APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

ArtsGoggle registration opens Monday, March 17 at 9:00am

APPLY NOW.

TO QUALIFY FOR ARTSGOGGLE:

Artists are defined as visual artists working in studio arts. Painters, photographers, woodworkers, weavers, printmakers, sculptors, potters, jewelers, illustrators, and artists of all media may register online.

• Your artwork must be deemed appropriate for a festival environment.

• You must be in attendance the day of the event.

• All artists must apply individually even if you are planning to share a booth space. (see explanation below)

• You must be an artist selling or showcasing artwork that you have made. No MLM or corporate mass production work will be accepted. You are welcome to sell reproductions of your own artworks. To be accepted, all artwork should be the product of an artist’s unique artistic expression and skill. All acceptances are at the discretion of festival organizers. Please do not apply if you are selling factory-made or mass produced items. No direct sales or multi-level marketing companies allowed. Applications such as these will be rejected without refund. ArtsGoggle only allows for the sale of artwork made by the artist presenting it at the festival. Reproductions of your own artwork, such as prints or giclées, are accepted.

• There is no minimum or maximum for the number of works shown. Please use good judgement in providing enough artwork to have a strong presence but not so much that it overwhelms your booth, venue or the patrons.

• Pre-fabricated items that are modified will only be accepted if the modifications are significantly artistic in nature. For example, tumblers with font-based decals applied to them will not qualify as art.
  
• Un-modified vintage items will not be accepted to ArtsGoggle. Instead, vintage sellers are encouraged to apply to the Rock 'N Roll Rummage Sale markets held on various dates in the Near Southside. Learn more here.

• You need to be aware of the supplies that you are required to bring to the festival. These are listed below.

In simple terms, art that is clearly not the work of the artist, that is imported or purchased from a wholesaler, or artwork that is deemed inappropriate (eg: discriminatory or offensive) by Management will not be considered, and if it is identified during the festival the artist/booth attendant will be asked to leave without refund.

COLLABORATING VS. SHARING

ALL ARTISTS MUST REGISTER, regardless if you are sharing a booth.

We do not charge "booth fees" but instead only charge "application fees" that are required for each participating artist regardless of how much space they take up at the festival. The application fee is the only fee to participate in ArtsGoggle. There is no additional "booth fee" to participate if accepted. We are representing artists, not space.

SHARING A 10' x 10' BOOTH? APPLY SEPARATELY AND SHOW TOGETHER

We welcome artists to share a booth/tent space if you wish. When filling out your application you will be able to indicate that you would like to share a booth and you can also tell us which artist you are planning on sharing with. Then, during the Block Selection Process, both artists will work to reserve their single booth space on the same block. To make this possible, it is critical that both artists should indicate the same “sharing” plans on their individual applications. We require that both participating artists, regardless of sharing, register for the event.

COLLABORATING ARTISTS CAN APPLY TOGETHER USING ONE APPLICATION WITH BOTH NAMES LISTED

If the artwork shown is the EQUAL collaborative effort of two artists, you may apply only once using both names so long as each of the artists are not representing artworks made independent of the other artist. For example, if your artwork is knives and one artist makes the metal blade and the other artists makes the wooden handle, you are considered collaborators and can use a single application. Basically, do you both contribute to each individual piece of work shown? If so, register using one application with both names. If not, both artists must register separately. If you are artists who show together regularly (such as studio partners or couples often do) but you each make separate work then you must register separately even if you are planning to share a booth.

CULINARY ARTIST OR FOOD VENDOR? WE CAN EXPLAIN.

CULINARY ARTIST OR FOOD VENDOR? If participating as a "culinary artist" and applying using the artist application, all food items must be packaged for consumption AFTER the event.

