Mississippi Earthtones Festival issues call for proposals; local artist grants available

By Managing Editor | July 22, 2026 |

Grants up to $400 will be awarded to three artists to build large art installations throughout the festival grounds

The Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project, Alton Main Street, and Jacoby Arts Center are calling for proposals for artist grants for the 20th annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival.

The festival, which will be held from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, brings together thousands of community members in celebration of the Mississippi River through art, music, and conservation.

Local artists are invited to submit proposals via this form by Friday, Aug. 21 to fill the festival grounds with beauty and creativity while enhancing the festival for visitors through interactive art experiences.

The Mississippi Earthtones Festival is held annually as part of the state of Illinois “It’s Our River Day,” an initiative to celebrate Illinois watersheds through education, recreation, and conservation. This year’s MEF theme is “Rooted in Rhythm!”

Local artists of all types are invited to submit a proposal via this submission form by Aug. 21 for the chance to receive a $400 grant to build an art installation on the festival’s grounds. Street artists, textile artists, fashion designers, and makers of products from upcycled and natural materials are especially encouraged to apply.

More information about the Mississippi Earthtones Festival can be found at www.facebook.com/EarthtonesFestival.

“The Mississippi Earthtones Festival was founded on the principles of conservation and community. We hope that this year, artists will expand the theme from ‘Rooted in Rhythm’ to ‘Rooted in the River, the Arts, the Community, and All of Nature,’” said Christine Favilla, Three Rivers Project coordinator for the Illinois Sierra Club. “This evolution beautifully aligns with our mission to conserve and protect the environment while celebrating our amazing outdoors. I’m excited to see how artists interpret this connection and express what it means to feel truly rooted.”