Art Market Application
OVERVIEW
The City of Waterloo is inviting emerging and established artists to participate in a series of outdoor art markets from May to August. These vendor opportunities will be hosted in conjunction with other events and activations throughout the summer.
Up to 20 vendor spaces will be available at each market. Artists will be selected based on artistic merit, experience, and the overall quality of their work and display. Booth sharing is permitted only if it is clearly disclosed in the application. Artists applying as part of a group or collective must include work samples from each participating artist in the application.
This opportunity is open to emerging and established artists working in any discipline suitable for an outdoor art market. Applicants are encouraged to consider appropriate price points and the availability of smaller items that are well-suited to this type of market environment.
TIMELINE
Applications are due: March 26, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Art Market Dates (2026):
• May 29 (5 - 9 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square as a stand-alone Art Market with entertainment
• June 13 (12 - 6 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square/Willis Way as part of Open Streets
• July 1 (4 - 9 p.m.) in Waterloo Park as part of the July 1st Community Picnic
• July 24 (5 - 9 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square as a stand-alone Art Market with entertainment
• August 14 (5 - 9 p.m.) in Waterloo Public Square as a stand-alone Art Market with entertainment
SUPPORT FROM THE CITY OF WATERLOO
Each selected exhibitor will be offered, free of charge, the use of:
• one 10’x10’ white top tent
• tent weights
• one 6’x3’ table
• two chairs
Selected artists will be offered support from City of Waterloo staff including marketing support and business tips prior to the event. Power will also be provided to artists for at Art Markets in Waterloo Public Square. Power may not be guaranteed at other locations. Please keep in mind that this is an outdoor event and that your display must be suited to the conditions including moderate wind, sun, heat, and other weather conditions.
EXHIBITOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Selected exhibitors will be responsible for signing and returning a short participation agreement, setting up displays, marketing their presence at the Art Market, and handling all transactions during the event. All display structures and materials are the responsibility of artists, who are reminded to consider wind and wet weather, the safety of the public, and of their art, when planning their displays. Artists are responsible for and encouraged to purchase insurance for their work.
Exhibitors are asked to arrive for setup 60-90 minutes before the event, unload, relocate vehicles to parking area 30 minutes before the event starts, and be set up and ready to sell when the event begins. Artists are asked to wait until the event concludes to begin their teardown. Artists are encouraged to bring another set of hands to assist with their setup.
Artists are required to stay on-site the entire duration of the event and are asked to not pack up before the event is done. This ensures a respectful environment for other participants, event organizers, and other exhibiting artists.
Due to the limited number of spots available, artists who are unable to comply with their vendor responsibilities may be not be invited back and may lose their spot in future events and markets.
WAIT LIST
Applications to the waitlist will be taken throughout the summer. The application requirements will be the same for late applications. There is no guarantee that artists being considered for the waitlist will receive an invitation to exhibit, or how much notice will be given, as it is only to help fill a spot in the event of a cancellation.
CANCELLATION POLICY
It is important that exhibitors show up and are set up on time for their scheduled markets. No-shows, late cancellations, and lengthy setups diminish the event, whereas a full market of dedicated, prepared exhibitors helps build a positive and valuable experience for attendees and fellow artists alike.
Exhibitors who cancel without notice, or fail to arrive and set up during the designated time, will lose their opportunity to participate in future events.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Art Market will take place in Waterloo Public Square, in Waterloo Park or on Willis Way in conjunction with other City of Waterloo events. Please carefully read the information about each art market location when selecting your dates.
In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances or events, City of Waterloo reserves the right to cancel events based on our special events procedures. This includes high winds, rain, and threat of lightening as well as ongoing protocols outlined by our local Public Health office. This is an outdoor event so exhibitors should consider light winds when configuring their display.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are required to submit an application form which includes basic information, a bio/artist statement, description of work and exhibition or market experience, and supporting documents. See application form below for details. Images provided will be used for promotional purposes to market the vendors participating in the event.
