The Carmel International Arts Festival (CIAF) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is Educating the Community Through the Arts. This mission is carried out through a festival held during the last weekend of September in the Arts and Design District of Carmel, Indiana.  The Carmel and greater Indianapolis communities are treated to the finest samplings to purchase and take home.

This juried two-day exhibition of 100-140 professional artists working in nine mediums: jewelry, paint, 3D, 2D, wood, ceramics, glass, fiber, photography. The juried process ensures their art is unique, not mass produced, and of the highest of quality. Approximately 33% of the artists come from Indiana. In 2023, eight other states were represented, as well as Carmel’s international sister cities.

The artwork is also judged at the festival by jurors who are professional artists who are paid for their judging services. Ribbons are issued to the artists, including Best in Show, First, Second and Third Place Overall Awards, Best of Media, and honorable mention awards in the nine different art mediums. Cash awards, totaling over $7,000, are given as well.

Additionally, the Festival supports their mission through the awarding of several financial scholarships to local high school students. These scholarships are awarded based on artwork submitted to the High School Student Art Exhibit that is also presented during the Festival.