event details | registration | tent | priority system | groups
images | requirements | setup & selling | webpages

Event Detail Questions

What is Mission Federal ArtWalk?
Mission Federal ArtWalk is San Diego’s largest urban arts festival. Over 350 artists participate each year and over 100,000 visitors purchase approximately $1 million worth of artwork. The two-day festival also includes live music, food vendors, an area of art and entertainment for kids and the local color and charm of downtown San Diego’s Little Italy.

When is Mission Federal ArtWalk 2011?

The festival traditionally takes place the last full weekend in April. In 2011, it takes place April 30 and May 1, and this will be the event's 27th anniversary. Event hours are 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.


Where is the festival?

Each year the event fills the neighborhood of Little Italy, downtown San Diego. The footprint of the event extends from the trolley stop on Beech Street (southern border of event), to the northern end of Fir Street (north border of event). Kettner, India and Columbia are the primary cross-streets. India Street is closed to vehicle traffic during the event.


Is the event juried?
Artist applications are reviewed by a selection committee. This is why we require that artists supply images of art work before any application is complete. The committee reviews artwork based on specific artistic criteria. We strive to ensure that visitors have access to the best fine art experience possible.

When does application begin for Mission Fed ArtWalk 2011?

NEW artist application begins May 7, 2010. Application for RETURNING artists began April 17. Application continues until all tent spaces are sold. They often sell out by mid-January. It is best to apply as early as possible.


How many people attend the festival?

Each year the event attracts more than 100,000 attendees.


What hotels are in the area?
You will find a comprehensive list of hotels in the Little Italy area here.

When is artist check in?
Artists may check in at our office (734 West Beech, San Diego 92101) beginning Monday, April 25, 2011. Checking in at the office saves you time! Avoid the rush on the weekend of the event. If you do wait until the weekend of the event to check in, volunteers will be available in the office beginning at 7:00 AM. If you don’t have the opportunity to come into the office, volunteers will deliver your package to your tent on Saturday.

What do I get for my application fee?

Artists receive the following:

1. Tent covered exhibit space (size selected at application)

2. Artist Package (see below)

3. A personal web page in our artist gallery online

4. Name and tent number in both event magazine and map

5. A small sign on each tent with artist’s name and tent number.

6. Eligibility to participate in our yearly community art project.

7. Entrance into the Featured Artist competition (see Featured Artists section).

8. Opportunity to submit news items for our monthly eGram newsletter (10,000 readers).


What is included in the Artist Package?
Your Artist Package includes the following: festival name tage, guide/map; event magazine; and an event T-Shirt.

When will I receive my Guide/Map?
You may come into the our office (734 West Beech St, Suite 100, San Diego 92101) to pick up your Guide/Map, along with the rest of the Artist Package. You can send someone to pick up your Artist Package for you. Artists will receive an email in April when the Packages are ready for pickup. Packages may be picked up on the weekend of the event. The office opens at 7:00 AM both days of the event.

Will I get exposure through other ArtWalk projects?
There are many opportunities through local media or sponsors to bring your work to the public. If you are interested, contact our office for more details on current projects.

event details | registration | tent | priority system | groups
images | requirements | setup & selling | webpages