Call for Creative Entrepreneurs for Salem's Artists' Row 2016

SALEM, MA - Mayor Kimberley Driscoll is looking for creative entrepreneurs to participate in the twelfth season of Artists’ Row, a City of Salem Arts Space Initiative. Artists’ Row is located in historic downtown Salem at 24 New Derby Street, across from Old Town Hall and Derby Square. This area at the heart of the City was originally built as a market place and continues to this day to be an important public plaza and pedestrian way.

Artists’ Row is a seasonal program (May 19 –November 1, 2016) that provides space for artisans interested in building their audience through daily engagement with residents and visitors to Salem. The variety of activities considered for Artists’ Row spaces are to include all types of uniquely produced or crafted products that have appeal to a wide audience. Possible categories are handcrafted products, artwork and artisanal food products. The City is particularly interested in activities that will contribute to a lively activated passage that serves as an entryway to one of the central public spaces in downtown Salem.

PROGRAM GOALS

• To create a lively atmosphere and add to the diverse cultural offerings available for residents and tourists visiting historic downtown Salem.
• To give individuals or partnerships an opportunity to share their unique products and artisanal practices with the public in an engaged retail environment.
• To offer cultural enrichment to the public in the form of free workshops given by participants about the materials and practices of the unique products sold.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

All creative entrepreneurs regardless of race, gender, belief, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disabilities are eligible to apply.

Participants of Artists’ Row will offer an interesting and diverse array of art and handcrafted products and use art to animate and engage community and neighborhood spaces.

There are four (4) stalls available for licensing through this program: Stall #1, #2, #4 and #5 (refer to attached map for stall locations and sizes).

Monthly Rental Fee: Stall #1 - $200.00. Stall # 2 $175.00. Stall # 4 - $150.00. Stall #5 - $100.

No commissions are charged and participants retain 100% of sales from their products.

City staff will offer assistance in finding resources to support participants’ businesses including practical business skills and financial management.

2016 ARTISTS’ ROW SEASON

Open to the public May 19 –November 1, 2016.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

By or before 12:00pm (noon) Friday, February 12, 2016. Hand deliver or mail completed applications to the Department of Planning & Community Development, Attn: Deborah Greel, City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970. The application form must be completed in its entirety and is available at http://www.salem.com/artists-row.