FRESNO ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY: ARTHOP EXHIBITION APPLICATION

 

Submission Requirements:

  • Contact information
  • Identify exhibition month
  • Upload samples of artwork for exhibition
  • Identify any conflict w/ agreement items

** FAC will review and make the selection for each month's exhibition, Once selected FAC will confirm the exhibition month and provide an agreement for signature. 

 

If selected, parties must adhere to the following items.

  1. Purpose:  Exhibitor agrees to entrust the artwork to FAC for the purpose of exhibiting at the Fresno Arts Council for agreed upon month.  Exhibitor agrees to deliver and install artwork at FAC Office 1 week prior to 1st Thursday of scheduled exhibit month and pick up during last week of exhibited month.
  2. Selection of artwork:  15-20 pieces are needed to fill the space. All frames or canvases need to be wired to hang. After curators select artwork to be exhibited, Exhibitor agrees to take artwork not selected.  Curator and Exhibitor will agree with the process presenting the exhibition.
  3. Cancellation:  Exhibitor agrees to notify FAC of cancelation one month in advance of scheduled date.  FAC will seek a replacement for the exhibition.
  4. Acceptance:  FAC accepts the listings and values on the Schedule of Works as accurate in consideration of omissions and damages during the delivery of work to the FAC office.  The parties must sign the Schedule of Works after registering the work.
  5. Ownership/Copyright:  FAC has the right to reproduce artwork exhibited in the FAC office for educational or promotional purposes, unless otherwise noted by the creator, or the rightful owner.
  6. Holding:  Exhibitor agrees to claim all work on pick-up date listed on this agreement.  Under no circumstances, will work be added or removed premature to the exhibition schedule.  
  7. Insurance for Artwork:  Exhibitor agrees to provide insurance for artwork exhibiting at FAC.  FAC does not provide insurance for the artwork displayed at its office.
  8. Right of Refusal:  FAC has the right to refuse to display work on the basis of space, aesthetics, weight, and ability to protect, or properly mount the work to a wall. 

The Fresno Arts Council in partnership with The Fresno City Hall, is now accepting submissions from artists, art groups and art organizations to exhibit artwork at one of two floors from January 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026.  

FRESNO ARTS COUNCIL & CITY OF FRESNO EXHIBITS IN PUBLIC PLACES GUIDELINES 2026 

PURPOSE 

The City of Fresno (City) and the Fresno Arts Council (FAC) wish to expand the art experience for the public, to make available to this community artwork of high quality, to help create a more visually pleasing environment, and seek to provide awareness in the diverse histories and cultures of this community.

STATEMENT OF INTENT 

City Hall is a public facility of the City; it’s not a formal museum, nor is it a commercial gallery; it’s a facility for conducting government business. The audience ranges from children to the aged, from employees to the general public, from people with limited life experiences to the sophisticated, from the few who come to the facility specifically to see the exhibits to the many that are required to be present for various reasons. The exhibit provides artists with access to a wider audience, and it provides the public an exposure to art, which they might not seek on their own. All exhibits should be appropriate for such a mixed audience. Artwork that makes Political Commentary will not be displayed.

CITY & FAC RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. The City and FAC will be responsible for providing the necessary supplies needed for hanging the exhibits. If special equipment is required, FAC and their Curators will coordinate with the Exhibitor and the City.

2. The City and FAC do not provide insurance for the artwork of the Exhibitor.

EXHIBIT CRITERIA 

1. Each work cannot be taller than 34”; the length size is open on north and south walls; on east walls, work can be considerably higher, but not wider than 54”. Each work cannot weigh over 50 lbs. All work needs to be wired to hang in our hanging system.

2. Each work must be completely dry--no freshly painted work accepted; professionally finished and framed (uni-frames not acceptable); backed with hooks and coated wire positioned near top of work and ready for display. If wire is positioned too close to the middle of the piece it will not hang flat.

3. Write artist name and title of work on the back of each work.

4. Exhibitor will deliver work on the scheduled dates at City Hall at 8:30 a.m. and pick up work at 8:30 a.m.

5. Pedestals or easels to display work are not permitted due to safety regulations at City Hall.

6. Deliver work and labels describing each work (headstones) to be displayed next to each work. Print labels using Avery “Clean Edge” Business Cards; handwritten labels not accepted for display. No changes to labels will be permitted during the exhibit. If changes are required contact FAC with said changes and provide an equal label for replacement. Sold pieces can be marked with a dot sticker on the label. The information required on the labels are as follows:

Title of work

Name of artist

Medium

Year

Price; show NFS if not for sale

Exhibitor will provide FAC a list of work exhibited. If possible, include numbered stickers on artwork matching the artwork to the numbers on the list.

