People stroll through Downtown Jacksonville during Art Walk. | News4Jax
Published on November 3, 2025 at 3:23 pm
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A recent policy change has some vendors worried about the future of Jacksonville’s First Wednesday Art Walk in Downtown.
In June, Downtown Vision Inc., which organizes the Art Walk, began charging new fees to some of those looking to sell art at the monthly event.
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Now, all artists participating in the event pay an annual $45 and another $45 per event.
“Previously, these fees only applied to artists located in the park. In June 2025, Downtown Vision Inc. implemented a change to its permitted footprint, which caused these fees to apply equally throughout the full programmed area, including James Weldon Johnson Park, stretching down Laura Street and surrounding right of way from Duval to Adams,“ Downtown Vision Inc. shared in a statement.
In addition to those new rules for fees, food vendors are required to pay a $25 annual application fee and $100 once approved. According to the vendor application, “Truckies will have to submit their sales report at the end of the night and will be required to pay 10% of their net sales to Downtown Vision for participation.”
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Art walk vendors
Several vendors have shared concerns on social media.
“The whole point was to feel community and support small businesses, but OF COURSE they want a piece,” Diamond Wallace shared on social media.
Others say they are worried it’ll mean fewer vendors and visitors coming to the monthly event.
Michael Armanno works with Bespoke House, providing studio space, materials, professional development and marketing opportunities for artists. He says he’s working with local leaders to address some of the concerns.
He shared on Facebook saying, “We are all on the winning team here and want to be the greatest American City when it comes to art, culture, and industry.”
News4Jax reached out to Downtown Vision Inc. about some of the concerns.
They shared a statement that said in part:
“Downtown Jacksonville’s First Wednesday Art Walk remains one of Jacksonville’s most beloved monthly traditions, providing an important platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for the community to experience the vibrancy of our city’s arts and culture scene. … Our team remains committed to maintaining the high quality, accessibility and community spirit that make First Wednesday Art Walk such a special part of Downtown and the entire city of Jacksonville.”
The next Art Walk is scheduled for Wednesday, starting at 5 p.m.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