CULINARY ARTISTS = PACKAGED FOODS, not to be consumed at the event
For example, homemade jam, packaged spice rubs, salsa, canned pickles, beef jerky or bottled sauces are allowed to register as Culinary Artists. You must (realistically) take these foods home to eat them. Homemade cookies, toffee, or popcorns are NOT allowed to register as Culinary Artist because they can be easily eaten on site and should instead register as Food Vendors using a different application.

FOOD VENDORS = READY-TO-EAT FOODS, for consumption at the event
Food sales for consumption at the event are the exclusive right of the ArtsGoggle food vendors who pay $250 to participate. If you would like to participate as an ArtsGoggle food vendor, please apply using the ArtsGoggle Food Vendor application.

LOCATIONS

OUTDOORS ON MAGNOLIA

THIS IS THE PRIMARY ARTSGOGGLE LOCATION

99% of all artists participate outdoors on Magnolia Avenue.

We strongly encourage you to participate outdoors on Magnolia Avenue.

• ArtsGoggle closes Magnolia Avenue to car traffic from 8th Avenue to S. Main Street each year., nearly a mile in length, and opens the street to host more than 1,000 art booths. This creates an exciting atmosphere that completely transforms the street into a vibrant public space and also provides a premium experience for artists participating outdoors. The ArtsGoggle site plan aligns all of the artists booths in the center of Magnolia Ave., with artist tents placed side-by-side and back-to-back. You may request either a 10' x 10' booth space or an expanded booth space of 10' x 20' for no additional charge. WE DO NOT PROVIDE THE TENT FOR THE ARTIST. Outdoor artists will be given street space and power for lighting, but all other supplies are the responsibility of the artist. Artists will be assigned to a specific block and will be given an exact arrival time. This year's ArtsGoggle footprint has not yet been confirmed as we await construction updates from a few key property owners along Magnolia Avenue whose construction may impact several blocks of the 2025 ArtsGoggle. Please watch for updates for the formal ArtsGoggle site map as we near the event.
  
  SPACE ALLOCATIONS: Applications that are approved will be awarded a 10'x10' space on Magnolia Avenue for their booth. The festival does NOT provide booths to artists. Artists with espeically large work may request a 10'x20' space at no additional cost, but the request is subject to space availability and ArtsGoggle management approval.

INDOORS AT A PRIVATE VENUE

LET'S TALK FIRST! We strongly encourage all artists to participate outdoors on Magnolia Avenue, as this is the primary event site at ArtsGoggle. Artists participating at private venues are responsible for all communications between the artist and the venue, making arrangements directly with the venue before applying.

Venues must also register with ArtsGoggle using the "venue application" in order to host an artist and be listed in the ArtsGoggle program. Registering as an ArtsGoggle Venue is free for Near Southside, Inc. Members and is $100 for non-member venues. Please make sure your venue is aware of this when discussing participation with them. Please make sure your venue is also registered for the festival prior to June 6, 2025 when registration closes. You must enter their contact details below to let us know who you are working with.

• INDOORS ON MAGNOLIA AT A PRIVATE VENUE - Private venues that are located along Magnolia Avenue often have great for traffic nearby.

• INDOORS ON SOUTH MAIN STREET AT A PRIVATE VENUE- Because most of the ArtsGoggle transportation and parking is located in South Main Village, many South Main businesses may also wish to host indoor artists on event day. It is important to note, these South Main Village venues are NOT in the heart of the ArtsGoggle festival....but they do receive a great deal of arts-oriented traffic on event day. If you have made specific plans with a South Main Village venue to showcase your artwork at their business for ArtsGoggle day, and you wish you to be listed in the ArtsGoggle guide, you must also register for the event. All venues must also register for ArtsGoggle, TOO.

All artists must establish partnership with a venue to host them on ArtsGoggle day before registering.

We DO NOT do the matchmaking of pairing artists to venues.

INDOOR ARTISTS RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT WHEN APPLYING, making their application fee only $50, but must contact megan@nearsouthsidefw.org or natalie@nearsouthsidefw.org before purchasing their application. If you check out without that promo code, you will not receive the discount after the fact and we will not issue a refund.