7. Exhibitions must include an “Artist Statement” describing artwork, size 8.5” x 11” framed, mounted and ready for display. Email the statement for approval prior to the exhibition date to: sharon@fresnoartscouncil.org 

8. Exhibitor will deliver work at City Hall. PLEASE NOTE: Artwork will be selected and hung at the discretion of the Preparator PRIOR TO BEING HUNG. After work has been selected, Exhibitor will take the work that was not selected.

ARTIST OR ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Exhibitor selected to display artwork at City Hall must comply with the following guidelines:

1. Signed Agreement and Schedule of Works must be submitted to FAC before exhibition is mounted.

2. Schedule of Works must include prices consistent with the labels displayed.

3. Provide the name of a person to coordinate and oversee all arrangements necessary for the exhibition, publicity and installation plans. Exhibitor must provide all labor to transport work to City Hall, and whatever else is deemed appropriate.

4. Exhibitor will deliver and pick up work by designated schedule. If work not claimed by the pickup date, it will be transported and stored at the FAC office. 

5.  Exhibitor can provide a reception during ArtHop on the first Thursday of the month from 5-8 pm; free to the public. Receptions not on a regularly scheduled ArtHop must be approved in advance by FAC.

6. An alcohol permit must be requested a month in advance in order to serve alcohol during your reception. No alcoholic beverages are served to minors at the receptions. 

7. NO WINE BOTTLES OR GLASSES ARE ALLOWED IN CITY HALL. Box wine, wine bags, and beer cans are allowed.   

8. Exhibitor must be present during the ArtHop event, or other receptions open to the public.

9. No soliciting of a private or political nature shall occur with the exception of informational material regarding the artist’s work or the organization itself.

10. Public information and/or advertising regarding the exhibition, receptions and other activities are the responsibility of the exhibitor. FAC must approve the use of their name in any promotional materials and reception details in advance. 

11. Exhibitor must provide their own insurance; the City and FAC does not provide insurance.

12. Artwork displayed may be available for sale. Exhibitor is responsible for the sale transactions. The interested party will contact FAC and we’ll contact the Exhibitor.

13. Exhibitor agrees to notify FAC one month in advance, or ASAP, if unable to exhibit work during the scheduled dates at City Hall. FAC will seek a replacement for the exhibition. 

EXHIBIT RESTRICTIONS 

1. Artwork will not be displayed without a signed Agreement and a Schedule of Works.

2. All exhibits and events are subject to change without notice. FAC will do their best to keep in contact with Exhibitor of any changes.

3. Artwork cannot be added or removed premature to the exhibition schedule.

4. Artwork must not be of a nature that would threaten public safety or contain graphic nudity or profanity. 

5. Exhibits must abide by all City and Fire Code Regulations; access must be available to all exits at City Hall.

6. No painting or reconstruction of any wall is allowed.

7. No hammering, screwing, or pounding, or attaching anything to the exhibit walls, spaces, or areas are allowed. Hanging rails and display space and area must be used appropriately. 

Please sign this form. if selected, to exhibit at City Hall and you agree with all the above guidelines. This form must be signed and received within 15 days of notification to Exhibitor, or this agreement is cancelled.




Exhibitor’s Signature: ______________________________________________________  

Printed Name: ____________________________________________________________  

Date: ___________________________________________________________________ 

Home Phone: ____________________________________________________________ 

Cell: ____________________________________________________________________ 

E-mail: __________________________________________________________________ 

Note: This is an abridged version of the City of Fresno Exhibits in Public Places Policy accepted by the Fresno City Council on June 2, 1992.

Help Us Design the New Official ArtHop Logo for 2026!

 The Fresno Arts Council would love to see what you can come up with for next year's ArtHop logo, so show us your creativity! One (1) winning design will receive a $600 cash prize, and will be used for all official ArtHop promotional materials for 2026, including but not limited to:

  • ArtHop brochure
  • ArtHop vinyl window clings
  • Fresno Arts Council website
  • Official Fresno ArtHop Facebook Page
  • Official Fresno Arts Council Facebook, Instagram, and other social media

One (1) Grand Prize: $600 cash. No other prizes awarded.

