Artscape 2026

CALL FOR ARTISTS -- ARTSCAPE ARTISTS' MARKET

Artscape is now accepting applications for Artscape's Artists' Market, a curated showcase of original, high-quality artwork across a diverse range of disciplines. This juried section of the festival celebrates regional artists who create and execute their own professional work, offering an opportunity to engage with thousands of festival-goers.

To ensure the integrity of the marketplace, all exhibited pieces must be produced by the artist or artistic collaboration, consistent with the images submitted, and fall within one of the designated categories, which include Prints & Drawings, Mixed Media, Painting, Sculpture, Craft & Jewelry, Wearable Art, Literary Arts, Photography/Digital Arts, and more. Any reproductions, such as giclée prints, must be clearly labeled. 

COSTS & FEES

The Artists' Market Exhibitor Fee is $700 for a 10’x10’ space. All spaces have a 10’x10’ footprint. Pop-up tents, and space additions are prohibited.

Each 10'x10' space includes:  

• Festival-provided tent with sidewall and festival-branded signage. 
• Free access to an electrical outlet and basic overhead lighting
• Overnight roaming security
• Mentions in Artscape promotional materials which may include press releases, pitches, social media posts, etc.; and
• Listing on the Artscape website.

Application Fee: $10 

By submitting an application, applicant agrees to and accept all festival terms & conditions. 

EMERGING ARTISTS PROGRAM

A limited number of artists will be selected for the Emerging Artist program. This program provides a tent and 10’x10’ space in the Artists' Market at no charge. Only first-time exhibitors who have engaged in a professional practice for less than two years are eligible to be considered.

Emerging Artist applicants must also:

• Live and/or work in Baltimore City
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to legally work in the U.S.

ABOUT ARTSCAPE

For over 40 years, Artscape has been a catalyst for artistic expression, economic impact, and cultural transformation. Now in the heart of Downtown Baltimore, Artscape is reimagining how a weekend festival can fuel long-term impact through creative placemaking and sustainable community investment.

Artscape 2026 will take place Memorial Day Weekend.

Saturday, May 23 - 11:00AM-10:00PM

Sunday, May 24 - 11:00AM-10:00PM

Create Baltimore is seeking proposals from Maryland-based artists and artist teams for large-scale temporary public art projects to be installed at this year's Artscape festival. 

Over the years, Artscape has been home to a number of large-scale interactive installations. From a 20-foot-tall kaleidoscope to an octagonal maze to the world's largest poster, area artists have brought some extraordinary projects to past festivals and we want to bring some of that magic to downtown.

We want to see your weird, your whimsical, your otherwordly, your wildest proposals for temporary public art installations at Artscape 2026.

Project Overview

Artscape 2026 will take place Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–24, in downtown Baltimore near City Hall. Create Baltimore will fund selected proposals to produce large-scale temporary public art for inclusion in this year's festival.

We are especially interested in projects that:

• Tell a clear story,
• Include an interactive element, and
• Utilize recycled or repurposed materials.

Goals & Objectives

Based on feedback from festival-goers, large-scale installations are a hallmark of the Artscape, showcasing the imagination and ingenuity of some of our most innovative creatives. Our goal is to re-incorporate this crowd favorite into the festival in its new footprint. To that end, we aim to solicit a wide range of original and engaging proposals from which to select the project(s) that will receive funding. 

Artscape is now accepting applications for the Community Impact Zone section of the festival! As one of the nation’s largest free arts festivals, Artscape draws thousands of visitors each year, providing a dynamic platform for nonprofits to connect with the community.

The 42nd annual Artscape will take place on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 2026, and we invite mission-driven organizations to be part of this vibrant celebration.

We value the contributions of nonprofits in shaping meaningful festival experiences and look forward to receiving your application. Join us in making Artscape 2026 an unforgettable event!

Echoes of the City
Call for Local Bands & Musicians – Artscape 2026

Echoes of the City captures the rhythm, heartbeat, and creative pulse of Baltimore. This dynamic initiative spotlights emerging and rising local talent, showcasing the voices, sounds, and visions shaping our city’s creative future. The Echoes Stage provides a platform for artists to share their stories, electrify audiences, and be heard at scale.

 
CALL FOR LOCAL BANDS: PERFORM AT ARTSCAPE 2026
Create Baltimore (formerly Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts) is seeking local bands and musicians of all genres to perform at Artscape 2026 — the largest free arts festival in the country.

This is your opportunity to bring your sound to thousands of festival-goers and be part of Baltimore’s most visible and celebrated cultural event.

If you make music in this city, we want to hear from you!

 
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We welcome bands, duos, and solo artists from all musical backgrounds, including but not limited to:

• Rock & Alternative
• Hip-Hop & R&B
• Jazz & Classical
• Funk & Soul
• Electronic & Experimental
• Indie, Folk & Singer-Songwriters
• Go-Go, Reggae, Afrobeat & more

Artists should demonstrate:

• Strong live performance ability
• A clear artistic voice
• Readiness for a professional festival stage

WHAT YOU GET
✔ Paid performance opportunity
✔ Exposure to thousands of Artscape attendees
✔ Promotion through Artscape and Create Baltimore marketing channels
✔ Participation in a legendary Baltimore festival celebrating local culture

 
APPLICATION DEADLINE
February 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Call for Innovative Pop-Up Performances
Artscape 2026 | Create Baltimore

Create Baltimore is accepting applications for Pop-Up Performances at Artscape 2026.

