Artists' Market at 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

The application deadline is 5:00 PM on February 20, 2026.

CATEGORIES

Applicants' work must fit into one of the following categories:

PRINTS & DRAWINGS – Original works made with pen, pencil, color pencil, charcoal or traditional printmaking techniques, including etching, engraving, lithography, serigraphy, or woodcuts. Combination techniques / collages are also included. Original prints must be signed and numbered. Any work that is produced by any mechanical means, i.e., giclée, photo-offset, or any other reproduction technique must be labeled a “Reproduction.”

MIXED MEDIA – Artwork using the combination of two or more distinct media or physical materials. This category is not to be used if artwork consists of only one medium even if uniquely framed.

PAINTING – Original artwork created using oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, or similar materials on canvas, paper, or board. Combination techniques/collages of these materials are also included. Any painting that is produced by any mechanical means, i.e. giclée, photo-offset, or any other reproduction technique must be labeled a “Reproduction.”

SCULPTURE – Original artwork of three dimensions using mediums such as wood, metal, stone, glass or clay, and using techniques like carving, modeling, and assembling to create tangible, spatial artworks. Can be functional or non-functional.

CRAFT & JEWELRY – Original decorative or functional artwork that emphasizes skillful craftsmanship and manual dexterity in the creation of objects. Includes artists working in craft mediums, such as ceramics, fiber and leather, basketry, glass and handmade paper. All work must be designed and crafted by the artist. Original jewelry made from precious and non-precious metals, gemstones, enamel, glass, fiber, clay or other materials. No buy/sell, kit or costume jewelry, or mass-produced items. Jewelry may be exhibited ONLY if accepted under the jewelry category.

WEARABLE ART – Original work created from fibers or leather, weavings, and other artistic, fabric-based work, designed to be worn as apparel. All work must be designed and sewn by the artist. No commercial, mass-produced items permitted.

LITERARY ARTS – Original works from authors, poets, and comic artists. Could include novels, short stories, poetry & prose collections, handmade books, or graphic novels.

PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL ARTS – Original artwork created by the artist/photographer utilizing an SLR or digital camera, or computer-generated image, and printed with either traditional darkroom, inkjet, or laser printing technologies. No commercial photography. Original prints must be signed and numbered. Any photograph that is produced by any mechanical means, i.e. giclée, photo-offset, or any other reproduction technique must be labeled a “Reproduction.”

OTHER — Select this category if your work does not fall into the categories listed above. Examples may include handcrafted items such as candles, bath/beauty items, etc. Be prepared to provide a detailed description, and possible sample of your work if required. All work must be original and of professional quality.

CRITERIA FOR ARTISTS 

Artists’ Market applications will be judged on the following criteria:

ARTISTIC QUALITY

• Assess the uniqueness and originality of the artist’s work. Artscape organizers reserve the right to deny or revoke participation to any artist presenting work that is solely AI generated without significant transformation by a human artist.
• Determine whether the quality of work is consistent across different pieces.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

• Evaluate the level of technical skill and technique demonstrated in the artwork.
• Assess the precision and attention to detail demonstrated in the creation of the artwork.
• Consider the overall presentation and finish of the artwork.

MARKET PRESENCE

• Evaluate the artist’s ability to present a professional and consistent market setup.
• Assess how clearly the artist’s brand is communicated and how cohesive the body of work appears.

RELEVANCE

• Evaluate how well the work aligns with the mission of the Artists’ Market to present a diverse array of original, professional-quality work by area artists and makers.
• Assess whether the work is appropriate for a public market setting and contributes to a balanced and engaging mix of offerings.

ADHERENCE TO POLICIES

• Confirm that the artist and their wares comply with the rules and policies set by Create Baltimore and the Artists’ Market.
• Evaluate whether all required application materials and information have been submitted accurately and in accordance with stated guidelines.

The following is PROHIBITED at the Artists' Market:

• Multiple employee studios engaged in production work are not eligible to participate.
• Absolutely no buy-sell.
• Items made using commercial molds or patterns and hobby crafts are ineligible.
• Weapons – including knives, swords, etc. 

GUIDELINES

By submitting an application, applicant agrees to abide by all festival policies and guidelines if accepted, some of which include:

Application Approval

• All applications are subject to review and approval by the festival organizers.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
• Participation in past Artscape festivals does not guarantee acceptance.
• Vendors will be notified of their application status by March 13, 2026.
• Selected artists may be required to attend an orientation prior to the festival.

Vendor Fees

• Any applicable fees must be paid in full before the deadline specified by the festival organizers.

Booth Setup & Operation

• Vendors must adhere to assigned booth spaces and setup times.
• Artists are responsible for their own setup and breakdown.
• Booths must be staffed and operational during all festival hours.
• A 10'x10' walled tent with electricity is provided, however, artists must supply their own tables, chairs, power cords, etc. 
• All equipment and materials must be safely secured.

Waste Management

• Vendors are responsible for keeping their area clean and disposing of waste properly.
• Failure to maintain cleanliness may result in removal from the festival.

Liability and Insurance

• Business insurance is not required but highly encouraged.
• The festival organizers are not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury related to vendor participation.

Cancellation Policy

• If a vendor must cancel, they must notify organizers in writing at least 30 days before the event.

Code of Conduct

• Vendors must conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.
• Any behavior deemed disruptive, offensive, or non-compliant with festival policies may result in immediate removal without refund.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Artists' Market application opens - January 8, 2026

Application deadline - February 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Selected artists notified - March 13, 2026