The City of Olympia’s Parks, Arts & Recreation is seeking registrants and sponsors for its Spring Arts Walk, which will open on Friday, Apr. 25, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and continue through Saturday, Apr. 26, from noon to 6 p.m.
The bi-annual event happens once each spring and fall, where thousands of visitors and participants come together in Olympia to celebrate community, culture and the transformative power of the arts.
The art festival supports local artists, promotes small businesses, and strengthens Olympia’s creative economy.
Olympia describes Arts Walk as a “vibrant event that fosters creativity, inspires connection, and drives economic growth in the region.”
This year marks the 35th year of the event.
There are two ways to sponsor— as an arts benefactor or an arts advocate.
An arts benefactor is a financial sponsorship that sustains Arts Walk’s growth and impact, while an arts advocate is an in-kind partnership providing essential goods, services or audience outreach to enhance the event experience.
“Sponsors play a crucial role in sustaining the spirit of Arts Walk, fueling innovation, and creating memorable experiences that uplift and unite the community,” the city stated in its newsletter.
The organizers have released a sponsorship packet, which contains a detailed outline of everything interested sponsors may seek, including the benefits of a sponsorship, sponsorship levels and the impact of support.
Sponsorship applications must be submitted on or before Feb. 28 to be included in promotional materials for Spring and Fall Arts Walk 2025.
Applications are accepted after this date, and benefits are adjusted accordingly.
Artist registration for the Spring Arts Walk runs from Jan. 1-31, and market vendor applications are accepted from Jan. 1-15.
“Artists, performers, and creatives are key partners in inspiring and engaging the community. The innovation, craftsmanship, and engagement of our creative community is the beating heart of Arts Walk and a crown jewel of Olympia,” stated the event’s website.
Interested Arts Walk artists and performers may showcase artistic talents using one of the following methods during open registration.
Registrants may connect with a location to host a display of their artwork or performance for the event.
The organizers suggest finding a space or organization with a similar art style, presenting them with a work sample, and proposing a collaboration.
The second method is to request a booth space to participate as an Arts Market vendor. Early sign ups are encouraged as booth spaces are limited.
Businesses are expected to create distinctive venues for attendees, artists and performers to engage with the community and celebrate culture and the arts.
“Registered businesses and organizations play a vital role in shaping the unique Arts Walk experience, which draws thousands to Downtown Olympia twice a year," the website states.
Businesses interested in registering as an Arts Walk venue, but need help connecting with an artist, may contact Arts Walk staff.
A recent survey by the organizers showed that most businesses register for Arts Walk to support downtown community development, celebrate the arts, give back to the community and support local artists.
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