We are seeking innovative, imaginative, and audience-engaging pop-ups that activate the festival in unexpected ways. These performances may be stationary or roaming and will take place throughout the Artscape footprint.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Artists and performers presenting original, professional-quality work designed to captivate, surprise, and delight festival audiences.

Pop-Up Performances may include (but are not limited to):

• Live painting or visual art activations
• Dance troupes or movement-based work
• Stilt walkers or immersive characters
• Interactive performance or experimental acts
• Any unique, mobile, or site-responsive performance

If it’s creative, engaging, and unexpected — we want to see it!

 
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, all work must be original and created by the applying artist or collective. The proposed performance must align with the description and media submitted. Applicants are encouraged to be as detailed as possible in their application. Please include:

• Clear description of the performance
• Any relevant photos or videos
• Links or supporting materials that help us understand your act

RULES & GUIDELINES

1. Performers must present family-friendly content appropriate for all ages.
2. Only original work created by the artist or collective may be performed.
3. Performers must provide all equipment, transportation, costumes, and materials required for their act.
4. Performers may apply as individuals or collectives (status must be indicated in application).
5. Performers are responsible for securing any required licenses or permits at their own expense.
6. Create Baltimore and the City of Baltimore are not responsible for loss or damage to performer property.
7. Unauthorized or unapproved use of festival space is strictly prohibited.
8. Artscape reserves the right to monitor performances and remove any act that is misrepresented or non-compliant.
9. Performers will be assigned a specific time slot and location and must perform only as scheduled.
10. If availability is limited, performers must note this clearly in the application.
11. Parking is limited; rideshare or carpooling is strongly encouraged.
12. Artists agree that Artscape may use images or documentation of performances for marketing and promotional purposes.
13. Performers are responsible for any expenses exceeding their performance budget.
     

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
The following are not permitted:

• Sexual or explicit content
• Depictions of death or extreme violence
• Political campaigning
• Product solicitation or sales

Kidscape 2026 is back and reimagined! We are accepting applications for nonprofit organizations who want to provide a free, tabletop, arts & crafts activity for youth (aged 5 - 16 targeted age group). Activities must be kid-friendly, which means:

• Safe (no open flames, sharp objects, etc)
• Accessible (mindful that not all children will be able to lift heavy objects, do physical or mental activity in a festival environment, etc)
• FREE! (table vendors are not allowed to charge families to participate)
• FUN! (hands-on, colorful, whimsical, and adventurous)

Examples of successful table activities in previous years include:

• Musical instrument exploration
• Soap-making and bubble-making
• Stickers and totebag giveaways
• Coloring pages
• Playing with puppets

Kidscape will take place Saturday, May 23, 2026, AND Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM both days. Note: This is a change from previous years where Kidscape only took place on one day. Applicants must table for both days.  

Create Baltimore/Artscape will provide all vendors with:

• One (1) table
• Two (2) chairs
• One (1) 10X10 tent

Vendors must provide their own inventory, as well as:

• Tablecloth
• Signage
• Power and power strips

Vendors will participate free of charge (no booth fee) and will not be compensated for their participation.

Applicants will be notified on or before March 13, 2026. 

For questions about this application or program, please email Ja-Mel Johnson, Jjohnson@promotionandarts.org.

Kidscape 2026 is back and reimagined! We are accepting applications for youth (ages 12 - 17) who want to sell their original crafts and merchandise. All accepted vendors must ensure their inventory follows these guidelines:

• Age appropriate (no symbolism or imagery that is violent, vulgar, or political)
• No food or beverages are permitted to be sold
• Original merchandise only; inventory should be the creation of the youth vendor
• Vendors are allowed to sell clothing, jewelry, books, artwork, knits, and music; if there is a question regarding merchandise eligibility, please email jjohnson@promotionandarts.org

Kidscape will take place Saturday, May 23, 2026, AND Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM both days. Note: This is a change from previous years where Kidscape only took place on one day. Applicants can indicate if they want to table for one or both days. (Priority will be given to youth vendors who can table both days.)

Create Baltimore/Artscape will provide all vendors with:

• One (1) table
• Two (2) chairs
• One (1) tent

Vendors must provide their own inventory, as well as:

• Tablecloth
• Signage
• Point of sales device (it is recommended to install an app on your cell phone in order to ring up transactions and accept payments).

Vendors will participate free of charge (no booth fee) and will not be compensated for their participation. Youth vendors are required to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Upon acceptance, an adult will be required to sign a participation agreement.

Applicants will be notified by March 13, 2026.

For questions about this application or program, please email Ja-Mel Johnson. Jjohnson@promotionandarts.org.

Calling All Culinary Creators!

We invite talented chefs, food trucks, and local eateries to showcase their signature flavors at one of the largest free arts festivals in the country.

Whether you specialize in bold street food, decadent desserts, or gourmet specialties, this is your opportunity to engage with thousands of festival-goers eager to experience Baltimore’s diverse food scene.

Join our vibrant festival community and let Artscape be the stage for your culinary artistry!

Apply today to be a featured vendor at Artscape 2026.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of our delicious lineup—submit your application today!

We welcome all media outlets, photographers, videographers, journalists, influencers, and content creators to apply for media passes to this year's festival.  

Our team will review submissions and begin sending out decisions on March 2, 2026.