All artists, arts organizations, downtown businesses, and sponsors must complete a First Friday Art Walk application.

To apply, please complete an application form and return it to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mail it to:

Cultural Arts, 201 SE 3^rd Street, 2^nd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471

To participate in the entire season of First Friday Art Walk, applications are due: September 7, 2026 at 11: 50 p.m.

For the remaining season, First Friday Art Walk application deadline is the first day of the month prior to the next First Friday Art Walk. (i.e., October 1^st is the deadline for November Art Walk)

Questions about the application or process? Call us on: (352) 629-8447 or email us on: artinfo@ocalafl.gov.

FRIEND level (Downtown Businesses ONLY)

Friend level sponsors can participate in any one or all of the following:

• Donate $250+ for the season 
• Host artist inside/outside of storefront. Participating business must be open from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. If possible, please provide outdoor electricity, lighting and restroom access for your partnered artists. 
• Special event at business. Business must be open from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Businesses will receive a listing on our website, social media, window sticker, and monthly First Friday Art Walk maps.

We are committed to helping your business stand out and make the most of your sponsorship during First Friday Art Walk. Becoming a downtown sponsor may include the exciting opportunity to host a visual or performance artist in front of your business pending artist availability and event logistics. If a featured artist is not available, we can offer alternatives, such as tent located on downtown square to promote your business and/or additional directional signage. We are also willing to work with businesses to develop creative solutions that best align with their goals and participation needs.

PAINTER level (All businesses)

Ocala businesses can sponsor First Friday art Walk for a seasonal fee of $500. All sponsors will receive a business listing on our website, social media recognition, and your logo on our monthly First Friday Art Walk maps.

SCULPTOR level (All businesses)

Ocala businesses can sponsor First Friday Art Walk for a season fee of $1000. All sponsors will get PAINTER level benefits along with a 10’x10’ promotional space on the Historic Downtown Square at each event. Please provide an approved art activity at their booth location. Businesses can either set up their logo tent or request a City tent be provided. There are no tent rental fees for sponsors.

OTHER IN-KIND/SERVICE (All businesses)

Provide a minimum of $500 estimated cost of in-kind services that are agreed upon with the City.

First Friday Art Walk payments can be made in the following ways:

1. Credit or debit card online, an invoice will be sent in a separate email upon receiving a completed application. 
2. Credit or debit card over the phone at: (352) 629-8447
3. Check payment payable to City of Ocala by mail or in person at:

   ATTN: First Friday Art Walk, Cultural Arts 
   201 SE 3rd Street
   2nd Floor
   Ocala, FL 34471

Questions about fees? Call us on: (352) 629-8447 or email us at: artinfo@ocalafl.gov.

All First Friday Art Walk applications must be accompanied with the relevant fee or donation payment.

Arts Organizations:

Arts organizations may be for-profit or nonprofit. Nonprofit organizations must provide proof of their current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Non-Profit Art Organization: $30.00 Application fee + $30.00 Registration fee = $60.00 total

For-Profit Art Organization: $30.00 Application fee + $80.00 Registration fee = $110.00 total

First Friday Art Walk payments can be made in the following ways:

1. Credit or debit card online, an invoice will be sent in a separate email upon receiving a completed application. 
2. Credit or debit card over the phone at: (352) 629-8447
3. Check payment payable to City of Ocala by mail or in person at:

   ATTN: First Friday Art Walk, Cultural Arts 
   201 SE 3rd Street
   2nd Floor
   Ocala, FL 34471

In the event that an application is declined, the $30 application fee will be refunded upon request. 

Please note: Participating art organizations are responsible for providing their own tent, tables, chairs, supplies, and any additional lighting needed for their display. The City will provide one light per space. If an organization requires a tent, table, or chairs, arrangements must be made with City staff in advance.

Questions about fees? Call us on: (352) 629-8447 or email us at: artinfo@ocalafl.gov.