Call to Artists - Arts Market on the Circle

Call to Artists - Arts Market on The Circle, downtown Indianapolis

A Collaboration between Downtown Indy, Inc. and the Arts Council of Indianapolis

Downtown Indy, Inc. in partnership with the Arts Council of Indianapolis launched a new Arts Market on Monument Circle to help kickstart the vibrancy of our Downtown amidst appropriate safe and healthy precautions. The first event took place on August 20th with 19 artists/booths and 600 guests. Based upon the success of the first event, we are now seeking up to 24 artists to participate in the September 17th and October 15th Arts Market on the Circle events.

Based upon the first Arts Market on the Circle, we expect between 400 and 600 guests at the following events, the majority of which are downtown for work, and a good number of downtown residents as well.

Event Details:

Event:  Downtown Arts Market on The Circle

Location:  SW Quad of Monument Circle (in front of Emmis)

Parking:  Provided (1 vehicle per artist) on Monument Circle on the SE and NW quad curb lane

Schedule: Both the September and October Arts Markets will generally follow this schedule:

Event Time:  4-7 pm

Load-in Time:   2 pm

Load-out Completion: 8 pm

Artist Requirements:

• There is NO fee for artists to participate once accepted via the jury process.
• Artists must provide their own setup (which could include a 10x10 tent, table, chairs, signage, etc.)
• Face masks must be worn at all times
• Hand sanitizer for use by patrons and artists must be available at each booth
• Proof of liability insurance naming Downtown Indy, Inc.,The Consolidated City of Indianapolis, and the Arts Council of Indianapolis will be required after acceptance. If accepted artists do not have liability insurance, the Arts Council will offer a stipend to pay for temporary insurance through ACT Insurance (www.actinsurance.com)
• A signed Services Agreement that Downtown Indy, Inc. will need returned at least 48 hours prior to event

Downtown Indy, Inc. will provide:

• 1- (12x12) space along the curb lane or the inner part of the SW quad of The Circle
• Access to electrical outlet for $10 fee (limited number available)
• Security & COVID-19 precautions:
  • Overall logistics/event management
  • Police officers to close the SW quad of the Circle
  • Bike rack enclosing the space and running down the middle of space to allow for one way in, one way out pedestrian traffic
  • On-site security to help with ingress and egress of patrons and enforcement of face masks/coverings and monitor the numbers of patrons within the space to comply with current safety guidance
  • Signage encouraging social distancing and requiring the use of face masks/coverings
  • Temperature check of all artists, volunteers, and staff before entry
  • Port-o-lets and hand-washing stations
  • 1 parking space per artist
• Marketing and promotion of event
• Music from Indy-based artists playing on the overhead sound system throughout

Eligibility

The Art Market on the Circle is open to all individual artists and artisans over 18 years of age living in central Indiana, but preference will be given to those living in downtown Indianapolis. All artwork must be original art or fine craft and made by the artist/s and/or artisan/s present at the event. We define “fine craft” as functional objects such as unique one of a kind ceramics, jewelry, etc. and also include creative functional non-art objects such as artisan made soaps, clothing, etc.  Imported or commercially made objects will not be accepted.

All 2D and 3D media are welcome. However, due to the nature and timing of the event, it is recommended that all items are offered in an accessible size and priced relative to the environment ranging from the low end of $5 to a median $50 and higher end between $150 and $250.

Selection Process:

Artists/Artisans will be selected based upon the quality and uniqueness of their work as well as its appropriateness for a variety of downtown audiences.

1.      Fill out Submission Form

• Fill out and submit the Submission Form
  • This form will take 5-10 minutes to fill out if you have your upload materials ready.
  • Via the online form, applicants are required to submit 5 images depicting examples of the artwork/fine craft they intend to sell at the Arts Market as well as an (optional) photo of their booth set up.
  • After you have submitted your form, you will receive a confirmation email.

Timeline: 

September 8th by noon: Applications due for both September 17th and October 15th Arts Markets

September 8-9: Jury Process

September 10: Artists/artisans will be notified by September 10 whether or not they have been accepted into the art market. Those accepted will receive further instruction on load in that they have been chosen and will be given further instruction on load-in and parking.

September 15: All forms and insurance documents must be returned.

For more information about Downtown Indy, Inc., visit www.DowntownIndy.org

For specific questions, please contact Courtney Howell Rissman at courtney@downtownindy.org