Artist Zone

Oakland First Fridays is excited to announce its continued initiative offering FREE booth spaces exclusively for local artists and authors. This opportunity allows creative talents to showcase their work to a diverse audience. The initiative underscores our commitment to supporting the Oakland community and fostering an environment where creativity and artistic expression can thrive, enriching the Oakland First Fridays experience for all attendees.

The Artist Zone at Oakland First Fridays is a dedicated space for artists, craft makers, painters, sketch artists, and authors to showcase and sell their original work. This area is curated to highlight creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic expression, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Original Work Only – All products must be handmade, self-produced, or designed by the vendor. No mass-produced, third-party, or wholesale items are allowed.
• Artistic Mediums – Eligible artists include painters, illustrators, sculptors, photographers, and other visual artists.
• Craft Makers – Handmade and artisan-crafted goods such as ceramics.
• Authors & Illustrators – Self-published and independent authors may sell their books, poetry collections, comics, or zines.
• Live Art – Artists who create live work on-site (e.g., painting, sketching, caricature’s or demonstrations) are encouraged to participate.

Exclusions:

• No mass-produced, imported, or factory-made products
• No resale of commercial goods, wholesale items, or franchise-based products
• No food, beverages, alcohol or cannabis-related products
• No counterfeit or trademarked items without proper authorization
• No sexually explicit artwork, literature, or products

Additional Requirements:

• City of Oakland Business License
• Liability insurance
• 2025 Vendor Agreement
• Setup & Presentation – Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, tents, and lighting if needed. Displays should be professional and visually appealing.
• Compliance – All vendors must follow Oakland First Fridays guidelines and city regulations.
• Respect for Space – Vendors must adhere to assigned booth locations and maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment.

We reserve the right to curate the selection of vendors to ensure alignment with the mission of Oakland First Fridays. If you have any questions or need clarification, please email us at event@oaklandfirstfridays.org.

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