Pop-Up Performances

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

Artscape 2026 | Create Baltimore

To ensure a safe, professional, and engaging festival experience for all, the following terms & conditions apply to all Artscape 2026 performers.

• Performers who violate festival rules or fail to cooperate with Festival Staff may be removed from the program and prohibited from performing. Artscape reserves the right to monitor performances and remove any act that is misrepresented, non-approved, or non-compliant.
• Performers may present only original work created by the applying artist or collective.
• Performers are responsible for providing all equipment, transportation, costumes, and materials required to execute their performance.
• Performers may apply as individuals or collectives. Application submissions must clearly indicate group or individual status.
• Performers are responsible for securing any required licenses or permits at their own cost prior to the performance date.
• Create Baltimore and the City of Baltimore are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to performer property.
• Unauthorized or unapproved use of festival space is strictly prohibited.
• All performances must be family-friendly and appropriate for audiences of all ages.
• By participating, performers grant Artscape the right to photograph, record, and reproduce images or video of performances for publicity, marketing, and promotional purposes.
• Performers are solely responsible for any expenses exceeding the agreed-upon performance budget.
• Performers will be scheduled for a specific time slot and location and must perform only as assigned.
• Performers with limited availability must clearly indicate specific days and/or times on their application.
• Parking is limited; rideshare or carpooling is strongly encouraged.