The Collective Market

by The Big Gay Collective LLC
Application link available at the bottom of this page.

Showcasing local handmade artists and makers, The Collective Market is a family-friendly, high-end monthly market for small businesses that fosters community collaboration. Each market features a juried and curated selection of 15-20 unique handmade artists and makers and is free and open to the public from May through October.

LOCATION: 5050 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS 
DATES: May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8 and October 13
MARKET OPEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SETUP: 9:30-10:45 a.m.
TEAR DOWN: 4-5:00 p.m.

CONTACT
thecollectivemarketkc@gmail.com

James Walters 
816.682.6558

EQUALITY STATEMENT
All artists, makers, and participants in The Collective Market are treated with equal respect, consideration, and opportunity, regardless of their background, age, identity, or nature of business. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone has an equal chance to thrive and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

FEES
Artists and makers may apply for one (1) 10x10 space per month. 

Once accepted, each 10x10 space will be $75 per month. For those applying for all six months, you will receive one month free! The one month free fee will be dispersed evenly over all months. Artists and makers who are approved for the entire six-month duration will have the option to either receive a payment plan or make a lump-sum payment for the fees. Please email thecollectivemarketkc@gmail.com for more information.

Fees are payable with credit/debit card. Fees must be paid by the due date (see table below) or your booth will be forfeited, unless other arrangements have been made.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
The Collective Market will happen rain or shine, except in severe or inclement weather. Event organizers reserve the right to cancel or postpone markets based on weather and forecasts for the safety of shoppers, artists, makers and their merchandise. 

There are NO REFUNDS or transfers of booth payments due to cancellations for any reason, including cancellation due to weather.

If you need to cancel your booth, please let James or Mary know as soon as possible by emailing thecollectivemarketkc@gmail.com or calling 816.682.6558.

EQUIPMENT
  • Artists and makers will provide their own 10x10 canopy with a WHITE top. Only white tents will be allowed in The Collective Market during market hours. Tents should be anchored properly with at least 30 pounds of weight on each leg. 
  • Artists and makers will provide their own tables, chairs, grid walls, display shelves, fabric tablecloths, etc. to create a professional looking space.
  • Electricity will not be available. Please use silent charging stations.
  • Wifi is not available. Please come prepared with alternative options. 

10x10 Tent Rental
A limited number of white-top canopy tents are available to rent. A rental fee of $40 is payable with the application. Tents will be rented on a first come, first served basis. Rental includes canopy set up and tear down.

INCLUDED WITH ACCEPTANCE
  • Your Booth Space - A 10x10 space that is all your own! Create a pop-up shop to showcase and sell your work to an engaged audience.
  • Inclusion on Our Roster - Our website will put your linked site in front of a variety of buyers and shoppers.
  • Networking and Collaborations - Tap into a vibrant vendor community by connecting with neighboring artists and makers for potential collaborations, resources and other exciting opportunities.
  • Potential Social Media Features - Artists and makers can opt into being featured on our social media platforms before and during market events.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Collective Market is a juried event, and we review each application carefully and thoughtfully. We base our aesthetic vision for the market on photos and the description of your products. Great photos of your items and set up are really important!

Here’s the criteria for our jury process:

  • Artistic Merit: Originality and creativity of your items.
  • Craftsmanship: Attention to detail and use of quality materials.
  • Relevance to Event Aesthetic: Alignment with the overall focus of the event.
  • Professionalism: Organized and clean booth display and professional conduct.
  • Product Presentation: Clear and high-quality images of products.

Each potential vendor will submit an application.  

Artists and makers will submit three to four images, including one image of their booth setup. Images should be high quality, and of your own products and setup. If you haven't participated in a market before and don't have setup images, submit a small mock setup of your products.  


