Fill out an application here.
OVERVIEW
The City of Waterloo is inviting emerging and established artists to participate in a series of outdoor art markets. This vendor opportunity will take place from May to August and will be hosted in conjunction with other events and activations.
There are up to 15 spots open at each of the market events. Artists will be selected based on their artistic merit, experience, and quality of work/display. If artists are applying as a group or collective, the work of each artist must be included in this application. Booth sharing with other artists is only permitted if it is discolsed in the application. This opportunity is open to emerging and established artists working in any discipline suitable to an outdoor art market. Applicants should carefully consider price points and availability of smaller items in this market setting.
TIMELINE
Applications are due: March 20, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
Art Market Dates (2023):
• May 26 (5 – 9 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square as a stand-alone Art Market with entertainment
• June 10 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square/Willis Way as part of Open Streets
• July 1 (4 – 10 p.m.) in Waterloo Park as part of the Canada Day event
• July 28 (5 – 9 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square as a stand-alone Art Market with entertainment
• August 25 (5 – 9 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square as a stand-alone Art Market with entertainment
SUPPORT FROM THE CITY OF WATERLOO
Each selected exhibitor will be offered, free of charge, the use of:
• one 10’x10’ white top tent
• tent weights
• one 6’x3’ table
• two chairs
Selected artists will be offered support from City of Waterloo staff including marketing support and business tips prior to the event. Power will also be provided to artists for the evening events. Please keep in mind that this is an outdoor event and that your display must be suited to the conditions including moderate wind, sun, heat, and other weather conditions.
COVID-19 PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS
All participants must comply with health and safety procedures outlined by Waterloo Region Public Health and with City of Waterloo policies, procedures, and bylaws. City of Waterloo reserves the right to remove participants who do not comply.
During the event, City of Waterloo staff will ensure that the flow of participants remains safe and respectful and in accordance with Public Health guidelines.
EXHIBITOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Selected exhibitors will be responsible for signing and returning a short participation agreement, setting up displays, marketing their presence at the Art Market, and handling all transactions during the event. All display structures and materials are the responsibility of artists, who are reminded to consider wind and wet weather, the safety of the public, and of their art, when planning their displays. Artists are responsible for and encouraged to purchase insurance for their work.
Exhibitors are to arrive for setup 60-90 minutes before the event, unload, relocate vehicles to parking area 30 minutes before the event starts, and be set up and ready to sell when the event begins. Artists are asked to wait until the event concludes to begin their teardown. Artists are encouraged to bring another set of hands to assist with their setup.
WAIT LIST
Applications to the waitlist will be taken throughout the summer. The application requirements will be the same for late applications. There is no guarantee that artists being considered for the waitlist will receive an invitation to exhibit, or how much notice will be given, as it is only to help fill a spot in the event of a cancellation.
CANCELLATION POLICY
It is important that exhibitors show up and are set up on time for their scheduled markets. No-shows, late cancellations, and lengthy setups diminish the event, whereas a full market of dedicated, prepared exhibitors helps build a positive and valuable experience for attendees and fellow artists alike.
Exhibitors who cancel without notice, or fail to arrive and set up during the designated time, will lose their opportunity to participate in future events.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Art Market will take place in Waterloo Public Square on the final Friday of each month and in conjunction with other City of Waterloo events.
In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances or events, City of Waterloo reserves the right to cancel events based on our special events procedures. This includes high winds, rain, and threat of lightening as well as ongoing protocols outlined by our local Public Health office. This is an outdoor event so exhibitors should consider light winds when configuring their display.
