ArtWalk Vendor Application

Art is the process or product of deliberately and creatively arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. We consider the following media as art for our events: paintings, photography, pottery, handmade clothing  and accessories, jewelry, sculpture, glass, and mixed media. Art should be reflective of the Artisan’s considerable skill, time and effort to produce high quality, original work. Art (especially jewelry) must be significantly handmade and go beyond simple assembly of readily available/premade components. Pieces must be finished, and not assembled from kits or commercially available patterns.

Eligible:

• Artists exhibiting original art and artisan work – only those that were approved in your application.
• Prints of the artists' original paintings or drawings.
• Pre-approved live art exhibitors. Artists are responsible for all supplies and must keep area clean during and after the event.
• Approved artists 18 and up. Artists under 18 must have an adult or guardian present.

Ineligible:

• Artists who have not applied, been approved and paid the setup fee.
• Artists under the age of 18 without a parent or legal guardian on site.
• Items not allowed at our events include:
  • Kits, imports and mass-produced items purchased for resale
  • Edible items
  • Antiques
  • Items created by another artist
  • Art containing explicit language, violence, hate speech, or graphic nudity.
• For-profit entities interested in product or service promotion, sales and solicitation are not eligible as artists, but may become event sponsors.

Artists can choose to exhibit at a participating venue during events like ArtWalk. Each venue has different requirements and makes arrangements to host artists, performers and more. All temporary vendors (just setting up for ArtWalk night) are required to purchase a Peddler's License from the Revenue Department to legally sell their products downtown. We recommend you visit venues during ArtWalk to meet the owners and managers, express you interest and discuss details. For the most recent list of participating venues, review our monthly event listing.

Licensing: All vendors (including those who setup inside of venues and not through the Mobile Arts Council) are required to purchase a Peddler's License from the Downtown Revenue Department to legally sell their products downtown. This can easily be done online here and can take up to a week to process. Fill out the standard business license application online and a Revenue Department representative will contact you to issue the proper licensing. Once approved by our committee, you will be required to obtain this license and have it on hand (or digitally available) to setup at our events. You must have a Peddler's License before you are able to participate as a vendor.

Register: Once your application is approved, you will receive email communications from us with updates each month. Register for each event by the given deadline (usually a week prior to the scheduled event) to be included on our event graphics and to reserve a space.

Check In & Set Up Fee: For ArtWalk, you are required to check in between 4:30 - 6 p.m. with our designated ArtWalk coordinator, located at the corner of Claiborne and Dauphin Street. Upon check-in, you will be given a wristband or other identifiable marker. Any artists who check in after 6 p.m. may not be allowed to set up.

You are required to pay a set up fee for each event you attend, separate from the application fee. This process is done online through the registration form. Cash, check, and credit cards are also accepted for those who want to register in person in advance.

• Your 10x10 Booth Space: For ArtWalk, set up begins no earlier than 4:30 p.m. and should be completed by 6 p.m. You are responsible for your exhibit setup, including, but not limited to: table and chairs, tent and lighting (highly recommended). 10lb tent weights are mandatory for tents. All cords must be taped down per city rules and regulations. Generators and lit candles are not permitted. We encourage you to clearly mark all pieces, display promotional signage in your exhibit and provide business cards.
• Access to Electricity: There is no access to electricity. If you bring lighting, it must be battery-operated.
• Pedestrian Traffic: Be mindful of patrons — especially those with strollers and wheelchairs — and keep all products and displays out of pedestrian walkways. Artists may be asked to move locations based on available space.
• Weather: ArtWalk is a RAIN OR SHINE event. In the case of inclement weather, it is up to you whether to stay or not. Please be prepared to protect yourself and your products from the elements. Artists seeking backup indoor accommodations must make arrangements independently. The City of Mobile may cancel in the case of extreme conditions and we will notify artists accordingly.

The Mobile Arts Council has the right to reassign your reserved space location at anytime. 

Breakdown: You must begin breakdown at 9 p.m. and be clear of streets and sidewalks by 9:45 p.m. You are responsible for clean-up of your space at the end of the night, including all materials and litter.

Parking: Downtown parking is first come, first served. All parking meters Downtown are free after 6 p.m.  Additional options can be found at the many paid lots nearby. Parking is not permitted on sidewalks, in crosswalks or where otherwise marked “No Parking.” If parked illegally or at a bagged meter or marked “No Parking,” you are at your own risk of receiving a parking ticket.

Additional Questions: Contact Sydney Cramer at scramer@mobilearts.org or 251-432-9796 for questions. At Art Walk, Downtown staff and Downtown Ambassadors will be present to answer questions, help direct artists, direct patron traffic and work closely with the Mobile Sheriff’s Office to address any security needs.