Are Art & Craft Festivals Dead?

Image Courtsey: Tendril / Wikimedia Commons

With the downturn in the economy, it seems that almost everyone has suffered. Of course, fewer people are spending money in order to avoid greater debt. This means, for people who depend on consumers for their livelihood, their business has been hurt. This can be seen in a larger way in the form of the art fairs and festivals. Fewer people are willing to spend money at these festivals. This results in fewer customers, and eventually fewer vendors. It leaves us all with the question. Are art festivals dead? Have we seen the end of these shows?

There was a time when craft shows reigned supreme with hundreds if not thousands of customers perusing the displays of handmade artwork of all types. However, now, more and more vendors are determining that this is just not worth their time or money. What has happened? Of course, the economy is partially to blame, but that is not all.

Too many people saw the craft show as a quick and easy way to make money. They wanted to simply offer their artwork and go home with a box full of cash. However, in light of the economic downturn, vendors and artists must recognize the need to work harder and draw in customers. Those vendors who are not willing to put in the work might as well accept the death of art festivals. However, this does not have to be the answer.

Instead, if each artist or vendor were to put forth even a small amount of effort by offering new and interesting or even one time only options, they will be able to draw people back in. The key to gaining and keeping new customers is to offer something different. Whether this means offering a limited edition of an artwork or it means offering something new like live painting lessons, offering something new is a perfect way to bring in new customers who will boost the attendance of the whole art festivals.

Are art festivals dead? The answer is no. However, that answer could easily change if artists and vendors do not recognize the need to start putting in the work. To keep art shows and festivals alive, it is vital to help customers see past their tight budget. Every vendor can put in a little work that will do good for the overall festival. If each of 50 vendors does this, the results could be astounding, and art festivals can be alive once again.

[Article from http://www.fairsandfestivals.net/articles/view/are-art-craft-festivals-dead/]