ARTIST GUIDELINES & FAQs
Please review the Artist Guidelines BEFORE submitting an application.
What is A Taste for Art?
Launched in 2008, A Taste for Art is a well-established event that draws a loyal regional audience of Delaware’s most passionate philanthropic and community leaders, many of whom are collectors. It serves as Children & Families First’s (CFF) premiere annual fundraiser, featuring local artists selling original works in a variety of mediums; high school students from Delaware’s top culinary programs serving themed small bites; and an open bar flowing with carefully curated wines, craft beers, and top-shelf liquors. Furthermore, A Taste for Art has been recognized for its excellence and has been awarded as “Event of the Year” on multiple occasions by various independent organizations.
How do you select your featured artists?
Artists are mindfully selected by a review panel to ensure the event features inspiring and unique original works; showcases diversity of mediums, styles, and price points; highlights local artisans; balances both established and emerging artists, as well as returning and new artists.
How do I apply?
You are encouraged to apply by completing the application above.
How will I know if I am accepted?
Upon completing your application you’ll receive an automatic confirmation via email that your application was received. Your application will be reviewed by every member of our selection panel. After which, you will be contacted via the email you provide with a final decision.
How many artists will there be?
The event is limited to a maximum of 25 artists.
What is the fee to participate?
We do not charge an exhibitor fee. Because this is a charity fundraiser artists must agree to donate 25% of their gross sales made during the event. Please review our purchase/sales and checkout procedures below.
What does my donation support?
100% of the net proceeds support the mission and work of Children & Families First.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Children & Families First is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, and your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
How will the event be promoted?
As CFF’s premier annual fundraiser, the event is promoted on a year-round basis. We use a results-driven promotional strategy that guarantees proven results for you including a dedicated event webpage, invitations, postcards, and flyers, print and digital media ads, billboards, stakeholder emails, and heavy social media promotions using creative campaigns to engage audiences across multiple channels.
We strongly encourage your participation in the promotion of the event through your personal and professional channels too – and will be happy to provide you with digital and printed marketing materials upon request.
Where is the event?
A Taste for Art is an INDOOR event held at Riverfront Events, 706 Justison Street, Wilmington.
What are the event hours?
6:00pm to 10:00pm
When is set-up?
Set-up is from 12:00pm and 3:00pm on event day. Instructions will be sent via email two weeks prior and volunteers will be available to assist.
What will the event provide?
Every artist is guaranteed:
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A dedicated space
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One linen covered 6ft x 30-inch table & chair
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Table signage
It is your option to request, but cannot be guaranteed:
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One 8ft x 4ft pegboard with hooks (will be set up for you)
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Electricity (at no additional cost) (VERY limited)
What am I required to bring?
Your artwork of course! And any signage, branded tablecloths, or décor you wish to have to make your display stand out. Please note: All artwork, display, and storage cannot go beyond your space.
IF you choose to bring your own hanging/display equipment, please be prepared to submit the dimensions and a picture of it with your application.
IF you request and are approved for electric, you are responsible for bringing your own electrical cords and surge protectors needed. For safety reasons and code compliance, electrical cords cannot cross any walking paths in the event – that includes paths used only by other artists. ONLY those who request and are approved for electric will be allowed to access it during the event, and no exceptions will be made.
Do I need to be at my station for the whole event?
YES! Guests are excited to learn about your work, creative process, and inspirations. You or a representative must be present at your exhibit for the duration of the event. If you are coming alone, we do have volunteers who can help out for short times, as needed.
What if I need support during the event?
We will have a team of volunteers regularly checking in with you throughout the evening. If there is anything we can do to help you, from staffing your booth for short times to securing items you may need please ask and we’ll do our very best.
Furthermore, Children & Families First upholds a firm commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect for all individuals in everything we do, and ask for the same from all who join us. Should you be exposed to or become aware, at any time during our event, of hate speech, disrespectful words, inappropriate/aggressive behavior, or an overserved individual causing concern, please notify one of our staff members immediately, as that individual will be required to leave.
Will there be food and drinks for the artists?
YES! You are welcome to enjoy the offerings of the evening, understanding that it is important not to leave your station empty.
Can I bring a guest?
Each artist has the option of purchasing ONE discounted general admission ticket ($75pp). Upon confirmation of your participation, you will receive a special link via email to for the purchase of that guest ticket.
Any additional guests you wish to invite will need to purchase their tickets at full price ($250pp VIP and $150pp General Admission).
How will purchases/art sales be handled?
IMPORTANT! Exhibitors are responsible for ALL sales of their art. The event will not provide a guest check out station. Guests will choose any piece(s) they wish to purchase and pay you directly at your space.
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It ensures you have been paid in full for your art sales and there is no delay.
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It gives you a better opportunity to increase your customer base.
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It reduces paperwork/invoicing for all parties.
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It expedites event closure removing time delays caused by check-out lines.
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It makes your 25% contribution a fully tax-deductible donation to our 501c3.
What types of payment can I accept?
That decision is up to you. You are welcome to accept cash, check, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, etc. BUT you must come prepared with the technology, petty cash, etc. to conduct all transactions at your space. The event space does have free wi-fi.
How do I make my 25% of sales donation?
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We’ll provide each artist with a sales sheet to record all sales during the event.
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Sheets will be collected by event staff at the end of the night.
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Each artist will receive a copy for their records.
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We’ll use these sheets to tally your sales and calculate your 25% contribution.
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You can make your contribution by cash, check, or credit card before leaving.
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You will be mailed a tax-deductible donation receipt and confirmation.
Do I need insurance?
Although not required, we strongly recommend you secure your own insurance. The event does have general liability insurance, but it DOES NOT cover you or your work.
Do I need a business license?
No. We do not require any licensure, business, vendor, or otherwise to participate.
How and when will the event close?
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The event and all sales will end promptly at 10:00pm.
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Event staff will come to your space to collect your sales sheet and confirm.
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For safety reasons, artists may not remove displays or pull their vehicles up to the main entrance until the last guest has exited the event successfully.
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Volunteers will help you pack up, transport, and load your vehicles.
For questions or support beyond the information provided here:
Sherry Brilliant, CFF Board Member & Event Artist Lead
302-438-9621