Black Boy Art Show Chicago

Welcome to the Largest Celebration of Black Male Artists in the World.

 

Black Boy Art Show is a powerfully curated platform committed to elevating the creativity, depth, and unapologetic expression of Black male artists. Each show draws 6,000 to 8,000 art lovers, collectors, and culture shapers who come ready to connect with, celebrate, and invest in your work.

 

We welcome you to apply!

 

EXHIBITOR ELIGIBILITY (READ BEFORE APPLYING)

 

WHO CAN APPLY?
Black male exhibitors 21+.
The person listed on the application must be the owner, creator, and on-site exhibitor.
Please read the information below carefully to determine your eligibility.

 
EXHIBITOR TYPES
🎨 VISUAL ARTISTS
Painting
Mixed media
Photography
Digital art
Sculpture
AI-assisted art is allowed ONLY if:

AI is used as a tool, not the final product
The work shows clear manipulation, storytelling, or transformation
🚫 Simple prompt-generated AI artwork will NOT be accepted.

 
🛍️ VENDORS
Physical products only, including:

Creative clothing brands
Books (Black male authors only)
Handmade jewelry
Ceramics / pottery
Wood, leather, metal, or glass crafts
Candles, soaps, bath & body products
Hand-sewn or paper crafts
Stationery items (journals, pens, sticky notes, etc.)
 
🚫 PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF
You do not identify as a Black man
You are under 21
The business or brand is owned, operated, or primarily created by someone who does not identify as a Black man
You sell food, drinks, electronics, lashes, bundles, etc.
You offer services only (tarot, coaching, therapy, yoga, speaking)
You use stolen art or unlicensed imagery
Your offering is not listed above
 
CURATION STANDARD
We curate each show intentionally.

Applications may be rejected if:

Your website, portfolio, or social media shows no sense of curation
Artwork photos feel inconsistent or lack intention
There is no clear artistic voice
 
REVIEW PROCESS
Applications are reviewed by our team
We maintain a 5:1 Artist-to-Vendor ratio
You will receive an approval, rejection, or status update by email
If approved, your registration fee is charged upon acceptance
 
EVENT DETAILS
Space: 8×8 ft or 16×8 ft
Exhibitors must bring their own display (tables, grid panels, easels, lighting, etc.)
Setup: By 12:00 PM or the time listed in your setup email
Sales: 3:00–8:00 PM
Exhibitors keep 100% of sales
 
Thank you for reading & Happy Applying! :)

Our celebration of black male artists includes 8 cities, 5000+ artists, and 75k+ attendees nationwide so an extra hand is always helpful! Earn free passes, merch discounts, and more! Sign up and let us know how you’d like to volunteer. Departments: - Event Setup - Registration - Merch - Floater