Artist Application - Festival of Nations 2025

FESTIVAL OF NATIONS
Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO
August 23 & 24, 2025

ARTIST APPLICATION
This application is for anyone who wishes to Entertain or Activate & Cultivate a dynamic, inclusive, and enriching experience for attendees at the Festival of Nations (FON), powered by the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL).

The Festival of Nations serves as a platform to promote intercultural understanding that educates, entertains, and inspires attendees while fostering appreciation and respect for the richness and diversity of the world's cultures. This provides an opportunity for attendees to experience and engage with different cultures, broadening their horizons and promoting cultural exchange.

The Festival of Nations will not only entertain and delight but also offer classes, demonstrations, programming, or sessions within the main Festival footprint and/or specific programming areas. This will contribute to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the Festival as they relate to the arts, education, environment, health and wellness, multiculturalism, and so much more!

By sharing cultural traditions and artistry, our entertainers, activators, and cultivators foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and create a sense of unity among the Festival audience; ultimately creating a positive and lasting impact within the fabric of our communities.

** This Application Deadline is Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11:59PM CST.

Please complete the application fully. Note: You must send a $25 application fee in order to submit your application successfully. This fee is non-refundable.

If you have any questions, please email fitzpatrickb@iistl.org

If you are looking for Food + Beverage, Retail, or Experiential Vendor Applications, be on the lookout for those releasing on Monday, February 17, 2025!
Individual/Group/Organization/Business Information
What is the Individual, Group, Organization, or Business Name?*
Will be the official name displayed on the program, signage, website etc.
Legal Individual, Group, Organization, or Business Name*
Official Individual/Business name used for invoicing & payments
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Which country/culture will you/your group be representing?*
This will be the country/countries displayed on all marketing materials. Please list whichever country/countries you would want you/your group to represent at Festival of Nations.
Which of the following options do you/your group classify as?*

Local (0-90 Miles From St. Louis, MO)Regional (90-300 Miles from St. Louis, MO)National (300+ Miles from St. Louis, MO)
What is your website?*
festofnations.com if you do not have a website
Facebook URL (if any)
Example: www.facebook.com/businessname
Instagram URL (if any)
Example: www.instagram.com/businessname
Twitter URL (if any)
Example: www.twitter.com/businessname
TikTok URL (if any)
Example: www.tiktok.com/@businessname
YouTube or Vimeo URL (if any)
Example: www.youtube.com/@businessname
Please select one of the following options that applies to your business*

I am a current client of IISTLI am a previous client of IISTLI have never been a client of IISTL
Have you participated in the Festival of Nations within the last three (3) years?*

YesNo
Which year(s) did you participate?*

202220232024
Please indicate the days you are available this year*

Both Days (Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24)Day 1 Only (Saturday, August 23)Day 2 Only (Sunday, August 24)
Personal Information
Name of Applicant*

First NameLast Name
Contact Legal Full Name*
Official name used for invoicing & payments
Contact Phone Number*
Example: (123) 456-7890
Contact Email Address*
example@example.com
Please select your preferred pronouns

She/her/hersHe/him/hisThey/them/theirsOther
I acknowledge that I can read, write, and/or sign in English*

Yes, I canNo, I cannot
What is your primary language?*
Artist Classifications

By sharing cultural traditions and artistry, our entertainers, activators, and cultivators foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and create a sense of unity among the Festival audience; ultimately creating a positive and lasting impact within the fabric of our communities.

Please refer to these definitions as you select your classification:
- Performing Artist: An individual or group who entertains the Festival's audience through their abilities, talents, and various forms of artistic expression. FON showcases and celebrates all cultural diversity and traditions of different ethnicities, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds. This includes (but is not limited to):
  - Singer/Songwriter
  - Musician
  - Band
  - Dancer
  - Dance Group
  - Comedian
  - Spoken Word
- Circus & Aerial Arts: Acrobats, jugglers, and other skilled artists who showcase their talents through daring stunts and impressive physical feats.
- Cultural Presentations: Highlights the traditions, customs, and heritage of different communities. These involve performances, storytelling, or presentations on topics such as folk music, dance, traditional costumes, or cultural practices. Attendees can learn about diverse cultures, allowing them to foster an appreciation and understanding for a variety of heritages. Presenters share folktales, myths, legends, or personal narratives from different cultures.
- Street Performers: Balloon artists, living statues, mimes, or other artists who engage with the crowd directly.
- Variety Acts: Illusionists, magicians, hypnotists, ventriloquists, mentalists, and other acts that offer mesmerizing or mind-boggling experiences.
- Visual Artists: Live painters, face painters, or other visually captivating acts that create unique and visually appealing experiences.
Please indicate which type of artist you classify as and wish to showcase during the Festival.*

BandComedianCircus & Aerial ActsCultural PresentationsDancerDance GroupMusicianSinger/SongwriterSpoken WordStreet PerformersVariety ActsVisual ArtistsOther
Please describe in detail the experience/entertainment you are seeking to showcase (Feel free to include YouTube/Vimeo/etc. video links):*
If in a group, how many performers do you have?*
If just an individual, answer 1.
If a performing artist, what is your/your group's primary genre? (Examples: World Music, Jazz, Pop, Folk, etc.)*
If this does not apply to you/your group, answer NA.
What are your typical performance fees for events, or would this performance be offered as an in-kind contribution to the Festival of Nations?*
We are committed to equitable compensation and recognition for all performers and entertainers.
If you are selected as a Festival Artist, would you be willing to participate in Opening & Closing Ceremonies at the Festival of Nations?*

Yes - I'm in!No thanks, not this year.I would like more information about this.
Would you like to showcase/sell merchandise or other traditional clothing/goods at our designated merchandise booth after your performance?*

YesNo
Would you/your group be interested in hosting any workshops, classes, presentations, etc. in our Festival of Nations Global Experience Area?*

Yes!No, not this year.
What experience would you be able to offer to festival attendees?*
Are you interested in purchasing a booth space to promote yourself/your group or sell art/cultural goods/services (face painting, live paintings, etc.) throughout the Festival weekend? Note: This is different from our merchandise booth - you will have to provide your own tables, chairs, tent, and staff at your assigned space for the weekend.*

Yes!Not this year.Maybe - I need some more information.
Will you/any members of your group require travel/lodging accommodations? (Must be 90+ miles from St. Louis, MO)*

YesNo
If approved to be an FON artist, will you/your group need assistance with submitting any of the following materials? If you are unsure what any of the items below are, please select that you need help with it.

Technical RiderStage PlotW9Input ListOther
Do you/your group have any special accommodations that we need to be made aware of?
Would you be interested in being contacted about any media opportunities to promote Festival of Nations?*

Yes!No thanks.Other
Work Samples

Please attach at least ONE (1) sample. Multiple samples may increase your chances of acceptance.
Work Sample #1:*

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Work Sample #2:

Cancelof
Work Sample #3:

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FON Application Deposit & Payment Information
We are requiring a non-refundable $25 fee for every application. A receipt for this transaction will be sent to the email provided.

Upon application approval, you will receive the Festival contract, invoice, calendar of mandatory meetings, and any additional forms needed.

We will be reaching out to artists by the end of February regarding their application statuses.

THANK YOU for your desire to be a part of the region's biggest multicultural festival of the year! Together, we'll highlight the vibrancy of multiculturalism, celebrate our unique identities, and create community impact that cultivates a more prosperous region for all.

Total Required Today*

Application Fee

$25.00 Quantity

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Total

$0.00

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Individual/Group/Organization/Business Information

Personal Information

Work Samples

FON Application Deposit & Payment Information

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