ARTIST PROCESS

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1

Start at the the Near Southside User Portal.

• For new users, create a login and password for our Near Southside portal. You will receive an email to activate your account. You can then return to the User Portal to get started.

• For previous-year returning artists, please use the same email and password you have used in previous years.

• If you are not sure if you have an account, try submitting your email and password. If your username isn't found, you have not registered with our system. If it is found but your password is incorrect, you may need to reset your password and can do so following the instructions provided. Or if your username is recognized and your password entered is correct, you'll automatically be logged in and taken to the User Portal Dashboard.

STEP 2

Purchase the ArtsGoggle Artist Application using our safe online payment system. Please note, your ArtsGoggle application payment will show up on your statement as HISTORIC SOUTHSIDE, INC. (the original name of our company before we began using the dba Near Southside Arts).

• You'll be asked to give very brief contact information details prior to checking out that will ensure your purchased application is connected to your user account.

• Reminder, if you are using a student discount code or indoor artist discount code you'll want to enter it and update your cart before checking out. Please make sure the price is correct before completing your transaction.

• Reminder, this is a non-refundable application fee and is the only fee to participate in ArtsGoggle if approved unless you are requesting a space larger than 20' x 10'.

STEP 3

Complete your ArtsGoggle Artist Application before June 6, 2025 at 11:59pm. The earlier, the better.

Now that you have purchased the application, it will always be accessible to you from your user portal. You'll be able to return to your ArtsGoggle Artist Application at your convenience to finalize the details of your ArtsGoggle participation so long as you submit it prior to the deadline.

Using the application, we'll ask you for:

• Your contact information for administrative use
• Your information to be published in the official ArtsGoggle digital program
• A well written but BRIEF artist statement that helps the public understand and gain interest in your work
• A headshot
• Work sample images in .jpeg format, minimum of 6 and a maximum of 11

Using the application, you'll be able to:

• Let us know if you are being hosted by an indoor venue
• Request a 10' x 10' or 20' x 10' space reservation. Please note, this year's ArtsGoggle is ESPECIALLY tight for space so we will are
• Let us know if you are planning to share a booth with another artist
• Request to be located near another participating artist

STEP 4

Wait for approval.

ArtsGoggle management will begin approving applications as soon as we receive them. This is a long a tedious process, so we ask for your patience awaiting your approval. If all appears correct, we will approve your application and let you know you have been accepted for the 2025 ArtsGoggle. You can then start making plans to be with us for ArtsGoggle day.

START YOUR APPLICATION

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE BLOCK SELECTION

BLOCK SELECTION OCCURS AFTER ALL APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN REVIEWED APPROVED.

In the past, all outdoor artists on Magnolia Avenue made a block "request" when filling out this application. Last year, ArtsGoggle implemented a four step process that puts the block selection process in the artists hands. While last year's tool wasn't perfect, but it was a step in the right direction. This year, we are implementing the same process again. In simple terms, artists apply, management reviews their application, applications that are approved will be notified of approval. Then after all artists are approved, we move to block selection. In the order that the applications were first submitted, artists in groups of 100 will be allowed to select their block. There are no additional fees associated with your block selection.

APPROVED ARTISTS WILL BE INVITED TO SELECT THEIR BLOCK IN THE ORDER THAT THEIR APPLICATION WAS FIRST RECEIVED.
THE EARLIER YOU APPLY, THE EARLIER YOU SELECT YOUR BLOCK.

The earlier you apply to ArtsGoggle, the more likely you are to be able to select the block of your choice. After all artists have been allowed to select their block requests, ArtsGoggle management will review and finalize block placement. Once all blocks are confirmed, artists will be sent their final assignments

STEP 5

You receive your block selection link.

