Participate

Apply to be an Artist

How We Define Art:

Art is the process or product of deliberately and creatively arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. Downtown Vision considers the following media as art for this event: paintings, photography, pottery, handmade accessories, jewelry, sculpture and mixed media. Pieces must display a high level of originality and craftsmanship. Art (especially jewelry) must be significantly handmade and go beyond simple assembly of readily available/premade components. Pieces must be substantively original and not assembled from kits or commercially available patterns.

Eligibility:

Who is eligible?

  • Artists exhibiting original art & artisan work – all types must be listed on your application.
  • Prints of paintings are fine.
  • 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.

Who/what is 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 Art Walk include:
    • Kits, imports and mass-produced items purchased for resale 
    • Oils, hair & skin care products
    • Antiques
    • Items created by another artist
    • Art containing explicit language, violence, hate speech, graphic nudity or anything else questionable for small children. This is a family-friendly event.
  • For-profit entities interested in product or service promotion, sales and solicitation are not eligible as artists, but may become an Art Walk sponsors.

Artists can choose to exhibit at a participating venue. Each venue has different requirements and makes arrangements to host artists, performers and more, independently of Downtown Vision. We recommend you visit venues during Art Walk to meet the owners and managers, express you interest and discuss details. For the most recent list of participating venues download the event map. Downtown Vision does not match artists with venues.

All art is subject to review and approval. Downtown Vision has the right to decline artists at anytime.

Next Steps Once Approved:

How to Participate Once Approved

RSVP: Once your application is approved, you will receive email communications from us with updates through the month. Reply to our “Call to Artists” email by the given deadline to be included on next month’s Art Walk event flyer and to reserve a space in Hemming Park. If you miss the RSVP deadline, you may exhibit but will not be listed on the event flyer or have a space reserved for you. If you are unsure that you are on the RSVP list but received an email of approval, please bring a copy of the email with you.

Check In & Set Up Fee: You are required to check in between 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the red Art Walk check-in tent located at the corner of Monroe and Laura Street in Hemming Park (across from the Main Library). Upon check-in, you will be given a wristband. Any artists who check in after 5 p.m. may not be allowed to set up. 

You are required to pay a $35 set up fee for each Art Walk you attend, separate from the application fee, at the time of check in. Cash and credit cards are accepted. 

  • Your 10 x 10 Booth Space: Set up begins no earlier than 3 p.m. and should be completed by 5 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. Duct tape and extension cords are mandatory if using electricity. 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 are electrical outlets throughout the park. Access is also on a first come, first served basis. Downtown Vision does not maintain outlets and their working conditions cannot be guaranteed – let us know if one is broken.
  • 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: Art Walk 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. Downtown Vision may cancel in the case of extreme conditions and will notify artists accordingly. 

Downtown Vision has the right to reassign your reserved space location at anytime. 

Breakdown: You must begin breakdown no later than 9 p.m. and be clear of streets and sidewalks by 9:30 p.m. You are responsible for clean-up of your space at the end of the night, including all materials and litter. 

Parking: Artists may use the designated load/unloading zone on Duval Street and Monroe Street between 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 9:00-10:00 p.m. Please parallel park to unload. On-street parking permits for Duval Street and Monroe Street are available day-of on a first come first serve basis. All parking meters Downtown are free after 6 p.m.  Additional options can be found at ParkDTJax.com. 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 Haley Tinkle at haley@dtjax.org or 904.634.0303 ext. 1222 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 Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to address any security needs. 

Interested in an Indoor Venue?

Artists may opt to exhibit in one of more than 35 indoor venues ranging from galleries to businesses to restaurants and bars. Each venue has different requirements and makes arrangements to host artists, performers and more, independently of Downtown Vision, Inc.

We recommend interested artists come down to the next Art Walk to visit the various venues and find a fit. Art Walk night is a great opportunity to meet the owners and managers, express your interest and discuss details. For the most recent list of participating venues view the event map. DVI does not match artists with venues.

Currently, the following venues are looking for artists. Please use the contact information given below.

The Carling | 31 W. Adams St.

Looking for artists to show their work during Art Walk. work on the walls. Ample table space, seating and open areas are Contact: Emiko Board at emiko.board@wrhrealty.com. or Allison Adams aadams@vestcor.com

Chamblin’s Uptown | 215 N. Laura St.

Contact: Jennifer O’Donnell at chamblinsevents@gmail.com

Hemming Plaza Jewelers | 231 N. Hogan St.

Looking for family-friendly art to feature in our two-story business, approximately 20 pieces depending on size, to be displayed for one month. Contact: sales@hemmingplazajewelers.com | (904) 354-5959

Main Library | 303 N. Laura St.

