Performance

Artomatic 419 is a non-juried, multidisciplinary art exhibition for local Toledo creatives to showcase their work. This multi-day event, scheduled for September 18-20, will provide access to indoor exhibition space at Erie Street Market in Downtown Toledo. This event will offer a gallery-esque setting for visual artists and designers, multiple stage performance areas, and a projection room for film and video. Artomatic 419 is free for participants and attendees. 

Performance artists are invited to sign up as an individual or collective to be assigned a time slot on one of the designated performance stages. This can include musical or theatrical performances, literary readings, poetry, puppet shows, demonstrations, or timed performances of any type.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

(Deadline: August 2 or when spaces are filled)

• Read the full 2026 Performance Call document, including Artist Schedule, Eligibility, Project Assessment, Artist Requirements, Stage Dimensions, and other important details.

• View the walkthrough video below and images under “Attachment 1” in the 2026 Performance Call document, to determine which stage would best suit your performance:

  • Artist Exhibition Space Walkthrough Video - Artomatic 419 2026

• Sign up to perform here: 2026 Artomatic 419 Performance Sign-up

–––––––––––––––––––––

ELIGIBILITY

• Must have a residence or creative studio within 50 miles of downtown Toledo, Ohio.

• Individual artists, teams, or collectives may apply.

• 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 performance.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Fee: There is no fee to participate in Artomatic 419.

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.

Performing artists are permitted to offer sales of their work or merchandise if applicable. Sellable works used for performances should remain on site for the duration of the performance.

Performing artists must set-up and tear-down their own sets in a timely fashion.

Required Volunteer Hours: Artists participating in Artomatic 419 must volunteer for at least one shift during the festival. Shifts will be shared with artists first along with details for how to use our new system. 

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).

Artists are responsible for:

• All equipment and supplies needed for the performance except for some stage spaces that are raised or will have provided risers as well as a basic stage set-up including microphones, microphone stands, PA speakers, and general stage lighting.

• Promoting their work.

• Providing visible contact information or signage apart from the weekend event schedule.

• Dealing directly with any sales or inquiries about the work if artists have items for sale.

• Obtaining a vendor’s license if conducting sales at the event.

• If applicable, using appropriate display techniques that have been approved by the individual venue and The Arts Commission.

Performing artists will work directly with The Arts Commission staff and Artomatic 419 committee contacts for performance logistics, including time slots and provided equipment and utilities. Specific times for arrival and load-out information will be coordinated closer to the event. It is not the venue’s or The Arts Commission’s responsibility to promote your show individually or conduct any sales.