“We remain committed to our artists and to the local businesses that benefit from the increased foot traffic that an in-person festival brings to the downtown," Art Festival and Arts Initiative Coordinator Heather Majano said. “Our hope is that by postponing this year’s festival until later in the summer, we will have a better chance of being able to host the festival in person in the heart of downtown East Lansing this year.”

Artists who have already applied for consideration for this year’s festival can continue with the jury process or receive a full refund of their jury fee if they can't participate anymore. Artists have until Feb. 15 to request a jury fee refund. They can send an email to hmajano@cityofeastlansing.com for a refund request. Artists who may be interested in being a part of the 2021 festival can apply during its new dates in August. Feb.15 is the new deadline for applications from artists and emerging artists.

Artists can apply at the art festival's website. If the festival is converted from an in-person event to a virtual event, artist booth fees will be reimbursed.