Oakland Artisan Marketplace

The Cultural Arts & Marketing Division is proud to present the Oakland Artisan Marketplace, the City's arts and crafts vending program, that gives artisans an opportunity to sell their arts and crafts year-round in Oakland. Former street artist and now Council member Nancy Nadel initiated this program and after much research, a series of community meetings with neighborhood and business representatives, and the implementation of two small projects by the City's Community & Economic Development Agency (CEDA), the Oakland Artisan Marketplace was created. Currently there are two marketplace sites weekly: Fridays in Oakland's outdoor civic center Frank Ogawa Plaza and Saturdays and Sundays in Jack London Square.

Tour the Marketplace-see some of the wonderful arts and crafts

Marketplace Goals:

• Create destination area(s) that will attract visitors and residents to purchase unique arts and craft products produced in Oakland and by other regional artists
• Provide a mechanism for Oakland and other artists to sell their hand-crafted artwork;
• Encourage the development of the arts and crafts community;
• Encourage existing business areas without creating competition of retail businesses;
• Create a positive streetscape in designated community development areas.

Days/Site/Times

Fridays: Frank Ogawa Plaza (14th & Broadway)     10:00am-4:00pm*
Saturdays: Jack London Square                          10:00am-6:00pm*
Sunday: Jack London Square                             10:00am-5:00pm*

* time varies

Application & Fees

CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE
1) Complete Application and submit to department with photos of the work
2) Receive call to set-up Screening & Program Orientation Meeting, attend.
3) When approved obtain Oakland Business Tax Certificate
4) Pay OAM Fees and Obtain Oakland Artisan Certificate
5) Begin selling (first-come/first serve and participate in Lottery)

1. THE APPLICATION. File Application and required attachments to Cultural Arts & Marketing Division. In order to qualify artists must first obtain the following:
a) State of California Resale Number from the State Board of Equalization, at 510-622-4100;
b) Federal Tax ID# (SS#) from IRS, at 510-839-1040;

Artisans will also need to obtain and Oakland Business Tax Certificate once your work has been screened and approved. Oakland Business Tax Certificate, City of Oakland, 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, STE1320, Oakland CA 94612 510.238.3704

Download Application for Oakland Artisan Marketplace-English

Download Application for Oakland Artisan Marketplace- Spanish

Download Application for Oakland Artisan Marketplace- Chinese

2. THE CERTIFICATE and THE ID CARD. After submission of application and approved screening of hand-crafted items you will need to pay the certification fee ($250 annual or $145 every 6 months) and receive Oakland Artisan ID Card issued by Cultural Arts Department, please bring in 1 photo same size as photo on driver's license for the ID. CCAD will call you to set up an orientation appointment.

3. THE ADVANCE LOTTERY. There will be a lottery for Sunday spaces the 2nd Tuesday of the month for the following month. During your Screen & Orientation meeting you will receive more information. Currently, Friday and Saturday spaces are first-come first-serve unless there is a special event.

Artisan Guidelines

As an Oakland artisan, you will need to become familiar with the rules and regulations of the Oakland Artisan Marketplace. Each licensed artisan is required to comply with the following provisions or be subject to citation or other penalty. All certified artisans will be given an Oakland Artisan Marketplace Handbook detailing requirements and responsibilities. The following are some highlights:

1. Must have in possession a current license/photo ID displayed at all times during designated selling hours;
2. May only sell from one space per day in assigned space boundaries;
3. Artisans may have one certified alternates sell for them;
4. Products must be hand crafted by the licensed artisan, i.e. not imported or mass produced;
5. Maintain, at all times, a vending space that is clean and hazard free. Vending equipment/merchandise offered for sale shall not block, impede or in any way hamper pedestrian movement or cause or allow any hazard to pedestrians;
6. Are subject to citation and possible revocation of license for violation of any part of the Oakland Artisan Marketplace Handbook and city policies;
7. Are only allowed to sell in areas designated by the project;
8. Must observe the approved vending hours.

Selling Space and Display Requirements

1. Vending spaces will be pre-measured and marked on the Oakland Artisan Marketplace site maps;
2. Parking for vendors will not be provided, artists will be able to park in the loading zone for 15 minutes while setting-up ONLY. After set-up, you are on your own to find legal street or parking garage parking;
3. Artists are responsible and own for their display unit (table, chairs, panels, etc.), set-up and break-down;
4. Display units must fit a 10' x 10' space.

The CAM is working with other city departments to develop the Oakland Artisan Marketplace as a viable way for artisans to sell their arts and crafts. Marketing of this project will be the key to letting the public about this opportunity to buy art and crafts. We all realize there is always a risk in starting a "new" service and we all must be patient and understand it takes time to develop, build and grow the project.

For more information please contact:
DiAnne Love
Cultural Arts & Marketing Division Staff
(510) 238-4948
dlove@oaklandnet.com