Recommendations for a Successful Art Walk Venue
(Click here for PDF)

Naturally, this is your opportunity to welcome guests to your business and we do not have requirements for our venues other than provide timely paperwork so that we may promote your participation and provide space for your artist. We consider the following to be TIPS to get the best response for your efforts.

Your Artist is your Guest

The artist that you have chosen or been assigned is your first guest to help you have a successful Art Walk. As this is your first time participating in Art Walk, this may be your artists first time to participate as well or your artist may be able to council you on great ideas for presentation. The artist may be concerned about issues such as space, lighting and basic housekeeping issues such as table and chairs. Remember! The venue is responsible for providing space – the artist should provide all materials to fill that space. Tables, easels, lights, pedestals, etc. If you meet with your artist in advance, you may provide some of those materials to ease their load but how the artist fills your space is up to the artist. Treat your artist as if they are a guest. Each Art Walk will bring you a new artist unless you AND the artist request the repeat combination. IF you have any issues, please attempt to negotiate with your artist and then report any unresolved issues to the Carthage CVB for review by the Art Walk committee.

Media Relations

We are all very excited to offer the Historic Downtown Art Walk; please trust the Art Walk committee to develop media and social networking relationships for the event. We appreciate your time and efforts to update your social networking contacts and encourage you to link to Historic Downtown Art Walk official information. Do not create events, pages, or groups for the art walk. Additionally, the Art Walk committee will arrange all media contact. If you are contacted by the media, contact Carthage CVB immediately. We would be thrilled to feature your business in that arrangement.

Provide food and/or beverages

Food and drinks are always a good way to draw people. For your Art Walk, consider partnering with a food vendor. You may decide to have hors d’oeuvres, sodas and adult beverages for the Friday evening and popcorn, popsicles, small candy or family friendly snacks for Saturday.

Get the prospect or customer’s attention

Mail flyers or post cards to your customers a couple weeks in advance to remind them of the Art Walk; your customers will feel like “special guests” to Art Walk and in turn may invite friends and family to your buisness. At the event, create an attractive, welcoming and attention-getting atmosphere. Have your employees greet and guide guests to the area where your artist viewing will occur. If appropriate, consider giving a short tour of your facility with a little history and an interesting fact or two.

Provide a snapshot of what your business is and does

Bring a short informational piece about your business and/or the Art Walk with you to all networking events. If you do not have materials, request Art Walk materials from the Carthage CVB 417-359-8181. Display these prominently and have a few on hand to distribute. Feel free to add Art Walk information to all your sales flyers and materials that you distribute to your customers. Make sure that your contact information is included on the front of your information. Art Walk will offer new customers a no pressure opportunity to visit you business.

Provide prizes and give-aways

Your customers and prospects love to receive give-aways and win prizes. Provide small items with your name and logo featured on them for people to take with them. This could include calendars, pens, paper pads, etc. but be sure they either reflect your product line or will be useful to all who attend. You could also provide an opportunity for attendees to register to win your product or service. Make sure to keep the business cards that are placed in your register to win box. This is an incredible database opportunity to have the contact information of prospects that have already expressed interest in your product or service.

Don’t forget the obvious

Remember to invite all of your current customers, clients, members, vendors and employees. People who work with you on a daily basis are the best ambassadors for your organization. If appropriate, make sure that your employees are setting appointments with prospects right away.

After Art Walk

Please send in comments and suggestions to wdouglas@ ecarthage.com! We are quickly working to put together the next event and value your input!

APPLICATION FOR FUTURE ARTWALKS (PDF)