Durango Creative District to host a new outdoor Art Market this summer

Durango Art Market will be held outside at 11th Street Station on Sundays from 10am-2pm, beginning in early July

The Durango Creative District is introducing a new Art Market that will take place on Sundays at 11th Street and Main Avenue, beginning in early July 2021. Running from 10am-2pm, the Durango Art Market will provide affordable options for emerging and experienced artists to display and sell their work. Booths range from $20-$35 per day, and booth fee scholarships are available through funding provided by First SouthWest Bank and First SouthWest Community Fund.

The Durango Art Market will create a fun and family-friendly atmosphere that will attract visitors and locals to the historic Downtown Durango. In addition to providing a new attraction for Durango, it will also support a strong creative economy. The Durango Art Market will feature between 15 and 20 vendors; attendees can peruse a selection of visual arts, sculpture, jewelry, hand-crafted goods, and more.

Artists can apply to vend by visiting durangocreativedistrict.org/market and fill out an application with their preferred summer dates. Artists do not have to commit to a full season of vending; regular rotations of artists are encouraged. A non-refundable application fee of $10 is required upon submission of application. Applications are available for submission until June 24th at 5 pm.

The Durango Creative District has recruited Fort Lewis College senior Alyssia Alex as the summer Art Market Coordinator. Alyssia, a Sociology major, will be managing the artist intake process and tabling arrangements. Alyssia can be reached for questions by emailing alyssia@durangocreativedistrict.org.

First SouthWest Bank and First SouthWest Community Fund are supporting Alyssia’s internships and the Durango Art Market’s booth fee scholarships.

“Artists are a foundation of our community contributing to its cultural vibrancy and character,” said Kent Curtis, CEO of First Southwest Bank. “First SouthWest Bank, in partnership with the First SouthWest Community Fund, is pleased our support will help launch the new Durango Art Market, reduce barriers to participation for emerging and established artists, and support the continued growth of our creative economy.”

Durango Creative District and First SouthWest Community Fund also welcome artists and creative entrepreneurs to learn more about their joint Creative Arts Loan Fund. Applicants can receive between $5000-$10,000 with a fixed 2.5% interest rate and no initial payment for 90 days. The Creative Arts Loan Fund has disbursed $50,000 to regional entrepreneurs in the past year. More information about this program can be found by visiting durangocreativedistrict.org/loanfund