About Artwalk
Artwalk is an arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s downtown loft district into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 90+ visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children’s activities.
Artwalk would not exist without the generosity and commitment of the neighbors and business owners of downtown Birmingham. The art show is unique in that artists display their work in existing ground level businesses and residential buildings. As patrons shop for art, they are also exploring the neighborhood and are exposed to the retail shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the historic and new architecture in the area.
The Artwalk district is on 20th Street from 1st Avenue North to 4th Avenue North.
Birmingham Artwalk Needs your help!! Shifts for volunteers are typically 3-4 hours and cover a variety of options for event weekend Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Look over the areas where you can be of service, and contact volunteers@birminghamartwalk.org for more info. All volunteers receive a free volunteer t-shirt and a pass to the After Party on Saturday night.
ARTIST HOSPITALITY
Each volunteer is assigned to a street captain with a specific territory. Volunteers check on all the artists within that area and assist in making sure they have everything they need throughout the show. Some errands performed might include getting them water, or monitoring their booth for a short break. The final shift on Saturday will help collect taxes.
ARTWALK INFO/MERCHANDISE SALES
Each volunteer in this committee is assigned to one of three or four info booths throughout the district. They answer questions from the public, pass out event programs and depending on the booth, sell t-shirts and koozies.
PERFORMING ARTS
Volunteers help with the outdoor stage and assist bands and performers.
ARTWALK SITE
Volunteers assist with set-up and tear-down of the event. Hours are all day Friday leading up to the opening at 5 pm, after 10 pm on Friday, Saturday prior to noon, and Saturday after 6 pm. Duties include putting out banners, artist signs, setting up info booths and supervising vendor set-up.
Friday Night – Artist Reception (8pm-10pm) with music from Swanglish and Award Ceremony (9pm).
Saturday – The Punk Rock Art Show
Saturday afternoon at Artwalk caters more to the family crowd with special children’s activities, with the Artwalk KidZone on 20th in front of Forstall Art from 10am to 2pm, where you can create your own “make and take” arts and craft activity. Artwalk KidZone is available on Saturday ONLY.
Each September on the Friday and Saturday after Labor Day, Birmingham Artwalk hosts an annual festival featuring more than 80+ visual artists. The two part mission of the festival is to feature regional artists in a variety of medium and showcase Birmingham’s downtown loft district. Drawing more than 10,000 visitors each year, the Birmingham Artwalk also features live music, street performers, food & drink vendors and children’s activities and is FREE to the public.
Artwalk 2023, the 21st Annual Juried Art Show:
Friday, September 8: 5 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, September 9: 10 am – 6 pm
Artwalk would not exist without the generosity and commitment of the neighbors and business owners of downtown Birmingham. This art show is unique in that artists display their work in existing ground level businesses and residential buildings. As patrons shop for art they are also exploring the neighborhood and are exposed to retail shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the historic and new architecture in the area. The Artwalk district is always under construction as more and more revitalization projects are initiated and completed.
This is a listing of local businesses and area restaurants around the festival. Please support these establishments year-round!
20TH STREET NORTH
1ST AVENUE NORTH & NEARBY
2ND AVENUE NORTH & NEARBY
MORRIS AVENUE
Birmingham Artwalk applications are closed!
As an Artwalk sponsor, you make exciting things happen. You play a role in downtown’s renaissance, contribute to the city’s culture, and help make the Birmingham region an even better place to live and work. Plus you benefit your own bottom line. Through Artwalk your organization can reach tens of thousands of potential customers—and be part of a cool, exciting, and unique event that’s guaranteed to grab their attention.
To learn more about exciting sponsor benefits, including opportunities to participate in a $100,000 marketing campaign, download the Sponsor Benefits Package PDF. Join area business leaders in recognizing the value of art and culture activities in Birmingham.