ALL applications open March 15

App Closed

Jury Process

Vendors Notified

Fee Due

Market Date

May Market

April 5

April 5-14

April 15

April 29

May 12

June Market

April 30

May 1-12

May 13

May 27

June 9

July Market

May 31

June 1-16

June 17

July 1

July 14

August Market

June 30

July 1-14

July 15

July 29

August 11

September Market

July 31

August 1-11

August 12

August 26

September 8

October Market

August 31

September 1-15

September 16

September 30

October 13


GUIDELINES

Booth Overview
Arrive promptly for set up, ready to start on time. Maintain a professional booth appearance for a polished presentation. Clearly display pricing and provide a brief artist bio to engage customers and leave a lasting impression.

Setup/Teardown
Setup: 

  • 9:30-10:45 a.m.
  • Be set up and ready for patrons by 10:45 a.m.
  • If you have rented a canopy tent from The Collective Market, it will be set up by 9:30 a.m. for you.
Teardown:
  • Tear down will not begin until after the market has ended at 4 p.m. Do NOT begin tearing down until 4 p.m. No early tear down will be allowed.
  • We are guests in this space. Please leave your booth space clean and free of litter after you tear down.
  • If you rent a canopy tent from The Collective Market, it will be torn down for you.

The Collective Market reserves the right to adjust booths and spaces as necessary to work around venue space restrictions.

The Collective Market reserves the right to assign spots based on the best fit for the market event.

Booth Spaces
Each vendor is responsible for one, 10x10 space and may only include one business per space. No booth sharing will be allowed. Please respect designated booth spaces. Notify organizers of special setup needs, and ensure all displays fit within your assigned space.

Product Limitations
  • The Collective Market makes no guarantee of exclusivity of products.
  • Event organizers will make every effort to avoid placing artists and makers with the same or similar products next to each other. 
  • On a monthly basis, the event organizers will evaluate the number of artists and makers within each category. If a category reaches its maximum vendor limit, The Collective Market reserves the right to cease accepting additional artists and makers of that specific type.

Tents & Aesthetic
White tents are mandatory for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Artists and makers will maintain a clean, organized, professional-looking setup with no clutter. 

A limited number of white canopy tents are available for rent at $40 per event. Rental fee includes set up and tear down of the canopy. 

Tents should be secured with 30 lb weights on EACH leg (120 lbs total).

For the health and safety of shoppers, vendors, their merchandise and event staff, there will be NO smoking, drinking, or illegal drug use during event hours, setup, and tear down on market grounds. 

Artistic Integrity
All items must be 80% handmade or personally designed by the artist, a close family member, or friend. No resale of mass-produced or imported items is allowed. 

Artists and makers may sell ONLY the goods they apply with and must be present to sell their items. 

Sales and Sales Tax

  • Vendors are responsible for collecting and remitting any local and/or State of Kansas sales tax.
  • The Collective Market will provide each vendor with an event sales tax form at each event that each vendor will be responsible for submitting to the state of Kansas.

Clearly display prices and payment methods within your space. 

Conduct
A certain level of professional conduct is expected including: 
  • Artists and makers will be present in their booths during all market hours. If you need a break, please let James or Mary know and someone will watch your booth.
  • You are responsible for removing any trash from your area before leaving.
  • No hawking or approaching patrons to get them into your booth will be tolerated at any time during the market. 
  • Smoking, drinking, and illegal drug use are prohibited within the market space during market hours, setup and tear down. 
  • Refrain from playing loud music. 
  • Be courteous and respectful of other artists and makers, event staff, volunteers and shoppers. 

Safety
Keep walkways clear and ensure your setup is safe for visitors. Do not leave valuables unattended; organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

The Collective Market does not take responsibility for damaged goods due to weather. Vendors are responsible for securing and protecting their products.

FOR EMERGENCIES: Find James or call 816.682.6558. 

Photography and Social Media
Share your experience on social media using the event hashtag, #thecollectivemarketkc. Please respect the privacy of other artists & makers, and attendees when taking photos. 

By agreeing to these guidelines, you allow The Collective Market to use images of you, your products, and your setup on all social media platforms. If you would like to be exempted from social media, please let James know in writing by emailing thecollectivemarketkc@gmail.com. 

Artists and makers who do not comply with these guidelines will not be allowed to participate in future The Collective Market dates or events. Please submit questions to thecollectivemarketkc@gmail.com.

APPLY HERE