Spectacle Art

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. 

This year, awards are available for large installations in site-specific areas.

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 placed throughout the event space. 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.

HOW TO APPLY

(Deadline: August 2)

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

• 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 Exhibition Space Walkthrough Video - Artomatic 419 2026

• Submit your proposal here: 2026 Artomatic 419 Spectacle Art Proposal

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. 

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ELIGIBILITY

• To be eligible for awards, applicants must live or hold a studio within the City of Toledo or Lucas County.

• 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 exhibition space.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Awards: Material awards of $1,000 are available depending on technical and material needs for proposed artworks. This year stipends are grant funded and will require submitting a short report after the event. Survey example questions are included in Attachment 1 below. Stipends are considered taxable income to the recipient. If applicable, we will send both the artist and the IRS a form 1099 MISC documenting the project payments. Applicants must live or hold a studio within the City of Toledo or Lucas county to be eligible for awards.

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.

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).

Spectacle 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.