Once all applications have been reviewed, all approved applications will be sent a link to reserve their block IN BATCHES OF 100 ARTISTS AT A TIME BASED ON THE ORDER THAT THE APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED. It is critical that we release block reservation by batches of 100 artists at a time so that we do not crash the block reservation system. The earlier you have applied to the festival, the earlier that you will have the opportunity to select your block.

Each block will have a limited inventory of 10'x10' booth spaces, approximately 40 total per block. The 'inventory' for each block will be divided by arrival group. Group A (approximately 20 booth spaces) of each block will set-up facing south on Magnolia Avenue and has an 8:00am arrival time. Group B (approximately 20 booth spaces) will set-up facing north on Magnolia Avenue and will have a 9:30am arrival time.

STEP 6

Your block selection process.

Each artist will be emailed a link to make your block reservation. Each block will have a fixed inventory and artists can reserve their 10'x10' space on the block of their choice, first-come, first-served, based on availability. There are no additional fees associated with your block selection. We do not offer corner booths or endcaps, as endcaps are the exclusive right of sponsors. You are not reserving a specific booth space, but instead guaranteeing your booth space on a given block and arrival time. Artists will load into their given block in a first-come, first-served order as they arrive to the street the morning of the event.

Artists who requested 10'x20' feet of space in their original application, and were approved for the extended space, will be able to reserve a 10'x20' space in the block selection process.

Artists wishing to be on the same block as their friends/family should carefully coordinate each artist reserving their space on the same block number and arrival group. WE WILL NOT MOVE ARTISTS AROUND TO PAIR THEM TOGETHER. If you want to be near someone, you must reserve space on the same block and same arrival group.

Artists who are registered separately but sharing a tent, will also both need to reserve the same block and arrival time with one artist reserving 10 feet of space and the other reserving 0 feet of space, thus sharing the 10'x10' booth space.

BLOCK SELECTION IS FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED. It will be your responsibility to make your block selection in a timely manner. No exceptions. Once a block fills, it will show as full and no additional artists will have access to select this block.

All artists who have not selected their block within 10 days of the block selection link being mailed to them will be automatically assigned to a block by management and changes will not be made after this point.

STEP 7

Management reviews your selection and, if approved, sends your block confirmation.

After block selection closes for all artists, ArtsGoggle management will confirm your assignment. We'll then reach out to share arrival instructions, maps, and all other details related to your participation. These instructions are typically emailed to you two weeks prior to ArtsGoggle.

APPLY NOW

WHAT DOES MY APPLICATION STATUS MEAN?

TYPICAL STATUSES

IN PROGRESS - This status means that you have purchased an application and started working on it but very importantly you have not completed the application and submitted it for our review. If your application remains in the status, it will not be approved for ArtsGoggle. Please log back into the user portal. You'll want to reopen your existing application (do not purchase a new one please), review, complete and "Save and Submit" this application for our review. If you haven't done this already, please do it urgently.

PENDING REVIEW - This is good news! Pending review means you have completed your application and are awaiting our review. Please note, most ArtsGoggle applications currently have this status. We are working to review your application as quickly as we can. No action is needed from you at this time. Most applications will be accepted to ArtsGoggle. The only reason we reject an application is if the artwork submitted does not meet our criteria for acceptance to the festival (meaning what you submitted isn't art). There is a really good chance that you will be approved.

APPROVED - This is the best news. You have been approved for this year's ArtsGoggle. We are now working to review other artist applications. Please make your plans to join us on ArtsGoggle day! We are working to review all applications, so we ask that you please wait patiently for the next step which will be your block selection. We cannot yet guarantee your block assignment, so please promote your participation but don't share a location yet. No other action is needed from you at this time.

