The MADE fairs are thoughtfully curated markets that bring together independent artists, makers, and thousands of shoppers who care about creativity, quality, and supporting small businesses.
This year marks our 20th year of organizing and promoting artists. Over the past two decades, handMADE Montana has grown the MADE fairs into some of Montana’s largest artist-focused events, while also operating our year-round retail store and headquarters in Polson, Montana.
Each year, we work with more than 600 artists through our events and retail store. Combined, we estimate these efforts help generate more than $3 million annually in sales for independent artists and creative small businesses.
This year, we’re creating a limited run of reusable MADE fair tote bags for VIP guests at select events in Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula.
We’re working with Montana artist Josh Quick to create a fun, original illustration for the front of the bag, giving each tote a distinct MADE fair personality and making it something attendees will actually want to carry, keep, and reuse.
MADE fairs regularly welcome 8,000+ shoppers who come specifically to discover independent artists, Montana-made goods, and local businesses. The totes will be handed directly to VIP attendees as they enter the event, carried throughout the fair, and ideally used long after the event is over.
Our VIP program also has a larger purpose. Proceeds from VIP admission benefit local nonprofit partners in each event community, and handMADE Montana donates more than $35,000 annually to organizations doing important work across Montana.
We’re inviting a limited group of businesses, organizations, and artists to help underwrite the cost of producing these bags through sponsorship.
Depending on sponsorship level, recognition may include placement on the tote bag, social media promotion and tagging, email marketing, event promotion, and additional recognition in MADE fair materials.
Sponsoring a MADE fair tote helps us put an artist-designed, reusable bag directly into the hands of shoppers who come to our events specifically to support independent artists and small businesses. Your sponsorship helps offset the cost of producing the totes, supports the MADE fair experience, and helps us continue directing VIP ticket proceeds to local nonprofits.
We’re grateful to the businesses, organizations, and artists who help make the MADE fairs possible.