Handmade Arcade Doubles Down on Pittsburgh's Creative Economy in 2022
2021 Pop-up Market at Construction Junction
Pittsburgh, PA—Handmade Arcade is thrilled to announce its plans for 2022. The nonprofit, which connects artists, craftspeople, and makers with new audiences and professional development opportunities, continues to grow in response to the needs of Pittsburgh’s arts community.
“The past two years have highlighted how vital Handmade Arcade is to the region,” says Tricia Brancolini-Foley, Executive Director. “I’m so proud of the impact the organization has on our community. Our upcoming season represents our commitment to ensuring that Pittsburgh’s creative economy continues to thrive and grow.”
Supporting the maker community through COVID-19
COVID-19 disrupted nearly every industry, and the creative economy was no exception. Handmade Arcade reacted quickly to the crisis facing local makers. Beginning in 2020, the nonprofit strategically shifted its programming to provide virtual events for independent makers and ran a free professional development series to train makers on running an effective online business. Handmade Arcade continued to be a bold public champion for the maker community, and in 2021, Brancolini-Foley was featured on the nationally renown Craft Industry Alliance podcast, where she discussed her experience as the organization’s director and her vision for the thriving future of arts in Pittsburgh.
As the organizer of the region’s largest maker event, Handmade Arcade played a critical role in the local business community. In 2021, Handmade Arcade hosted four markets with a mix of virtual and in-person engagements: the Spring Hyper-local Virtual Market for makers living and working in Allegheny County; Show and Sell, a springboard event for new and emerging makers; ORIGINS, a market developed by the Creative Business Accelerator featuring creatives of color; and the Pittsburgh fan-favorite Holiday Market at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Cumulatively, these markets attracted over 22,000 shoppers, helping over 300 individual makers and artists secure the sales needed to continue their businesses.
Welcoming a new season of growth
“In 2022, we’re focused on building on our strengths and adapting to the changing nature of the economy,” says Brancolini-Foley. “Our beloved markets will return with reimagined live programming, a more diverse cohort of makers, and expanded opportunities for the community to celebrate and support the art of making.”
Thanks to a successful annual appeal at the end of 2021—a first for Handmade Arcade—the organization is excited to offer more opportunities and resources to makers than ever before.
Applications live: 2022 Spring Market
The Spring Market (formerly Show and Sell), is a relatively recent addition to Handmade Arcade’s calendar, launching in 2019. The April 30 event takes place at Construction Junction in the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End and provides a critical springboard for new and emerging makers. These participants will gain practical market experience (for many, their first major in-person event) and begin to develop a wider customer base, a foundational step towards succeeding in the region’s thriving maker scene.
Applications for the Spring Market open Wednesday, January 19, and close Sunday, February 13 at midnight. The application fee is $5 and accepted participants pay a $50 fee. Participating makers, food, and live programming details will be announced in March.
“We like to think of the Spring Market as a maker-focused community block party,” says Brancolini-Foley. “It’s an amazing opportunity for emerging makers to learn the ropes, engage new customers, and take their business to the next level.”
2022 Holiday Market
Handmade Arcade will round out its vibrant year of programming with the annual Holiday Market, taking place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Saturday, December 3, preceded by a Happy Hour on December 2. This event is a keystone of Pittsburgh’s holiday season and the largest handmade market in the region.
Applications for the Holiday Market will open on Wednesday, June 1, and close Friday, August 12. Further details will be announced closer to the event.
This year Handmade Arcade will also release an online toolkit derived from sessions from the organization’s inaugural professional development sessions held virtually in 2020 and 2021. The freely available resources include information about running a gifts-based business, developing compelling storytelling, engaging with new customers, and more. As the nonprofit continues to pursue partnerships with local and regional organizations throughout the year, Handmade fans and makers should stay tuned for more new opportunities and events.
Market Details
Handmade Arcade Spring Market
Saturday, April 30, 9 AM to 5 PM
Construction Junction
APPLICATIONS OPEN: January 19 - February 13
Come party Handmade Arcade-style and support our region’s new and emerging artists. Don’t miss our free pop-up spring market featuring over 30 talented emerging makers, artists, and craftspeople! Load up on luxurious bath and body products or treat yourself to a handcrafted bag or wallet. If you’re looking for home décor our makers have you covered with delicious candles, creative ceramics, and unique artwork you won’t find at those big box stores.
Masks will be required for all attendees over 2 years of age.
Handmade Arcade Holiday Market
Friday, December 2–Saturday, December 3
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
APPLICATIONS OPEN: June 1 - August 12
Kick off your holiday season with the region’s largest handmade market! Featuring new and returning makers, this event takes place across two enormous convention halls in Downtown Pittsburgh. From handmade leather goods to custom jewelry, funky home decor to children’s accessories, and everything in between, the Holiday Market is the quintessential holiday event for any Pittsburgher (or tourist!).
Market Details
Handmade Arcade Spring Market
Saturday, April 30, 9 AM to 5 PM
Construction Junction
APPLICATIONS OPEN: January 19 - February 13
Come party Handmade Arcade-style and support our region’s new and emerging artists. Don’t miss our free pop-up spring market featuring over 30 talented emerging makers, artists, and craftspeople! Load up on luxurious bath and body products or treat yourself to a handcrafted bag or wallet. If you’re looking for home décor our makers have you covered with delicious candles, creative ceramics, and unique artwork you won’t find at those big box stores.
Masks will be required for all attendees over 2 years of age.
Handmade Arcade Holiday Market
Friday, December 2–Saturday, December 3
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
APPLICATIONS OPEN: June 1 - August 12
Kick off your holiday season with the region’s largest handmade market! Featuring new and returning makers, this event takes place across two enormous convention halls in Downtown Pittsburgh. From handmade leather goods to custom jewelry, funky home decor to children’s accessories, and everything in between, the Holiday Market is the quintessential holiday event for any Pittsburgher (or tourist!).
WEBSITE: handmadearcade.org for more information.