APPROVED FOR BLOCK SELECTION - Once ALL artists applications have been reviewed and those accepted to participate have been approved for the festival, we will begin the Block Selection process. those details but start planning to join us for this year's event. Artists will be emailed a link and instructed to reserve their space on the block of their choice. If you have requested a larger booth size, you will be approved for the additional space at this point. Each block will have a limited inventory of 10'x10' booth spaces, approximately 40 total spaces per block. The 'inventory' for each block will be divided by arrival groups:

• Group A arrives at 8:00am and will set-up facing south on Magnolia Avenue. There are approximately 20 group A 10'x10' spaces on any given block

• Group B arrives at 9:30am will set-up facing north on Magnolia Avenue. There are approximately 20 group B 10'x10' spaces on any given block.

• Artists who requested 10'x20' feet of space in their original application, and were approved for the extended space, will be able to reserve a 10'x20' spot in the block selection process.

• Artists wishing to be on the same block as their friends/family should carefully coordinate each artist reserving their space on the same block number and arrival group. WE WILL NOT MOVE ARTISTS AROUND TO PAIR THEM TOGETHER. If you want to be near someone, you must reserve space on the same block and same arrival group.

• Artists who are registered separately but sharing a tent, will also both need to reserve the same block and arrival time with one artist reserving 10 feet of space and the other reserving 0 feet of space, thus sharing the 10'x10' booth space.

• BLOCK SELECTION IS FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED. It will be your responsibility to make your block selection in a timely manner. No exceptions. As you make your block selection it will be automatically removed from the inventory. You cannot hold booth spaces in your cart to reserve them for other people. Once a block fills, it will show as full and no additional artists will have access to select this block.

• All artists who have not selected their block within 10 days of the block selection link being mailed to them will be automatically assigned to a block by management and changes will not be made after this point.

OTHER POTENTIAL STATUSES

CORRECTION REQUIRED - This status means that we have reviewed your application and noticed that something wasn't quite right. Common mistakes are when photos are missing or not a good enough quality to publish. Other issues we commonly see are incomplete artist statements, confusion with the question about your pronouns, and placing your business name in the artist psyeudonym field. When your application status is changed to "correction required" you will receive an email notice and we will share what problems need your attention. Please watch your email carefully during this review period. To correct an application simply return to the user portal, log in, open your existing application, make the corrections and once again save and submit for our review. We will automatically be notified that you're ready for our review again.

WITHDRAWN - This status references applications where an artist has decided to cancel their participation in the festival.


REJECTED - It is extremely rare for us to reject an application. This status is used when an application simply does not meet the artist requirements for participation. The most common reasons that we reject an application are related to the artwork not being made by the applicant such as MLM products, promotional booths for services the art artwork, or other non-art requests that didn't read the rules when applying. We're sure this won't be you.

A WORD FROM THE TEAM
Natalie and Megan are a two-person review team for all applications. For questions regarding your application please contact us at megan@nearsouthsidefw.org or natalie@nearsouthsidefw.org.

CHECK YOUR APPLICATION STATUS

THE FINE PRINT

ELECTRICITY: ArtsGoggle provides generators throughout the Magnolia Avenue OUTDOOR festival site for and will coordinate a power connection for each artist during set up. We are able to provide a sufficient amount of power for each artist to have LED booth lights (we strongly recommend using LED lights if possible) and to charge ONE small electronic device. Our power supply is not sufficient for items with motors, fans or for booths needing a substantial amount of lighting. If you would like to discuss additional power accommodations, please make sure to detail this request on your application. Artists participating at ArtsGoggle at an indoor venue should discuss power arrangements directly with the venue.

ARTISTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING TENT AND ALL DISPLAY ITEMS NEEDED. This includes tents, tables, chairs, lights, hanging surfaces, etc. We do not provide tents, tables or chairs to artists. You will be responsible for bringing your own lighting, power strips and extension cords as well.

