ArtsMarket 2025 Conference Overview

ArtsMarket Southeast 2026 will take place in-person in downtown Durham, NC  on November 2-4 and will feature up to 30 live and 10 virtual juried showcase performances and an exhibition hall marketplace, allowing agents and artists to meet one-on-one with presenters throughout the three days. 

ArtsMarket Southeast also offers a special Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) showcase block. This category encompasses artists of all disciplines who perform for young audiences (Pre-K-12). We will feature five (5) in-person performance showcases each lasting 10 minutes on the stage in Cinema 1 at the Carolina Theatre of Durham. The technical requirements of these showcases must be minimal (no backline will be provided) and the artist/artists must be able to showcase on a small stage.

Presenter attendees come from all parts of North Carolina and the Southeastern region and represent a wide variety of arts organizations and venues, including small concert associations, colleges and universities, and mid and large-size performing arts centers. Many of them look to ArtsMarket Southeast to book a significant part of their future seasons.

Main stage juried showcases take place at the historic Carolina Theatre of Durham and are 15 minutes. They are a key feature of ArtsMarket Southeast, providing selected artists and ensembles with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their work in a professional setting to talent buyers. ArtsMarket Southeast showcases are scheduled not to overlap with any other conference activities, so all delegates have the opportunity to attend all performances. In addition to the showcase performances, networking opportunities are abundant in the marketplace and at other scheduled conference activities.

Performing artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply for a main stage showcase (music, dance, theatre, children’s/educational, magic, comedy, variety, professional speakers etc.). We are committed to presenting a wide range of diverse performances, though the final slate of artists depends on the number, type, and quality of applications received.

The Virtual Spotlights are 5-minute, self-produced videos that will be shown at various points throughout the conference. If you would like to be considered for this category you MUST indicate this in your application and artists will be chosen by the jury. See more info under Showcase Criteria.

We do not facilitate or encourage independent showcases at ArtsMarket Southeast.

Health and safety are our top priority, and we will strictly adhere to all state and local guidelines that are in place at the time of the conference.