Handmade Arcade announces largest call for artists since pre-COVID 19

Jayla Patton-Mural Artist. Photo by Kitoko Chargois

Handmade Arcade is thrilled to announce their open call for artists, makers and craftspeople for their 2022 Holiday Market. Along with accepting applications for handmade vendors, the organization is also inviting creatives of all kinds to submit proposals to provide interactive experiences to delight and engage shoppers on the day of the market. The nonprofit organization, which has hosted the region’s largest maker market since 2004, is poised to provide artists, craftspeople, and makers with more opportunities to connect with customers and participate in Pittsburgh’s creative economy than ever before.

“As Handmade Arcade continues to grow, I am delighted to offer new opportunities for makers and creators to participate,” says Tricia Brancolini-Foley, Executive Director. “The Pittsburgh region is rich with makers whose diverse styles and life experiences shape their remarkable work. We are committed to growing new avenues for makers to engage with us and to ensuring our events are representative of our community.”

This year, Handmade Arcade is pleased to announce its expanded footprint in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center will enable 250 makers to participate in the event—50 more than the previous year. In addition to this larger footprint, the market will feature opportunities for emerging adult makers and youth makers to share their works with shoppers.

Unique Entry Point for Youth and Emerging Makers

In addition to a general call for makers, Handmade Arcade welcomes early-career makers with no in-person market experience to apply for Craft Corridor. This section of the market provides emerging craftspeople with a discounted booth ($150) and pre-event coaching to help them make the best impression on customers and have a successful market experience. 

Handmade Arcade is also passionate about extending the learning and making opportunities of its award-winning marketplace—and the resources and support system surrounding it—to youth makers who would otherwise not have the chance to participate. Since 2016, Handmade Arcade has worked with 47 youth makers (age 13–19), providing them with free vendor space, professional mentorship, and promotion. This year, the Youth Maker program will host up to 20 young makers from the region.

Opportunities for Creatives of All Kinds

In addition to 250 makers, the Holiday Market comes alive through creative performances, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive experiences throughout the day. Everyone from creators and educators to performing artists, musicians, and organizations can apply to develop a unique, engaging experience for the public on the day of the event.

In the past, interactive experiences have included everything from live marching band performances to hands-on crafts, dance flash mobs, interactive demonstrations, and more. These activations delight and inspire the public and help them embrace and explore their own creativity.

Gabriela Ortiz Art, Holiday Market 2021 | Photographer: Kitoko Chargois

Application Details and Deadlines

Maker Vendor Applications

The Holiday Market is a juried, curated marketplace focused on handmade or hand-crafted goods. While accepted makers range widely in their craft and aesthetics, all applicants should be able to demonstrate a high level of creativity, technique, and innovative thinking through their products. Categories include (but are not limited to) clothing, ceramics, housewares, jewelry, and more. Handmade Arcade does not accept mass-produced merchandise or food products.

Applications open June 15 and close on August 21 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The application fee is $20 (non-refundable, although application fee assistance is available) and the acceptance fee starts at $300 for a standard booth. More details can be found on the organization’s website.

• Craft Corridor

  • This space is reserved for early-career makers who are new to selling at large in-person markets and previous Youth Maker participants who have aged out of the program.

  • Eligible makers may apply via the general maker application, which is available from June 15–August 21.
    

• Youth Maker Program

  • Youth Maker program is reserved for makers ages 13–19. Applications for the 2022 Holiday Market will open in July. More details will be announced closer to the date.

Interactive Experiences

Interactive Experience applications for the 2022 Holiday Market will open in July. More details will be announced closer to the date.

Handmade Arcade Holiday Market Details
December 2–3, 2022 • David L. Lawrence Convention Center

• Happy Hour Preview Party: Friday, December 2, 5–7:30 p.m.

• Early Bird Shopping: Saturday, December 3, 9:30–11 a.m.

• Holiday Market: Saturday, December 3, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Kick off your holiday season with the region’s largest handmade market! Featuring new and returning makers, interactive experiences, DJs, raffles, and 250 incredible makers, this is Pittsburgh’s quintessential holiday tradition.