Dates: April 9-12, 2026
Location: Artifact Events, Chicago
The Other Art Fair Chicago invites artists to submit proposals for interactive, artist-led projects inspired by “Nostalgia Core”. We are seeking innovative, experiential projects that evoke memories, sentiment, and the aesthetics of past decades — inviting audiences to touch, see, hear, and participate in the experience.
FULL PDF of This Call For Artists is viewable HERE.
What is “Nostalgia Core”?
Nostalgia Core celebrates the aesthetics, objects, and emotional resonance of the past—think retro technology, childhood memories, analog hobbies, vintage design, kitsch, and sentimental objects. Artists are encouraged to explore the theme broadly, combining visual and interactive elements to create memorable experiences for fair-goers.
Project Requirements:
- Interactivity: Audience participation can include touch, sound, photos, performance, workshops, or other engaging experiences.
- Space & Installation: You are asked to detail the space that your project would need. Projects can range from:
- A wall-mounted piece (wall panels are all 4’W and 10’H)
- Free-standing (please detail square foot space)
- In-booth (booths range in size from 4’x8’ and up, please detail the booth size needed with wall increments of 4’, all walls are 10’H)
- Proposals must specify required fair walls, truss lighting, electrical outlets, or other special installation needs.
- Materials & Safety: All materials must be suitable for a multi-day exhibition. Neon or special lighting requires additional planning and approvals.
- Fabrication & Transportation: Artists are responsible for creating and transporting their work to and from the fair.
- Fees: $500–$2,000, depending on project scale, please detail the fees needed in your proposal.
- Installation & De-installation:
- Drop-off: April 8th (afternoon)
- Setup: April 9th, 9am–4pm
- De-install: April 12th, 6–9pm
Documentation & Promotion:
- The fair will photograph all projects and feature them in marketing materials.
- Concept sketches for pre-fair promotion are encouraged.
Application Guidelines:
Have the following reacy to continue
- Project concept and description
- Sketches, renderings, or previous work images
- Detailed space, electrical, and installation requirements
- Estimated budget and project fee request.
- Fabrication and installation timeline
Selection:
All proposals will be reviewed by The Other Art Fair team. Selected projects will be featured at the fair and highlighted across our marketing channels and PR campaign.
Proposals will be evaluated on:
- Creativity and originality
- Alignment with the “Nostalgia Core” theme
- Feasibility of fabrication, installation, and interactivity
- Engagement potential for fair visitors
Deadline for Submissions: January 30th, 2026
Notification Period: We will be reviewing all proposals on a rolling basis from January 5th-February 10th, 2026. We encourage early submissions.
Questions? Reach out to Emily-Jean Alexander, Fair Director (emily-jean@theotherartfair.com) or Emma Punch, Artist & Community Coordinator, Chicago (emma.punch@theotherartfair.com)