The Art Gallery of Alberta is seeking visual artists and vendors for our newly reimagined Comic, Zine and Books Market. In its 4th year, we have broadened the scope of the market to include all artists working in the realm of book arts including comics, zines, art books, printmaking, bookbinding, calligraphy and more! If you are someone who loves books and creativity, we want you to apply!
This year, the Market will take place on April 12th and 13th, 2025, from 11am – 4:30pm in the Main Hall, a large public entry space at the AGA. This space is free for the public to shop and interested attendees can buy admission to the gallery if they wish to visit exhibitions.
Submissions
This market prioritizes original works by Alberta-based artists in the mediums of comics, zines, books and bookbinding, multiples, printmaking, text and image and calligraphy. We support emerging and established artists and prioritize diverse and unique voices in the field.
Deadline for submission is Sunday, February 16th, 2025.
We use an online application portal and highly recommend that you fill out each section fully within the application. Please include all relevant websites, social media platforms and product photographs to help us understand your art and products you intend to sell. A thorough and convincing application will increase your chances of being selected.
The AGA encourages applications from Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
The Art Gallery of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Treaty 6 Territory, the traditional land of diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Beaver Cree, Nitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe/Saulteaux/Ojibwe and Dene Peoples. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people who make Alberta their home today.
Selection Process
Vendors are chosen by a jury made up of AGA staff and volunteers based on a criterion of originality, creativity, workmanship and marketability. We have capacity for 30 vendors in total. All selected vendors are required to stay for both days.
Once the jury process is complete, all successful applicants will be contacted. A vendor fee of $150+GST is required to be paid by applicants to secure a spot in the market that includes a 6’x2’ table and two chairs. If an applicant does not pay the fee, we will select a new applicant from a waitlist to invite to participate.
Details about the market, payment options and expectations will follow.
Vendors are responsible for their own payment processing equipment for the sale of their products. We encourage vendors to provide a range of products at a range of price points. The AGA will not take any portion of the proceeds from sales.
If you have any questions about the submission process, please contact our team at programming@youraga.ca prior to the deadline.