Pop-Up Performances

ABOUT POP-UP PERFORMANCES

Artscape’s Pop-Up Performer Program brings live, unexpected, and engaging performances directly into the festival footprint.

Unlike traditional stage performances, Pop-Up Performances are busker-style activations designed to create moments of discovery as festivalgoers move throughout Artscape. Performances will take place in designated spaces across the festival footprint, bringing art directly into the flow of the festival.

We welcome musicians, vocalists, dancers, poets, spoken-word artists, theatrical performers, performance artists, small ensembles, cultural performers, movement artists, and other live performers whose work can engage audiences in an outdoor, nontraditional performance environment.

We’re looking for performances that can surprise us, stop people in their tracks, create a crowd, or transform an ordinary corner of the festival into a moment.

Pop-Up Performers should be prepared to operate independently. Artscape provides the designated performance space—you bring the performance. Artists are responsible for providing the equipment and materials necessary to present their work, including sound equipment, instruments, tables, chairs, props, and other performance needs.

Performances are outdoors and weather dependent.

Please note: DJs are not eligible through the Pop-Up Performer application. DJs interested in performing at Artscape should apply separately to The Flipside DJ Stage.

ARTSCAPE 2027
POP-UP PERFORMER TERMS & CONDITIONS
By submitting an application to participate as a Pop-Up Performer at Artscape 2027, the applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:

1. APPLICATION & SELECTION
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection or participation in Artscape 2027.

Applications will be reviewed based on artistic quality, audience engagement, suitability for a busker-style environment, technical feasibility, safety, available space, programming needs, and the overall curatorial direction of Artscape.

Artscape/Create Baltimore reserves the right to accept or decline applications based on festival programming and operational needs.

2. POP-UP PERFORMANCE FORMAT
The Pop-Up Performer Program is a busker-style performance opportunity and is not a traditional stage performance.

Selected artists will be assigned a designated performance space within the Artscape festival footprint. Locations may include sidewalks, plazas, courtyards, pedestrian areas, or other approved festival spaces.

Final locations, performance times, and performance lengths will be determined by Artscape/Create Baltimore.

3. ARTIST-PROVIDED EQUIPMENT
Pop-Up Performers are expected to be self-contained and are responsible for providing the equipment and materials necessary to present their performance.

This may include:

Instruments
Sound equipment and amplification
Microphones and stands
Tables and chairs
Props
Costumes
Signage
Approved power equipment
Cables, adapters, and accessories
Other materials required for the performance
Artscape does not guarantee stages, backline, sound engineers, professional sound reinforcement, lighting, tables, chairs, tents, or other production equipment for Pop-Up Performers.

Any festival-provided equipment or production support must be confirmed in writing in advance.

4. POWER
Access to electrical power is not guaranteed.

Applicants must disclose all electrical requirements in their application. Any use of generators, batteries, extension cords, or other power equipment must comply with festival safety requirements and receive approval when applicable.

5. WEATHER & OUTDOOR CONDITIONS
Artscape is an outdoor festival, and Pop-Up Performances are weather dependent.

Performances may be delayed, relocated, shortened, suspended, or canceled due to rain, lightning, extreme heat, high winds, unsafe conditions, emergencies, or other circumstances affecting festival operations.

Artists are responsible for considering outdoor conditions when selecting instruments, costumes, props, equipment, and other materials brought to the festival.

6. CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
Selected Pop-Up Performers will be required to provide a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) meeting Artscape/Create Baltimore requirements before participating.

Insurance requirements and submission instructions will be provided to selected artists.

Failure to provide the required COI by the established deadline may result in cancellation of participation.

7. PERFORMANCE CONTENT
Artscape is a public festival serving audiences of different ages and backgrounds.

Applicants must accurately describe the nature and content of their proposed performance.

Performances must remain within the approved concept and may not introduce significant changes, hazardous elements, additional performers, structures, equipment, or activities without prior approval.

8. SAFETY
Artists are responsible for presenting their work safely and following all instructions provided by Artscape staff, production personnel, security, emergency personnel, or authorized festival representatives.

Performances may not obstruct emergency routes, pedestrian traffic, vendor operations, entrances, exits, or other festival programming.

Any performance involving potentially hazardous materials, open flame, aerial activity, unusual structures, animals, or other elevated safety considerations must be disclosed during the application process and is subject to additional approval.

9. SOUND
Amplified performances must comply with festival sound requirements.

Artscape/Create Baltimore and its production representatives retain final authority regarding sound levels. Artists may be asked to reduce volume when necessary to prevent interference with neighboring stages, programming, vendors, residents, or festival operations.

10. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Selected performers are expected to interact professionally and respectfully with festival staff, artists, vendors, volunteers, partners, and members of the public.

Harassment, discrimination, threatening behavior, violence, intentional property damage, or conduct that creates an unsafe environment may result in removal from the festival.

11. SCHEDULING & ARRIVAL
Selected performers must arrive by their assigned check-in or arrival time and be prepared to begin their performance at the scheduled time.

Performance locations, times, and durations are determined by Artscape/Create Baltimore and may change due to programming, weather, safety, production, or operational needs.

Performance slots may not be transferred or reassigned to another artist or group without prior approval.

12. CONTRACTING & REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Selection through the application process does not constitute a final performance agreement.

Selected performers may be required to complete additional documentation, including a performance agreement, W-9, COI, payment information, technical information, promotional materials, and other festival documents.

Failure to complete required documentation by established deadlines may result in cancellation of participation.

13. COMPENSATION
Compensation, if applicable, will be communicated directly to selected performers and confirmed through the official performance agreement.

Applicants should not consider compensation or participation finalized until all required agreements have been fully executed.

14. PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS & MEDIA
Applicants must have permission to submit all photographs, biographies, videos, recordings, and other promotional materials included with their application.

If selected, performers grant Artscape/Create Baltimore permission to use submitted promotional materials in connection with festival marketing, communications, publicity, and documentation.

Performers may also be photographed, filmed, or recorded during Artscape for festival documentation, archival, press, and promotional purposes, subject to the final performance agreement.

15. ARTIST CANCELLATION
If a selected performer becomes unable to participate, Artscape/Create Baltimore must be notified as soon as possible.

Selected performance opportunities may not be sold, transferred, reassigned, or given to another artist without prior approval.

16. FESTIVAL CHANGES
Artscape/Create Baltimore reserves the right to make reasonable changes to performance locations, schedules, programming, operating procedures, and festival logistics when necessary for the safe and successful operation of Artscape.

17. DJ APPLICATIONS
The Pop-Up Performer Program is not the application pathway for DJs seeking a DJ performance opportunity.

DJs interested in performing at Artscape should apply through The Flipside DJ Stage application.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Submission of Application confirms)

I have read and understand the Artscape 2027 Pop-Up Performer Terms & Conditions. I understand that this is a self-contained, busker-style performance opportunity; that I am responsible for providing the equipment and materials necessary for my performance unless otherwise confirmed in writing; that performances are weather dependent; and that, if selected, I must provide all required documentation, including a Certificate of Insurance (COI), by the established deadlines. I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee selection or constitute a final performance agreement.