upload high-resolution images to ensure your work is shown in the best light.
QUESTIONS?
Contact: Wren Coker, Administrative Director & Artist Liaison
Wren@shrevearts.org | 318-673-6500
ABOUT LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL LOUISIANA:
Learn more at: https://livecasinola.com
Let your creativity shine, show off your Mardi Gras magic, and be part of something spectacular!
SRAC encourages professional artists residing in or occupying a studio in the City of Shreveport to apply for a $1,000 grant to serve as “Art Ambassadors,” representing the City of Shreveport by taking their art outside the City. Non-matching grants of up to $1,000 are available to assist artists who have been juried or invited to present their art outside of Northwest Louisiana.
Funds are to be used to assist Artists with all related travel expenses, to include personal travel costs as well as shipping and insurance costs for exhibitions. Art Ambassador funds are designed to promote Shreveport’s artistic strengths by highlighting Shreveport artists. Applicants must provide evidence of selection through a jury process and an invitation. Art Ambassador grants are non-matching.
All applicants must have an active the Culturalyst Northwest Louisiana Artist Directory page at the time of submission. The Directory is located on the Shreveport Regional Arts Council Website at: https://nwla.culturalyst.com/. For assistance in registering your profile on the website please email karen@shrevearts.org
Click Here for complete Grant Guidelines
SRAC encourages professional artists residing in or occupying a studio in the City of Shreveport to apply for a $1,000 grant to serve as “Art Ambassadors,” representing the City of Shreveport by taking their art outside the City. Non-matching grants of up to $1,000 are available to assist artists who have been juried or invited to present their art outside of Northwest Louisiana.
Funds are to be used to assist Artists with all related travel expenses, to include personal travel costs as well as shipping and insurance costs for exhibitions. Art Ambassador funds are designed to promote Shreveport’s artistic strengths by highlighting Shreveport artists. Applicants must provide evidence of selection through a jury process and an invitation. Art Ambassador grants are non-matching.
All applicants must have an active the Culturalyst Northwest Louisiana Artist Directory page at the time of submission. The Directory is located on the Shreveport Regional Arts Council Website at: https://nwla.culturalyst.com/. For assistance in registering your profile on the website please email karen@shrevearts.org
Click Here for complete Grant Guidelines
2025-2026 CITY OF SHREVEPORT REGRANT
ARTIST Registration Fee Reimbursement GUIDELINES
Application available in
Submittable
INSTRUCTIONS:
SRAC encourages professional artists residing in NWLA to apply for Artist Call Entry Fee Reimbursement. This is for artist calls outside of the NWLA area. Reimbursement is allowed for up to $100 per year. Receipts must be turned at the time of application for reimbursement.
ELIGIBILITY:
All applicants must have an active profile on the Culturalyst Northwest Louisiana Artist Directory page at the time of submission. The Directory is located on the Shreveport Regional Arts Council Website at: https://nwla.culturalyst.com/. For assistance in registering your profile on the website please email karen@shrevearts.org
Application Deadline is revolving.