Introduction
TheSummer and Winter Arts Markets are carefully curated art fairs featuring stands from over 200 independent artists, makers and designers. Taking place annually at the iconic Liverpool Cathedral, our markets are the biggest events of their kind in the city region.
The events help to support the local creative and independent economy and provide a platform for thousands of artists across all artforms to sell their work directly to the public. Art lovers can find unique and handmade work such as prints, ceramics, photography, and much more.
Planning
OpenCulture have been creating platforms for artists and creatives since 2008 when we organised a series of outdoor fairs on the piazza of the MetropolitanCathedral. Soon we found that the demand from audiences and artists was increasing and we needed to scale things up!
The Winter Arts Market was founded in 2009, and over the last decade has provided an important and affordable platform for thousands of artists, designers, crafters and makers. Many of these artists have gone on to make art their full-time career and have been able to develop their craft alongside a network of a creatives involved in our events.
Building on the success of the Winter event, the first Summer Arts Market was held in 2013.
“I wanted to write to say thank you for choosing us to be among the many wonderful brands that were in attendance. It was evident how much hard work had been put into the event to make it such a success, everything from the organisation on Friday night to the management of the public and the soundtrack was perfect.
I found myself packing away on Saturday evening and wishing that it was happening again on Sunday, there was such a great sense of community and a buzzing atmosphere - so thank you for making this happen. I hope I'll get the opportunity to attend future events and look forward to this prospect”
— Bodhi Silver, Silversmith
EXECUTION
We handle all aspects of the production, curation and management of both markets; from artist selection, marketing, PR, and event design to staffing, setup and de-rig. Working closely with our venue’s in-house team at Liverpool Cathedral, the event has continued to grow and become a well-loved staple in the Liverpool arts calendar.
Since 2016, the arts markets have been held at Liverpool Cathedral. Prior to 2016, they were held at St George’s Hall,Liverpool.
“Thanks for putting on a fantabulous Winter Arts Market on Saturday, I really appreciate the team’s hard work making it such a success.”
— Joolzery
Results
The Summer and Winter Arts Markets attract huge audiences, with several thousand people visiting each event. The markets have grown exponentially since being founded in 2009 and are now the biggest arts and crafts markets – both in terms of stallholder numbers and visitors –in the region.
We operate an artist and audience survey for each event, so we can continue to improve the way we work and cater to our partners and customers. We regularly receive 500 applications for each event, and our careful curation means audiences see artists and makers working at the highest level for their craft, whilst also offering the platform up to select emerging and developing creatives.
“I can’t thank you enough you all worked so hard and your friendly helpful approach enables us as stall holders to focus on the customers. I feel honoured to have been part of such an amazing event with fantastic stalls.”
— Vonnybee, Stallholder
Talk to us
Open Culture regularly consult or develop projects for other organisations seeking to stage similar events. Get in touch if you'd like to hear how we can work together.
If you're interested in getting involved with a future art market, contact us at info@culture.org.uk
