Cultural Arts Division

The City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division (the City) creates programming and events that activate public spaces and connect residents and visitors to Ocala’s arts and culture. These programs often feature performing artists (Artist) from a variety of mediums. Artists are invited to perform at Cultural Arts events through a Performing Artist Application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Submission of an application does not guarantee performance at city events.

• The following programs and events feature performing artists:
• First Friday Art Walk
• Retro Sounds
• Tuscawilla Art Park Series
• Sand and Sun Festival
• This policy also applies to any other programs and/or events not listed above, that are coordinated through the Cultural Arts Division.

The following, but not limited to the following, are considered in booking performing artists for cultural arts and science programs and events:

• The sound and body of the artist’s portfolio.
• The message, public persona, and reputation of the artist.
• The suitability of the booking to the program or event (i.e. genre, theme, etc).
• The suitability of the booking relative to Ocala’s goal of creating access to quality, diverse types of music, and performance art.
• Artists must have an active social media presence and/or website.
• Artists must, at a minimum, possess a professional promotional photo and biography.

• The City creates family-friendly and inclusive programs and events that entertain and connect residents socially, and civically while encouraging creative tourism. The following acts are prohibited at city performances.
• Use of profane, obscene, or indecent language, attire, gestures, or behavior.
• Performances that discriminate or include hate speech based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression; nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, and sexual orientation, are strictly prohibited.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, or intoxication during performances.
• Religious or political proselytizing. Religiously-inspired musical or dance or other performance is welcome.
• Additional logistical restrictions may apply according to the venue of the performance.

If Artist has any concerns or questions, regarding their performance, they should contact the Ocala Cultural Arts staff at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.gov.

The safety of artists, staff, and attendees is paramount at City of Ocala events. Staff will consider safety and risk at city performances and may require artists to provide additional equipment and/or insurance to ensure safety and meet local and/or state regulations.

Artists are required to provide insurance or indemnify the City of Ocala for any performances at city venues and events. Artists should obtain a general liability insurance policy issued by a company authorized to do business in the State of Florida and with an A.M. Best Company rating of at least B+. Coverage should include also include claims for damages for bodily injury, including accidental death, as well as for claims for property damage. The amount of such insurance shall be not less than $200,000 for injury to one person arising out of a single incident and $400,000 for injuries to more than one person arising out of a single incident, and $200,000 for property damage with a reasonable deductible. Upon request by City, Artist shall provide City with certificates of insurance which shall list "City of Ocala, a Florida municipal corporation," as an Additional Insured and shall be active for the date of artist’s performance.

In cases where insurance cannot be provided, the artist can request an exemption of these insurance requirements. Artists will be required to complete a Vendor’s Acknowledgement and Agreement in Exchange for Waiver of Insurance Requirements agreement indemnifying the City of Ocala. Additional documents may be requested as determined by the City’s Risk Department.

Please note the following events are not managed by the Cultural Arts Division. Please contact the Recreation and Parks Department, Community Special Events Manager, Brooke Perry, at bperry@ocalafl.gov in regards to these events:

• Light Up Ocala
• Bluegrass & BBQ
• Earthfest
• Ft. King Heritage Site Events

First Friday Art Walk

The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, October through May from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a complimentary (free) event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations, and extended shopping hours at downtown businesses.

The following criteria are used for the booking and consideration of performing artists for First Friday Art Walk:

Musical Performance

• At least 50% of the performance material must be the artist’s original music or arrangement.

Dance Performance (physical choreography)

• Student or professional
• Solo or Group

Retro Sounds

Each March First Friday Art Walk travels back in time with Retro Sounds! Retro Sounds pay homage to the generations of past musical genres and performing artists. The evening features a musical performance by professional tribute artists or bands.

The following criteria are used for the booking and consideration of performing artists for Retro Sounds:

Musical Performance

• Tribute artists and bands are permitted if they apply to the era’s themes and genres selected for the event.
• Variety artists and bands performing a repertoire of music from the selected era.
• If selected, artists are required to submit a setlist of songs for review.

Dance Performance (physical choreography)

• All performances should be themed, choreographed, be accompanied by appropriate music for the selected era.
• Student and/or professional performance is accepted.
• Solo and/or Group performance is accepted.

Tuscawilla Art Park Series 

The Tuscawilla Art Park Series occurs in both the Tuscawilla Park and Tuscawilla Art Park, located at 800 NE Sanchez Ave. and 213 NE 5th Street respectively, next to the historic Ocala Union Station. The Art Park was built in 2016 and created in partnership with numerous artists and artisans, community groups, and private donors with the intention of providing an inspiring space for residents and guests of all ages to enjoy. Park visitors will find botanical plants, public art, and unique infrastructure including a stage, plazas, and wandering pathways through the three-acre park.

Kicking off the beginning of the year, the Tuscawilla Art Park hosts the Art Park Series featuring an annual Chalk Art Festival, the Art Outside the Lines Brunch, the Tuscawilla Sculpture Stroll, and the Art Park Literary and Poetry Festival. 

Musical Performance

• At least 50% of the performance material must be the artist’s original music or arrangement.

Dance Performance (physical choreography)

• Student or professional
• Solo or Group

Sand and Sun Festival

Ocala Cultural Arts is bringing the beach to downtown Ocala for the first time with the Sand and Sun Festival! This exciting event will feature six professional, nationally acclaimed sand sculptors who will create large-scale, detailed sand sculptures based on an open theme. 

Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music and community performances at Citizens’ Circle creating a lively atmosphere filled with energy and entertainment. Visitors will also enjoy eating at local food trucks, exploring offerings from community non-profits and sponsors, and shopping for unique items from artisan and craft vendors.

Musical Performance

• At least 50% of the performance material must be the artist’s original music or arrangement.

Dance Performance (physical choreography)

• Student or professional
• Solo or Group

Interested performing artists, bands, talent agents, or managers should complete a Performing Artist Submission Form, for consideration and submit it by email or mail to artinfo@ocalafl.gov with the Subject Title – “Performing Artist Submission” – [ARTIST NAME] or mail it to Ocala Cultural Arts Division, Growth Management Deaprtment, Attn: Cultural Arts – Performing Artist Submission, 201 SE 3rd St, Ocala, Florida 34471.

All submissions are submitted to a directory for future reference. If selected, City staff will contact the Artist to discuss the performance at city events. Submission does not guarantee that Artist will be selected to perform at any city event. No additional solicitation is required or accepted.

If artists wish to organize and operate their own performance or event in a city space, public spaces can be permitted through the City of Ocala Special Event Permit Application. For more information, call Ocala Recreation and Parks at 352-368-5517.

If you are interested in performing at City of Ocala Cultural Arts events and/or programs, please complete the form below. All attachments must be labeled with [ARTIST NAME - DESCRIPTION]. Items that are not labeled will NOT be considered.

Please note: This form will add you or your band/artist to the directory and it only should be completed once per each artist. Repeated applications will not be considered. Performance is not guaranteed through the completion of this submission form. 

For questions regarding this form, please visit www.ocalafl.gov/performingarts or contact Ocala Cultural Arts at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.gov. Phone solicitations are not permitted.