The Chalk Festival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cultural arts organization that is managed by volunteers who work very hard to host an international gathering of pavement artists. The organization raises funds to pay for the expenses for the artists to participate that includes travel expenses, airfare, hotels, art supplies, food, insurance, security, amenities, t-shirts, promotion and events. The artists with the volunteers are donating time to create this gathering that happens once a year which advances the pavement arts in general, affording connections and relationships to build worldwide. Spectators are an integral part of the creative process and get the opportunity to be a part of this unique festival. Each year new and exciting cultural experiences are created and supported by this small nonprofit that does big things. Together we build and support our Int'l Sarasota Chalk Festival Family. Thank you for appreciating what we do!
Is the festival handicap accessible?
Yes, the festival is located on downtown Sarasota streets and all the artwork can be viewed from the ground. Access to view the artwork is all on pavement. You are welcome to drive up to the entrance for drop off or pick up. We also provide Handicap Parking close to an entrance.
Will there be live music?
The event downtown Sarasota will have small intimate performers throughout the festival.
Will there be interactive areas?
Yes, we have several interactive areas. The Young and Young at Heart where anyone can give chalk art a try, we provide the space and chalk - you provide the creativity.
Can I bring my pet or Dog?
We allow ONLY trained service dogs who accompany a person with a disability per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please do not even try to pass off an untrained service pet as you will be turned away at the entrance. Absolutely NO pets allowed. No emotional support animals, which is an animal (typically a dog or cat though this can include other species) that provides a therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship.
Will there be food at the Chalk Festival?
NO and there are several surrounding restaurants in the area and within the festival area so lots of options! In fact, your wristband will get you discounts at area restaurants so look for those in your booklet that you receive when entering,
Parking?
Yes, there are several paid and unpaid options that are right next to the festival. Spectators sometime walk from other areas throughout the city so enjoy all we have to offer along the way.
What is NOT allowed inside the festival?
No food or beverages of any kind are allowed to be brought into the festival grounds. You can purchase water, beverages and alcohol inside the festival.
Bags and purses should be left at home or are subject to search prior to entering.
No bicycles, skateboards or anything of its type (can be left outside entrance at owners risk).
No pets or emotion support animals of any kind.
No firearms, or weapons of any kind.
No solicitation of any kind.
What amenities are there?
The festival is set up on a city street with shops and amenities surrounding the site. We have an on-site ATM and take credit cards at almost all beverage stands. We provide restrooms that are cleaned several times a day. We provide a large tent with seating.
What happens if it rains?
We make every attempt to protect chalk artwork by covering it with plastic while it rains. The artists will stop when it starts to rain and then start again as soon as the rain stops. Water can completely wash away the artwork in a matter of seconds, and it can also change the artwork, sometimes mixing the colors, resulting in an added beauty to the painting. Most of our artists are professionals and have dealt with rain many times, the results are always magnificent.
What else can damage the artwork?
Walking on the art makes footprints and your shoes carry the colors to areas they are not meant to be. Sweat from your soda can or spilling a drink will mix colors were they are not meant to be mixed. We ask everyone to be cautious when viewing and getting close to the artwork, particularly with small children :).
The elements outdoors such as the wind will wisp away the top layers of chalk or flowers. Too hot or too cold certainly makes this art form more challenging for the artists as the pavement generally is 10-20 degrees hotter than it is outside.
How do artists get approved to participate in the festival?
Artists who want to participate sign up by going to the Join us/Artist page. We try to approve everyone who wants to participate in the festival - including those who have never tried it before! All artists requesting stipend for travel and lodging are approved on an individual basis through our scholarship funding. All spectators can participate in the Young and Young at Heart public interactive fun chalk area where we provided chalk, the same kind that the artists use to create mini-masterpiece.
Can students participate in the festival?
We love students! All students are approved to participate in the festival regardless of skill level and must fill out the artist application. Students are provided a class from a professional pavement artist prior to participating, art supplies, student artist t-shirt, lunch, ticket to events, and space to participate.
What does the money collected go to?
We are a 100% volunteer organization and all funds raised goes for to pay for artist participation and scholarships.
What is the this years theme and what were the past themes?
The Sarasota Chalk Festival in 2024 will be focused on FLOWERS as we add Flower Master Artists for the first time. Visitors can expect a wide variety of cultures and subjects as artists travel from all over the world.
The Festival past themes:
- 2022 - Resilience
- 2021 - Avenue of Art (painted sidewalks - continued into 2022)
- 2020 - 3-D Illusion Museum
- 2019 - Garden of Wonder
- 2019 - Sarasota
- 2017 - Evenescent
- 2016 - Love & Peace
- 2015 - Eat Drink & Be Merry
- 2014 - Extinct and Endangered Species
- 2013 - Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Patriotism & Embracing Freedom
- 2012 - Circus City, USA
- 2011 - Pavement Art Through the Ages
- 2010 - Halloween/Fall
- 2009 - Goddess Flora/Spring
- 2007 - Movies
What is the Admission Price for the Chalk Festival in Venice October 28-31, 2022?
$10 and Children 5 years old and younger are FREE