SCHOLARSHIP & MENTOR PROGRAM

Craft Lake City offers a Scholarship & Mentor Program for first-time exhibitors in artisan, vintage, and craft food categories, providing business training, networking, waived booth fees, and one-on-one mentorship before, during, and after the event.

Scholarship Categories

Scholarships are available to Utah-based artisans, vintage vendors and craft food makers who are first-time exhibitors at the Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival and Holiday Market. Applicants must submit a general application plus one scholarship application; Holiday Market applications are opening soon.

The Artisan Scholarship is open to all local makers, with an emphasis on emerging artisans who fall below the 50% Area Median Income Bracket for their county of residence.

The LGBTQ+ scholarship is open to all local makers, with an emphasis on individuals who either identify as LGBTQ+, an ally or their artistic expression elevates the voices of those in the LGBTQ+ community.

The ArtAbility scholarship is open to all local makers, with an emphasis on individuals who either identify with having a disability, an ally or their artistic expression elevates the voices of the disabled community.

Interested in sponsoring a scholarship? Email sponsorships@craftlakecity.com to learn more!

“The Craft Lake City Artisan Scholarship not only gave me a great deal of knowledge towards how to be successful, but it also helped me create valuable connections to the local art scene in Utah. I gained confidence while in the program, particularly through confirmation that I was working hard and heading in the right direction.”

“I’m proud to be a mentor in Craft Lake City’s Community Inclusion Program, helping give local artisans tools and tricks to help them succeed in their craft. This program is building a strong artist culture here in Salt Lake, one that I’m honored to be a part of.”

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It really has given me a lot of confidence as an artist and I want to do more events now.”

“I’m in a place in my career where I prefer helping other people more than I like promoting myself. It makes me feel useful. The experience was very enjoyable”

“I loved this program! I loved sharing what I know from experience and I loved showing them what this program can provide for their future.“

“I am confident now as I do more events like Craft Lake City [DIY Fest]. The Scholar Program honestly was so beneficial for me. It is intimidating to vend your first art festival and this program made it less scary.”

Program overview

Waived booth fees: Exhibit at the DIY Festival (up to 10’×10’) or Holiday Market (up to 5’×10’) at no cost

Business training: Learn booth design, merchandising, sales, promotion, and small business basics

Networking: Connect, share ideas, and build relationships

Mentorship: Guidance from experienced festival exhibitors to help you prepare and succeed

First-time participant in the Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival or Holiday Market

Utah resident

Submit a general event application and a scholarship application by the deadline
Be selected through a juried review based on work quality

Apply to only one scholarship category (ArtAbility, Artisan, or LGBTQ+)

Submit both the general DIY Festival or Holiday Market application and the scholarship application by the deadline

Selected applicants may be invited to a short virtual interview (check email and text after applications close)

Optional: attend an Application Assistance Day for support and free product photos

Scholarship recipients are announced by email on the posted date

2026 DIY Festival Timeline (subject to change)

March 26 – Applications close
March 26–April 5 – Application review
April 17–21 – Finalist interviews
April 23 – Program notifications sent
Late April/Early May – Mentor matching
May 8 (6–8 p.m.) – Makers Mart Mixer (networking event)
Mid-May (5–8 p.m.) – Business training workshop (festival prep, booth design, marketing, sales, finances)
May–July 26 – Mentor meetings (at least one required 1:1 session; additional support encouraged)
August 7–9 – 18th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival (Presented by Harmons)
August 26 (6–8 p.m.) – Wrap-Up Party (reflection, feedback, and celebration)

2026 Holiday Market Timeline (subject to change)

Mid-September – Applications close
Late September – Application review
Early October – 30-minute finalist interviews (Zoom)
Mid-October – Program notifications sent
Late October – Mentor matching (via email)
Late October (6–8 p.m.) – Virtual business training workshop (market prep, booth display, marketing, finances, sales)
October–November – Mentor meetings (at least one required 1:1 session; additional support encouraged)
December 4–5 – 7th Annual Craft Lake City Holiday Market
Mid-December (6–8 p.m.) – Virtual wrap-up celebration (reflection, feedback, and takeaways)

**Selected recipients must commit to being an active and engaged participant in all associated programs, training sessions and requirements that are designed to prepare scholars to exhibit at the Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival/Holiday Market in order to get the most out of the program.