What to Buy for an Art Market

An art market needs more than tables for displaying work. You also need shelter, weights, lighting, power, payment equipment and a simple refreshment setup for artists and visitors. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook, especially cable protection, spare batteries and enough seating for exhibitors. Check the venue, layout and weather forecast before buying quantities, because an outdoor market may need more lighting and weather protection than an indoor one.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 45
Folding chairsqty 80
Tableclothsqty 45
Tent weightsqty 48
High tablesqty 6
Coat racksqty 2
Stoolsqty 8
Presentation boardsqty 24
Cleaning tablesqty 3
Artist chairsqty 45

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Cable traysqty 12
Battery lampsqty 12
Batteriesqty 48
Handheld microphone
Portable speaker
Cash boxesqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 100
Cake platesqty 100
Reusable spoonsqty 100
Reusable forksqty 100
Reusable knivesqty 100
Serving traysqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Storage binsqty 12
Bottle openersqty 4
Washing-up basinsqty 6

Decorations

Welcome signsqty 3
Route arrowsqty 12
Program postersqty 8
Stand number signsqty 40
Arrow board holdersqty 12
Tapeqty 10
Cable tiesqty 200
Ropeqty 4
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Badge holdersqty 60

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
Lamp Standsqty 8
Spare flashlightsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Hand pumpsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 4 packs
- Black tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ginger beer - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Mini butter portions - 100 tubs
- Apple syrup - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White Bread - 12 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 4 loaves
- Mini croissants - 100 pieces
- Mini raisin buns - 80 pieces
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Oatmeal cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Unsalted nut mix - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Mandarins - 80 pieces
- Mini carrots - 5 kg
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Cucumber dip - 10 containers
- Hummus dip - 10 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Compostable snack bags - 500 pieces
- Paper bread bags - 300 pieces
- Storage containers - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles

Tips

Plan one foldable table and at least one chair per artist stand, then add a few spare chairs for busy periods. Include tablecloths if the tables will be visible from the visitor side.
For every tent, buy or bring enough tent weights for all legs rather than relying on pegs alone. Check the forecast at least 48 hours before the market and add weather protection if rain or wind is expected.
Count power users before collecting equipment: coffee machines, kettles, lights and audio equipment may need separate extension cords, power strips and cable reels. Cover walking routes with cable trays to prevent trips.
Prepare one payment point per busy sales area, with a cash box and power bank available. Bring reusable cups, coffee cups, cake plates and cutlery in quantities that cover the expected visitor flow, plus a clean storage box for used items.
Do a final equipment check the day before setup, including batteries, presentation panels, high tables, stools and coat racks. These are often noticed only after exhibitors arrive and start arranging their stands.

Frequently asked questions

How many tables do I need for an art market?: Plan on one display table per artist or exhibitor, based on the confirmed registrations. Add 10% extra tables if space and transport allow, so you can replace a damaged table or support a shared display.
How many chairs should I provide for an art market?: Provide at least one artist’s chair for every confirmed exhibitor, plus around 10% spare chairs. Add visitor seating separately if the market includes demonstrations, talks or a refreshment area.
How many reusable cups and coffee cups do I need?: For a small market, start with two cups per expected visitor if drinks are served throughout the event, and increase that to three when there is no washing point nearby. Count coffee cups separately and keep a reserve of at least 10%.
When should I buy supplies for an art market?: Buy non-perishable equipment and tableware at least one week before the market. Confirm exhibitors, the floor plan and the weather forecast 48 hours before setup so you can adjust shelter, seating, lighting and power supplies.

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