FAQ for Artists

We hope to provide answers to every artist’s question. We want you to feel prepared and ready to have a great weekend! Here are a few answers for you. And we will add more as we get asked.

Who runs the Bucktown Arts Fest?
The fest has no staff – and is run solely by volunteers from the community.

Where do the proceeds of the fest go?
All proceeds of the fest go to support arts and education programming at Holstein Park and the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhoods. Learn more about our programming efforts.

How many visitors attend the fest? 
We estimate that between 30,000 – 40,000 people attend the show each year.

How many artists’ applications you receive?
The number of applications varies each year. Unfortunately, we always have more than we are able to accommodate. Many of our artists have been showing at BAF for 10-20 years, and return every year.

How many artists show at the fest?
The number of artists showing varies each year, but it is never less than 185 and never more than 200.

Are all spaces open to jury, or are some artists (like award winners) invited without having to jury?
Only the winner of our Poster Contest is technically a non-juried artist. Although he/she is actually juried separately, based on their submitted design and their book of work – and are also regularly juried if he/she were to apply again the subsequent year.

Who do I ask about questions/problems/concerns with my registration fees?
Just ask our chief o’money at treasurer@bucktownartsfest.com.

Why is it called Senior Citizens Park?
After the Board of Education closed the Logan Elementary School in 1972, the city moved quickly to develop the property as parkland. By 1977, the city was developing plans for recreational facilities – including shuffle board courts and permanent game tables – tailored to the area’s older residents. The city transferred the property, then known as Logan Elderly Park, to the Chicago Park District in 1979. The following year, the park was officially renamed Senior Citizens Memorial Park at the request of 32nd Ward alderman Terry Gabinski and the Senior Citizens of Holstein Park.

If I am a Returning Senior Artist, which SlideRoom program should I apply to – Returning or Senior?
Please apply to the Senior program in SlideRoom. Inside the application, it will ask if you are a returning artist.

Can I share a booth with another artist?
If both artists are juried in through the Application Process, booth sharing is allowed for an additional $100 fee, for a total booth fee of $400 total ($300 booth fee + $100 sharing fee) for sharing returning artists and $300 total ($200 booth fee + $100 sharing fee) for sharing senior artists.

Do I need to fill out any tax forms prior to the show?
Updated 2/29/2012: Artists at the Fest may need to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue and submit Special Event Tax Revenue forms. Though not everyone needs to register/file — some may only need to fill out a special event coupon. General guidelines for those eligible for special event coupons versus filing Special Event Tax Revenue forms include people who do less than 3 Illinois art shows a year and out-of-state vendors. To find out your tax liability, if any, please contact:

Illinois Department of Revenue
Special Events Unit: (847) 294-4475
Taxpayer Assistance: (847) 294-4200
Rev.Specialevents@Illinois.gov

Download the 2012 Special Event Tax Collection Report and Payment Coupon.

Learn about your responsibilities to the Illinois Department of Revenue as a vendor:
http://tax.illinois.gov/Individuals/SalesandRelated/fairs.htm.

I need to file Form IDOR-6-SETR. Where can I get one?
The form will be provided in your Artist Check-In Packet.

Or download the 2012 Special Event Tax Collection Report and Payment Coupon here.

To obtain the correct tax rate or for forms and information on how to file, please contact the Special Event Coordinator at Rev.SpecialEvents@illinois.gov or call (847) 294-4475.

When are invoices sent out? How will I receive it?
Invoices are sent out by email after May 15. For 2012, we will offer payment through PayPal or you can send your check to:
Bucktown Arts Fest
c/o American Eagle Bank
2255 N. Western
Chicago, IL 60647

When are booth assignments sent out? How will I receive them?
Booth assignments are posted online in July or early August under the Our Artists page on our website. An annoucement that they are posted will be sent by email.

Where can I get a map of the grounds?
Download the map here

How do I get to the Fest grounds?
See our Directions & Map

What time does set up start on Saturday morning?
Artist Load In runs from 6:00am – 10:30am. Please be sure to get a copy of your Artist Folder when you check in which includes important information for the weekend – including a parking pass for those who park in the AN Pritzker School parking lot.

We recommend coming early to ensure ease of access and ample time to set up before the Fest opens to the public at 11am. Security is provided at the park overnight on Saturday night to protect your booths.

Is there parking during the Fest for artists?
Artists are welcome to find parking on the street if possible, but we also offer parking at Pulaski International School of Chicago (2230 W Mc Lean Ave, Chicago, IL 60647). Please be aware that you must place a parking pass in your window to park in the school lot. Passes are found in your artists’ folder at check in.

Where and when do I pick up the rental tent/chairs/table? Or will they be in my space?
Rentals items are delivered on the Saturday morning of load in and will be available to you when you arrive for set up.

If my booth if on the street, is there room on the sidewalk behind to sit/storage/wrap etc?
There is a small amount of room behind the 10×10 tent area – but not a lot. We put up fencing behind the tents to protect the neighborhood grass, so really there is only a little “nudge” area.

Any recommendations for weights for the EZUp tents?
If you are renting a tent from the Bucktown Arts Fest, sandbags will be provided with your rental. These are important to use – especially when leaving your tent overnight Saturday (in case of bad weather).

What happens as far as security Saturday night and load out on Sunday?
We will have security to protect your booth overnight Saturday night. All booths must be packed up and loaded out on Sunday evening. Artists are asked to complete Load Out by 9pm. Any belongings left unattended after that time will not be the responsibility of the fest.

Are there any hotels close to the fest grounds?