Contact: Mia Clark at MiaClark@coj.net

Regions Bank | 51 W. Bay St.

Call for artists.

Contact: Julie Graham at julie.graham@regions.com 

Wolf and Cub | 205 N. Laura St.

Emily Moody-Rosette at emily@wolfandcubjax.com 

Visit Jacksonville | 208 N. Laura St. #102

Contact: Monica Pope at visitorinfo@visitjacksonville.com

Apply to be a Performer

About:

Each month, Downtown Vision books a limited number of musicians, dance groups and/or performance artists (including sidewalk performers) to perform based on each month’s theme and available space. Sidewalk performers set up outside of Hemming Park must also register with Downtown Vision and must have the approval of the venue he/she/they are performing in front of. Musicians/performers hosted inside venues do not need to register with Downtown Vision. 

Applying:

Click the link above to apply with music or performance samples and information on your group, including space and electricity requests. Art Walk is a family-friendly event. Music/performances containing explicit language, violence, or anything else questionable for small children belongs inside a venue.

Approved musicians and performers are added to a database and will be contacted to perform based on availability and fit. Performers are responsible for applying once per calendar year, and a valid email address is required.

Next Steps Once Approved:

  • Set Up: Space with access to electricity will be reserved for musicians/performance upon booking. Lighting and A/V requirements will be agreed upon at the time of booking.
  • Set up is between 3:00-5:00 p.m., unless otherwise agreed upon. Vehicles may be pulled into Hemming Park or closed streets during this time to unload. Performers may set up a tip jar, promotional signage and a table with promotional materials if desired. Lit candles, incense and fire props are not permitted at Art Walk.
  • Breakdown: Performers must end all performances and begin breakdown no later than 9 p.m. Vehicles may not be driven into Hemming Park or closed streets for breakdown prior to 9 p.m. Performers on closed streets must move all materials to the sidewalk by 9:30 p.m. Performers in Hemming Park must vacate the park by 10 p.m. Performers are responsible for clean up of their space at the end of the night, including all litter and set up materials. Performers who do not abide by these times will not be booked at future Art Walks.
  • Parking: All parking meters Downtown are free after 6 p.m. Additional options can be found at ParkDTJax.com. Parking is not permitted on sidewalks, in crosswalks or where otherwise marked “No Parking.” This includes Hogan Street behind the Hemming Park main stage. If parked illegally or at a bagged meter or marked “No Parking,” you are at your own risk of receiving a parking ticket.
  • Weather: Art Walk is a RAIN OR SHINE event. In the case of inclement weather, it is up to each performer’s discretion whether to stay or not. Performers seeking backup indoor accommodations must make arrangements independently.

Interested in an Indoor Venue?

Performers may opt to exhibit in one of more than 35 indoor venues ranging from galleries to businesses to restaurants and bars. Each venue has different requirements and makes arrangements to host artists, performers and more, independently of Downtown Vision, Inc.

We recommend interested performers come down to the next Art Walk to visit the various venues and find a fit. Art Walk night is a great opportunity to meet the owners and managers, express your interest and discuss details. For the most recent list of participating venues view the event map. DVI does not match performers with venues.

Apply to be a Food Truck

About:

Each month, Downtown Vision allows a limited number of food vendors to set up at Art Walk. The application fee is $100. Please thouroughly read the application’s terms and conditions before applying as we comply with the highest standards of health and food safety. 

Next Steps Once Approved:

RSVP: Once your application is approved, you will receive email communications from us with updates through the month. Reply to our “Call to Food Vendors” email by the given deadline to be included on next month’s Art Walk event flyer and promotional materials.

ROTATION: To spread the love, approved food trucks will be rotated every month. You will receive emails with the food truck rotation via your provided email address.

FEE: Food Vendors agree to pay 10% sales per Art Walk, due the Monday after Art Walk. Checks may be payable to Downtown Vision Alliance.

SET UP: You are required to arrive for set-up at 4 p.m. and must be ready to serve food no later than 5:30 p.m. Downtown Vision will designate and reserve your space. All vendors will receive an email with their location and a corresponding map the week before Art Walk.

BREAK DOWN: You must stop accepting orders at 9 p.m. and be out by 9:30 p.m. as streets will reopen. You are responsible for clean-up of your space at the end of the night.

Apply as a Business

Businesses Outside of Downtown Interested in an Art Walk Booth:

 Businesses located outside of the Downtown boundaries have a few opportunities to participate:

  • A business may choose to team up with a participating Downtown venue. For the most recent list of participating venues, visit iloveartwalk.com. Downtown Vision does not match businesses with venues.
  • If a business wishes to set up at Art Walk, they must pay a fee of $250 for a 10×10 space. Please apply using the link above.
  • If a business wishes to receive more coverage, they may elect to sponsor Art Walk to support the thriving arts community in Downtown Jacksonville, while gaining brand visibility. Please Fill Out The Sponsorship Application and contact Haley Tinkle at haley@dtjax.org for more information.

