Artomatic 419 - Spectacle Art

Artomatic 419 - Spectacle Art Request for Proposals

Submissions Open Until July 25, 2025

SUMMARY

Based on popular demand and years of requests by local artists, The Arts Commission is excited to once again present Artomatic 419!

This multi-day event, scheduled for September 19-21, will provide access to indoor exhibition space in vacant or underutilized Downtown buildings to more than 100 visual artists and offer main stage and small stage performance areas for literary, film, and other performing artists. Artomatic 419 is a non-juried, multidisciplinary local art exhibition for any creative to showcase their work.

The Artomatic 419 model brings together artists to co-create and execute this unique festival experience. Numerous Toledo artists credit Artomatic with getting their artistic careers off the ground.

SPECTACLE ART

Spectacle art refers to visually striking work that draws the audience’s attention. We are seeking larger site-specific or interactive temporary installations to include as feature points in the Artomatic 419 footprint. These works will be lining the hall from the main entrance into the exhibition and performance spaces. New or existing work is permitted. 

Proposals will need to be submitted with a specific site in mind. If multiple artists submit proposals for the same space, the committee will do its best to accommodate all artworks, but cannot guarantee the selected location. 

Proposals for any space outside of the exhibition area on the map are permitted, and hanging installations in the exhibition area will be allowed. Images and video of the building are under HOW TO APPLY below. 

TIMELINE

June 13

Call opens.

July 25

Call closes.

August 8

Selected proposals notified.

September 11

All work needs to be installed by the end of the day. 

September 13

Toledo Sister Cities International is hosting their festival in the space on this date. Installations will be on view for this event as well as Artomatic 419. 

Friday, September 19 5pm - 9pm

Artist Mixer and opening night of Artomatic 419.

Saturday, September 20 2pm - 10pm and Sunday, September 21 11am - 3pm

Event hours over the weekend.

Monday, September 22 - Friday, September 26

De-installation of work. All work needs to be out by the end of day Friday. A schedule with specific times will be provided prior to September 18. 

LOCATION

Event: Erie Street Market, 201 S Erie St, Toledo, OH 43604

Parking: Erie Street Market Lot, Street Parking, or designated spaces in the Cork & Knife Provision lot; 224 S Erie St, Toledo, OH 43604. A parking map will be shared prior to September 14. 

PROJECT ASSESSMENT

The Arts Commission Will Not Show:

• Anything that consists of an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of people defined in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

• Anything deemed an unreasonable safety hazard (fire or otherwise).
  

Exhibiting artists will work directly with The Arts Commission staff and Artomatic 419 committee contacts for project logistics, including determining install times, access to space, and approved display techniques. Specific date and times for installation and deinstallation will be coordinated closer to the event, including any project needing special arrangements. 

If any of the expectations outlined here and with the individual venue are not met, The Arts Commission reserves the right to kindly revoke participation in the project. The Arts Commission will provide overall venue access and all coordination, marketing, and promotion of Artomatic 419. 

The Arts Commission reserves the right to use artist work for promotional purposes. Copyright of selected works remains with the artist.

Depending on the nature of their proposal, artists may be requested to obtain liability insurance. Neither the Arts Commission nor the presenting venue is liable for lost, stolen, or damaged works.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must have a residence or creative studio within 50 miles of downtown Toledo, Ohio. Individual artists, teams, or collectives may apply. Some installation areas may be prioritized for artist groups and interactive works depending on utility or other needs. There is no age limit for applicants, but artists under the age of 15 must have an adult present during set-up, tear-down, volunteer hours, and any time they are attending their exhibition space.

All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability.

Artists are permitted to offer sales of their installation work if applicable. Installed works should remain on site in order to maintain a full exhibition space for the duration of the event.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Stipends: Small stipends may be available depending on technical and material needs for proposed artworks. Stipends are considered taxable income to the recipient. If applicable, we will send both you and the IRS a form 1099 MISC documenting the project payments.

Info Session: An artist info session will be held on-site while the call is open and will cover topics including additional information about Artomatic 419, how to prepare and submit a proposal, and time for any questions or comments. Walkthroughs outside of the info session will also be available if needed. 

HOW TO APPLY

• View the images with descriptions and video walkthrough to determine which space you want to sign up for:

  • Artomatic 419 Spectacle Art Location Images

• Artist Space Walkthrough Video - Artomatic 419 2025

• Submit your proposal here: Artomatic 419 Spectacle Art Request for Proposals

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Tess Healy, Artomatic 419 & Events Manager
thealy@theartscommission.org 
(419) 254-2787 x1017