Emerging Maker Tent - Old City Market Fall/Winter 2026

CALENDAR

August 2nd, 2026: Application Deadline
August 10th, 2026: Artist Notification via Email 

EMERGING MAKER TENT DATES
September 20th
October 18th

DESCRIPTION

Dogwood Arts is excited to support emerging local & regional makers at the Old City Market! This fall, Dogwood Arts will provide an opportunity for 2 emerging* local/regional artists to sell their work at the Old City Markets on September 20th, October 18th.

Dogwood Arts will provide a 10'x10' branded Dogwood Arts tent (shared between 2 selected artists), 6' table for each artist, chairs, and support when preparing for the market. A Dogwood Arts staff member will also be available to assist in setting up the tent and tables. Artists are solely responsible for the setup of their work. 

*Emerging makers are artists of any age/background who are:
- Beginning their professional career as an artist/maker,
- Are seeking craft fair experience and guidance, And have never participated in the Old City Market or similar markets in Knoxville before

Please only apply to the Emerging Maker Market if you are an artist/maker selling handmade products or artwork (painting, photography, candles, prints, natural products, stained glass, pottery, etc.). Original artwork only.

If you have any questions, please reach out to abby@dogwoodarts.com

Selected artists will be required to pay a $15 fee to reserve their space.

GUIDELINES

The Old City Market is open to all artists within the accepted medium categories. By submitting the application, the Artist agrees that they had direct, hands-on involvement with the creation and execution of each piece of work to be exhibited. Collaborating artists may show only their collaborative works – both names should appear on the application. (Collaboration here means artistic, not business collaboration).

• Images submitted must be representative of the work to be shown.
• Accepted artists must be present on site during the Old City Market open hours.
• No work from commercial molds, kits, or manufactured work is accepted.
• Ceramic works must be handmade by the Artist.
• Photographic prints must have been processed by the Artist or processed under the Artist’s direct supervision.
• Jewelry must be crafted by the Artist; simple beading and assembly is not acceptable.
• Artists are prohibited from selling non-original promotional items.

BOOTH INFORMATION

Artists may begin set-up starting at 9:30am. Specifics of tent location and set-up time will be provided after acceptance. Artists may not break down early; booths must remain open until 4pm.

ARTIST AGREES TO THE FOLLLOW LEGAL CONDITIONS

*General Waiver of Liability Statement* 

I am an independent contractor, with no employees, no casual laborers, and no sub-contractors performing work for Old City Association, the City of Knoxville, or Old City Association's Sponsors. I am not an employee of Old City Association, the City of Knoxville, or Old City Association's Sponsors for workers’ compensation purposes, and therefore, I am not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under their policy coverage. I waive any and all rights to file any claims against said employer(s) in the event an accident should occur while I am participating in the Old City Market.

*Standard Agreement Statements*

1. The Artist is an independent contractor in any and all relationships with the Old City Market. Artist agrees to remain open and present at the Old City Market during the market hours specified in our promotions. Tear-down begins immediately upon closing of the Market at 4:00pm. No early tear-down is allowed.
2. All work shall be created solely by the Artist(s) with no assistance of industrial production techniques and no imports or consignments of piecework items. In an attempt to foster an appreciation and value of the arts in all people, including those who cannot afford original work, we believe it is important to offer the public an opportunity to buy reproductions, hoping they will turn to original work as their incomes grow. This transition is only possible if our patrons understand exactly what they are buying. All reproductions must be clearly and individually labeled as such.
3. The artist agrees to comply with all applicable Knox County fire safety regulations regarding display space and materials. The artist agrees to comply with all Festival and City of Knoxville schedules, restrictions, rules, etc. whether outlined in this application or other official communications.
4. The artist agrees that the artwork on display at the Market is of the same style and quality as was represented in the artist’s original application and jury images. The artist also agrees that the Market shall have the right, by whatever means it desires, to record the artist, his/her booth, and their work. The Market retains all rights to use such recording or materials on promoting and advertising the Market in any media format it desires.
5. Each exhibiting artist is responsible for insuring their own work. The Market assumes no responsibility or liability to cover loss or damage to the artist’s property or work. The artist shall bring their own display materials, including lights and electrical cords. If the artist utilizes any Market employee or volunteer for booth relief or any type of assistance, it is understood that such person shall not be held responsible for any theft, loss or damage to the Artist’s work, booth or goods.
6. The Artist’s total booth fee is due no later than one month before the accepted market. Cancellations must be received in writing one week prior to the market.
7. The Artist is responsible for the payment of any and all taxes or fees assessed by any governmental or regulatory agency. If you have tax-related questions we recommend contacting the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Artists living statewide call (800) 342-1003 & Nashville-area or out-of-state artists call (615) 253-0600.
   
   Carefully read and understand all communication from the Old City Market. Note deadlines, fees, requirements, and other important information. Any violation of provisions in this contract or any rules or policies communicated to the artist in official Old City Market correspondence may cause the artist to be removed from the show. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Old City Market at oldcitymarketknox@gmail.com.