AUSTIN, TX.- At the intersection of life and art, creativity and commerce, collaboration and imagination, 220 of the best emerging and independent artists will descend on the hub of innovation, expression and individuality that is Austin, Texas - but first they must apply.

In excess of 20,000 art enthusaists from the region and nation are expected at this at the 58th annual Art City Austin (formerly The Austin Fine Arts Festival) and until midnight on October 31, Art Alliance Austin (est. 1956) is accepting visual artists' application for participation in its highly anticipated annual art fair held April 12th and 13th, 2008.

All 2008 applications must be submitted electronically through www.artallianceaustin.org or www.zapplication.org. Completed applications and a non-refundable $30 jury fee must be received by October 31, midnight, CST. The jury process is highly competitive with thousands of applicants from around the world competing for 220 available juried slots in 14 media categories at Austin's major annual outdoor art fair. Art City Austin has been ranked top art festival in Texas and Twentieth in the Nation. This year may well redefine what an outdoor art fair can be.