Handmade Arcade Markets
Details about the application process, important dates, fees, and more.
Details about the application process, important dates, fees, and more.
At this time, Handmade Arcade does not accept food vendors, including chocolates, honey, and candy. If you have specific questions regarding your products, please ask before you apply at info@handmadearcade.org.
All Handmade Arcade markets are juried, curated markets.
Handmade Arcade uses ArtCall.org as its application software. Each market application is assigned a market-specific URL shared via email, on Handmade Arcade’s website, and on social media. Vendors will first need to register for an account on ArtCall before applying. Note: the application site works best on a laptop or desktop. This site is not mobile-friendly.
Every application is carefully reviewed and voted on by our jurors. Handmade Arcade’s jury consists of the Handmade Arcade advisory committee and new and rotating guest jurors from Pittsburgh’s arts, craft, cultural, and small business communities. Jurors are paid for their time and expertise.
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The annual Handmade Arcade Spring Market provides a platform for new and emerging makers. Qualifying makers include artists and craftspeople who are relatively new to selling their products at large, in-person markets. This market is only for makers who have never participated in past Handmade Arcade markets.
Handmade Arcade hosts two pre-event workshops (either virtually or at Construction Junction in Pittsburgh’s East End) to walk new makers through the details of participating in an in-person market. The workshops are specific to this event and include information on setting up a booth display and a checklist of what to bring.
After the event, makers must share information with Handmade Arcade by filling out a post-event survey, including their sales numbers.
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The Holiday Market is Handmade Arcade’s longest-running and largest event. Consistently drawing approximately 11,000 shoppers each year, the Holiday Market features a wide range of makers from Western Pennsylvania and beyond. Due to its venue and highly engaged audience, the Holiday market hosts up to 250 makers each year.
In addition to the in-person market, makers will receive a virtual listing on HandmadeArcade.org so attendees can browse makers and plan their shopping day. All participating makers will be required to update their virtual listings with instructions and guidance from the Handmade Arcade team.
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At this time, Handmade Arcade does not accept food vendors, including chocolates, honey, and candy. If you have specific questions regarding your products, please ask before you apply at info@handmadearcade.org.
Mass-produced merchandise is prohibited at all Handmade Arcade events. Additionally, accepted vendors are NOT permitted to bring products from anyone not listed on their original application.
Note: Handmade Arcade was founded as an accessible alternative to fine arts markets. Historically, independent crafters, makers, and artists not considered fine artists do best at our events.
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Handmade Arcade is dedicated to helping the maker community grow and flourish. If you’re interested in applying with a friend, we suggest you pair up with a maker whose work complements your own. It’ll give you the best shot at landing a booth in the bustling Holiday Market.
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Handmade Arcade is the spark that ignited Pittsburgh’s robust maker community. Predating all other local craft-focused markets, including national markets like Etsy, Handmade Arcade has been a leader in Pittsburgh’s maker movement long before the term “maker movement” existed—with early credits such as features in MAKE Magazine and hosting the country’s first-ever Craft Congress in 2007.
Today, the organization operates as a nonprofit and continues to make significant, year-long contributions that directly impact Pittsburgh’s craft, maker, and arts community’s quality of life and economic success.
Handmade Arcade offers a variety of workshops for all makers. With something for everyone, the maker curriculum covers the following topics:
Since 2016, Handmade Arcade has hosted:
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