Official Rules

  1. Contest is open July 28 to September 1, 2025, to entrants residing or based in Fresno County with a valid street address only. This includes individuals, organizations, companies, educational institutions, and other groups associated with such entities in Fresno County.
  2. This contest to open to entrants of all ages, but entrants 17 years and younger, i.e. minors: this form must be completed by your adult parent or legal adult guardian.
  3. Entrants should take care to ensure that their entries are not in any way similar to pre-existing or trademarked logo designs and any other copyrighted images. Entries featuring images or designs that violate trademark and copyright law, including entries created with free or licensed templates, will be disqualified without correspondence.
  4. The ArtHop 2026 Logo design must include the following elements:                         

Text:                                             

  • ArtHop 2026
  • Venue
  • Fresno Arts Council

Image:

  • The official Fresno Arts Council logo         


 

  1.  The official Fresno Arts Council logo must be featured in the design entry in its unedited form. These logo files are available here. Edited or re-illustrated versions of the Fresno Arts Council logo will not be considered.
  2. Entrants may submit up to 2 logo designs during the contest period (July 28 - September 1, 2025), however, please limit one (1) entry per individual design. Duplicate identical entries or multiple versions of one (1) individual design submitted to the contest as separate entries will be voided.
  3. Entrants will submit for each individual design: one (1) full-color file (can be a .jpg, .png, .ai, or other format as long as it is in high quality) of the logo design on a white or transparent background in 300dpi resolution or higher. NO WATERMARKS.
  4. Design entries that fail to meet all of the above minimum requirements will be disqualified from the contest.
  5. There is no cost to enter this contest. This contest is free and open to artists of all ages residing in Fresno County.
  6. The (1) winner of the ArtHop 2026 Logo Design Contest will be contacted by a representative of the Fresno Arts Council in September 2025. Your entry does not guarantee that you will win the (1) $600 prize. Please do not contact the Fresno Arts Council to inquire about the status of your entry if you have not been already contacted by a staff member.

Judging and Selection of Winner

  • One (1) winning design will be selected by the Fresno Arts Council Board of Directors after September 1, 2025. Their decision will be final.
  • The Fresno Arts Council reserves the right to not select a winner if, in its sole discretion, no suitable entries are received.
  • The Fresno Arts Council reserves the right to disqualify any Entrant or Entry at its sole discretion. No correspondence shall be entered into.
  • The winner will provide all ownership and rights of reproduction of the logo to the Fresno Arts Council to be used for promotional and educational purposes. Accepting the $600 cash prize constitutes permission for the Fresno Arts Council to make public and otherwise use the logo design but is not required.
  • By entering, the winning entrant agrees that their name and photograph may be used by the Fresno Arts Council for promotional purposes without further remuneration.

 

Contest begins on July 28, 2025, and entries must be received by September 1, 2025. Images must be sent digitally using the electronic entry form here. No printed or mailed designs will be accepted. Any questions please email sharon@fresnoartscouncil.org.  

Gallery on Fulton

2025 Vendor/Exhibitor Agreement

Thank you for your interest in Gallery on Fulton. The Gallery on Fulton is a new official ArtHop Venue on first Thursdays in Downtown Fresno managed by the Fresno Arts Council under a City of Fresno Special Event Permit. Please read the guidelines carefully before submitting your vendor application.

Gallery on Fulton welcomes artists, makers, crafters, exhibitors, and performers to participate in ArtHop’s newest and largest outdoor venue on First Thursdays. Gallery on Fulton is a free, family-friendly space where artists and makers may exhibit and sell their work in a community setting.

Gallery on Fulton takes place on Fulton St. from Inyo to Calaveras Streets. Streets will be open to traffic and display booths will be allowed on sidewalks.

Permits

All vendors are required to obtain a Gallery on Fulton permit from Fresno Arts Council for each First Thursday Gallery on Fulton event. Permits are available monthly ($25) or in three-month blocks ($70). Permits are not available for months beyond the next immediate month’s ArtHop. Permits and location assignments will be assigned for a single month at the time of set up. No refunds will be provided for permit applications.

Gallery on Fulton vendors must submit their application via Submittable at fresnoartscouncil.submittable.com by 5:00pm the Tuesday prior to that month’s ArtHop.

