FESTIVAL OF NATIONS
Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO
August 29 & 30, 2026 

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 Thursday, April 30th, 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 gonzalezd@iistl.org

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.

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.