All vendors will receive notifications of their location and all final logistics ONE WEEK before Art Walk. 

Businesses In Downtown Interested in Being a Venue For Free:

Downtown businesses within the core are eligible to participate in the First Wednesday Art Walk as a venue for free

Business requirements: 

  • Must fall within the boundaries of Downtown,
  • Must contact Haley Tinkle at Haley@DTJax.org expressing your interest
  • Must display visual artwork and/or host performing artists. 

Benefits of being an Art Walk Venue:

  • It’s free to participate
  • More foot traffic and new customers!
  • Included on the Art Walk map
  • Included in Art Walk press release 

Apply as a Non-Profit

About:

Each month, Downtown Vision allows a limited number of non-profit groups to set up at Art Walk on a first come first serve basis. Due to the demand, we try to “share the love” and book each non-profit no more than four times (once per quarter) per year to give as many groups a chance to participate as possible. Exceptions may be made based on relevance to the monthly Art Walk theme. The first set-up is free for each calendar year. All additional set-ups are $50 due the day of Art Walk. Make checks payable to Downtown Vision Alliance (online payments are available upon request). Now we know life happens, so if you need to cancel, please alert us as soon as possible – preferably one week before Art Walk.

Next Steps Once Approved:

  • How to Participate Once Approved

    • Check In & Set Up: You are required to check in between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the red Art Walk tent located at the corner of Monroe and Laura Street in Hemming Park (across from the Main Library). Upon check-in, you will be given a wristband.
    • Your 10 X 10 Booth Space: Downtown Vision will designate and reserve your space. All vendors will receive an email with their location and a corresponding map the week before Art Walk. You are responsible for your setup, including, but not limited to: table and chairs, tent and lighting (highly recommended). 10lb tent weights are mandatory for tents. Duct tape and extension cords are mandatory if using electricity. All cords must be taped down per city rules and regulations. Generators and lit candles are not permitted.
    • Programming: Each group is encouraged to engage patrons with hands-on activities related to your non-profit or through art displays that tie into the monthly Art Walk theme.
    • Fundraiser/Donations: If your nonprofit organization is looking to host a fundraiser or to collect donations, it must involve an art component (Ex. make snowflakes for $1 to raise funds for an organization) and must be approved by Downtown Vision.
    • Weather: Art Walk is a RAIN OR SHINE event. In the case of inclement weather, it is up to you whether to stay or not. We encourage you to arrange backup indoor accommodations. Downtown Vision may cancel in the case of extreme conditions and will notify artists accordingly.

    Breakdown: You must begin breakdown no later than 9 p.m. and be clear of streets and sidewalks by 9:30 p.m. You are responsible for clean-up of your space at the end of the night, including all materials and litter.

    Parking: Vendors may use the designated load/unloading zone on Duval Street and Monroe Street between 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 9:00-10:00 p.m. Please parallel park to unload. On-street parking permits for Duval Street and Monroe Street are available day-of on a first come first serve basis. All parking meters Downtown are free after 6 p.m. Additional options can be found at ParkDTJax.com. 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.

Terms of Application:

By submitting an Art Walk application you hereby agree to become an exhibitor in the First Wednesday Art Walk for the year of 2020. You agree to release(s), forever discharge(s), and hold harmless the City of Jacksonville and Downtown Vision of and from all manner of actions, suits, damages, claims, and demands whatsoever in law or in equity from any loss or damage to property of the undersigned while in possession or under the supervision of the First Wednesday Art Walk participating venues, their agents, representatives or employees. You consent to enforcement of all rules and regulations relating to the First Wednesday Art Walk. You give permission for photos or depiction of your work accepted for the First Wednesday Art Walk to be used for Art Walk promotion purposes.

Code of Conduct

Art Walk Operates Under the Following Code of Conduct:

  • All artists and performers must be registered through Downtown Vision and comply with all Rules & Regulations.
  • Art Walk is a family friendly event. Art or performances containing explicit language, violence, graphic nudity or anything else questionable for small children belongs inside a venue with venue approval.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the exhibit or performance space at Art Walk.
  • All participants must comply with all federal, state and local regulations.
  • Participants must sell only the items submitted in the application and approved.
  • Participants may not make derogatory remarks about patrons, other participants or their work.
  • Participants must refrain from using profanity and behavior that is verbally/physically abusive, dangerous or disruptive.

Participants who do not abide by the rules and regulations outlined on our website, Manage My Market and/or applications on may be banned from exhibiting at future Art Walks.