NOTE: The Fresno Arts Council has acquired the necessary City of Fresno permits, insurance, and security/environmental services for the monthly event. Vendors are required to possess a valid California Seller’s Permit and City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate, which they will need to show upon check-in each month. Vendors and exhibitors are additionally required to secure their own insurance coverage specifying the following:

Insurance requirements for Vendors:

1.  Required coverage levels:

a.  Comprehensive liability insurance in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence, adding the Additional Insured endorsement below.

a.  $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage;

b.  $1,000,000 per occurrence for personal and advertising injury;

c.  $2,000,000 aggregate for products and completed operations; and,

d.  $2,000,000 general aggregate applying separately to the work performed under the Agreement.

e.  If an automobile is to be operated during the event, within event boundaries, proof of automotive liability insurance with limits of at least $200,000 for total bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage.

f. Workers' Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employers' Liability (where applicable) insurance with limits of $1,000,000 each accident. $1,000,000 disease each employee and $1,000,000 disease policy  limit (Only required if Permitee has employees)

2.  Additional insured endorsement needed for the liability policy certificate:

Fresno Arts Council and its officers, directors, agents, and employees

1245 Van Ness Ave.

Fresno, CA 93721

3.  Coverage must list the participating entity as Named Insured and encompass their role in the event(s) approved for participation, on the event date(s).

Performers and Exhibitors (non-selling) must have their Gallery on Fulton permit with them, but are not required to possess a Seller’s Permit or City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate. Nonprofit and Arts Organization businesses may be required to demonstrate status as such.

Space Assignments and Vendor Guidelines

·  All spaces are roughly 10 x 5 and will be on the sidewalk on Fulton. Tables, chairs, pop-up tents, etc. are not included. Please bring all equipment you need.

·  Vendors, exhibitors, and performers must have required permits on hand for verification.

·  Check in begins at 3:30pm on the first Thursday each month at the FAC tent located at Fulton and Merced.

·  Arrivals after 5:00pm are assumed no-shows, and spaces may be reassigned.

·  Gallery on Fulton hours are 5:00-8:00pm. All vendors and exhibitors must complete sales and activity by 8:00pm, and take down, clean up, and load out by 9:00pm.

·  Power is not available for vendors. Vendors are welcome to use solar or battery-operating lighting as necessary for their booth. Sound amplification must not interfere with neighboring vendors.

·  Application does not guarantee acceptance. Submissions will be reviewed for guideline and permit compliance and event relevance. Permit fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable. 

·  Vendors are responsible for their own merchandise, personal belongings, event set-up and event take-down

·  Vendors must keep walkways and sidewalk space accessible for pedestrians and streets clear for vehicular traffic.

·  Vendors must not block doorways or interfere with open businesses on Fulton St. without their consent.

·  Vendors must follow all directions from event staff and security.

·  Vendors must remove all trash and merchandise at close of event

·  Vendors will sign a liability waiver upon application submission

·  Vendors will agree to all Terms and Conditions and Vendor Guidelines upon application submission

·  Vendors consent to use of their name/business/image in promotion of the event

 

Exclusions

·  Food vendors (mobile and pop-up) are not managed by Fresno Arts Council/Gallery on Fulton, and are not eligible for permits within the Gallery on Fulton boundary.

·  Resale of commercial or mass-market produced goods is prohibited. 

·  Generators are not allowed within the event’s permit area. You may use solar or battery-powered lighting and devices.

·  Vendors selling unauthorized goods (food, alcohol, drugs, commercial goods) will be asked to leave, even if you paid your fee.

·  Permits are non-refundable and non-transferrable

 

Liability Waiver

___ By checking this box and submitting a Vendor/Exhibitor application to Fresno Arts Council via Submittable, I acknowledge that I have voluntarily chosen to participate in Gallery on Fulton, managed by the Fresno Arts Council. 

I agree to comply with the guidelines in the 2025 Vendor/Exhibitor Agreement, as well as instructions onsite from FAC staff, event managers, and City personnel. 

I agree to waive, release, and discharge from liability the Fresno Arts Council, the City of Fresno, and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees from any claims, actions, or damages arising from my participation in this event. 

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Fresno Arts Council, the City of Fresno, and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees from any claims, actions, or damages arising from my negligence, the Fresno Arts Council, or any other person or entity in connection with the event. 