GENERAL SUPPLY LIST THAT ARTISTS SHOULD PLAN FOR:

• Tent (10’x10’ or 10’x20’ based on your space request, any color is fine) We highly recommend Ez Up Tents, as they are sturdy, lightweight (in comparison to others) and have the necessary additions such as shelter walls, tent weights, and lighting systems that you may need. https://www.ezup.com
• Tent weights - You must bring at least four tent weights to secure the legs of your tent. We cannot use stakes, as we will be set up on the street, so heavy tent weights are important for everyone’s security. October is often windy. Be prepared.
• LED lights for your booth - we highly recommend LED because our power supply is limited and LED’s help make the most efficient use of our generators.
• An outdoor extension cord
• An outdoor power strip
• Display items for your artwork
• A chair - this really makes the day so much more enjoyable
• Comfortable shoes. Really, this is an important suggestion.
• A trash bag. You'll inevitably have your own trash to manage at the event. Please come prepared and don't rely solely on our festival trash cans that are designed for public use and may not be avaialble to you when you set up or breakdown at ArtsGoggle.
• Battery backups for your phone and/or electronic device. The power is not on the minute ArtsGoggle begins so it’s important to bring a battery backup device to keep your phone/ipad charged to make sales and stay aware of festival alerts. Email will be our primary means of community during the event so you’ll want to make sure to have your mail accessible on your phone please.
• A helper for set up - if possible, we highly recommend they arrive in your car with you. After you unload onto the street, and before you set up your tent, you’ll need them to go park the car for you. Cars cannot stay on the street while you set up your booth.
• A support person to help you throughout the day. ArtsGoggle is a 14+ hour endurance test, make sure you have some backup!
• A small cooler with drinks (non-alcoholic) for you and your team. This must remain hidden from the public in order to comply with our food vendor policy.
• Signs! Your booth with be among nearly one thousand others so make sure to plan for how you will stand out among the crowd. Booths with strong branding, such as signs that can easily be seen from a distance, memorable color choices, and inviting entry spaces are always more successful at public festivals. Make sure to consider the wind when printing signs. We recommend "blow through vinyl mesh" for any large-scale printed pieces.

NO SUBSTITUTIONS
Artist positions cannot be transferred, sublet, franchised or sold to any other person, nor can they be shared with another independent artist without written approval.


APPLICATION APPROVAL
Acceptance and non-acceptance of applications will be at the sole discretion of ArtsGoggle Management and will be based on the information given by the applicant on their application, meeting with approval the expectation for quality, diversity and artistic merit.

CANCELLATIONS Notification of non-attendance is required. If no notification is given the artist will be prohibited from participating in all future events. Your $100 application fee will not be refunded, as this is not a participation fee but instead an application fee, so even with notice of cancellation we cannot provide refunds.

WEATHER POLICY Management is not responsible for adverse weather conditions so there are NO REFUNDS FOR THIS REASON. The event will operate in varying weather conditions and artist must be prepared for adverse weather. Depending on the severity of the weather forecast, ArtsGoggle Management reserves the right to delay the event opening, close early, cancel the event, or postpone to another date for the safety of all involved. If ArtsGoggle is delayed, cancelled, or postponed due to weather all artists will be notified via email with as much advanced notice as possible. We understand the amount of time, effort and money that is required to participate in an event such as ArtsGoggle and greatly appreciate your commitment. All decisions will be made keeping in mind the substantial investments that are made by participating artist, food vendors, sponsors, entertainers, venues and volunteers. PLEASE, we cannot stress this enough, please keep your phone or other devices charged and handy so that you are able to monitor your email beginning 72 hours prior to ArtsGoggle and during the event. Artists who have work that is especially vulnerable to weather must use their best judgment about the risks of participating in an outdoor event. If an artist should choose not to participate due to adverse weather conditions, we request that the artist notify management via email. Management will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury whatsoever resulting from adverse weather conditions.

Questions?

Megan Henderson

Cultural Director

Director of Events + Communications

Near Southside, Inc.

Near Southside Arts

1606 Mistletoe Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76104

megan@nearsouthsidefw.org



Natalie Atkinson

Events + Projects Manager

Near Southside, Inc.

Near Southside Arts

1606 Mistletoe Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76104

natalie@nearsouthsidefw.org

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