This activity takes place on open public streets with unrestricted vehicular and pedestrian traffic and is attended by the public with no limitation on who may attend. As such, this event has the possibility of injury, including potential for death, serious injury, and property loss as a risk of being on public streets, with the public, and in the presence of automobiles. This activity takes place outdoors and has the risks associated with terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of participants, equipment, lack of hydration, and actions of other people including, but not limited to, participants, volunteers, monitors, and/or producers of the activity. The risks are inherent for participants, organizers, and volunteers. I understand that I need to take appropriate precautions and provide for myself anything necessary to protect from weather, including shade and hydration.

I understand that while participating in this event, I may be photographed. I agree to allow my photo, video, or film likeness to be used for any legitimate purpose by the activity holders, producers, sponsors, organizers, or assigns.

I certify that I have read this document and I fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract. I am aware that it constitutes an express and voluntary assumption of all risks associated with Gallery on Fulton, and I submit/sign it of my own free will.

 

**NOTE** THIS APPLICATION IS FOR VENUES (GALLERIES, CAFES, BUSINESSES WITH PHYSICAL LOCATION) NOT VENDORS. Fresno Arts Council does not manage independent vendors for ArtHop. 

 

1. Annual ArtHop™ membership fee is $180.00 for the period of ArtHop™-related art programming occurring between January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

2. ArtHop™ participation requires a physical location to exhibit artwork, depending on circumstances that may be related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or other public health emergencies and/or natural disasters. The Fresno Arts Council will assist you in contacting artists, or you can use our website and social networks to post an open call for artists.

3. ArtHop™ is FREE to the public and there is NO FEE for artists to exhibit artwork at your location. Therefore, you are prohibited from charging entrance fees and/or ticket sales during ArtHop™ and/or broker fees for exhibitions. You may, however, discuss the terms and rates of a commission from any sales made during ArtHop™ or the exhibition period at your location at your discretion.

4. Once you have confirmed and booked an artist for the exhibition, please inform your artist(s) with a production timeline for the agreed-upon exhibition in a reasonable manner, i.e. one-day or monthlong exhibit or more, so that artist(s) can prepare. We suggest drafting an agreement with your artist(s) that clearly states the dates and times for both installation and removal of each confirmed booking with your artist(s).

5. ArtHop™ is observed on the first and third Thursday of each month between the hours of 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You are welcome to open your ArtHop™ event(s) earlier and/or extend your hours past this general event period. 

a. ArtHop™ venues will provide a public reception during ArtHop™ hours, or from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Music and/or other artistic performances are optional but encouraged. Receptions may include snacks or appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Venues that choose to serve alcohol must be compliant with ordinances from the City of Fresno: you may need to acquire a one-day license or permit. If serving alcoholic beverages, venues should monitor the serving area to ensure that no minors under 21 years of age are served whether directly or indirectly.

b. All exhibiting artists must be present and/or available during the ArtHop™ event to greet the public and discuss their artwork. ArtHop™ venues will be supplied with ArtHop™ brochures for promotion. If you require additional printed brochures during the 2024 season, please contact the Fresno Arts Council during regular business hours.

c. The first Thursday ArtHop™ is held in Downtown Fresno and the Tower District areas; the third Thursday ArtHop™ is held in the greater Fresno metropolitan area, including the City of Clovis and outlying areas of Fresno County.

6. The Fresno Arts Council does not provide insurance coverage for your ArtHop™ event and is not responsible for any damages and/or loss of property. Venues will provide insurance for ArtHop™. Artist(s) featured during ArtHop™. Featured Artists will provide insurance coverage for their own artwork(s) exhibited.

7. ArtHop™ venues are responsible for submitting event programming updates, including any flyers and/or social media, to the Fresno Arts Council by the Friday before the next scheduled ArtHop™ date. This will allow Fresno Arts Council staff time to promote your upcoming ArtHop™ event(s) online through our website, e-newsletters, and social media. You may send (1) image and a brief blurb (200 words or less) describing the event to sharon@fresnoartscouncil.org. 

8. ArtHop™ venues are encouraged to release promotional materials to the media (and the Fresno Arts Council) at least 30 days prior to the event. Please email announcements to Sharon@fresnoartscouncil.org. Printed materials may be delivered to the Fresno Arts Council during regular business hours or mailed to our address: 1245 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno CA 93721.

If you have questions about the terms of these general guidelines, please contact andrea@fresnoartscouncil.org or call (559) 237-9734 during our regular business hours. We are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM PDT/PST. Thank you for your support for the arts in Fresno County, and for sustaining ArtHop™’s 25th year of free and public arts programming!

Fresno Arts Council