What to Buy for an Art Market

An art market needs more than tables and stalls. You’ll need a clear way to display work, mark prices, guide visitors, take payments and keep artists comfortable throughout the day. Plan equipment by stall count, then add shared supplies for refreshments, signage and access routes. This shopping list covers the items most often forgotten, including extension cords, rechargeable lamps, artist seating and information boards.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 24
Beer tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 80
Exhibition wallsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 6
Folding chairs for artistsqty 30
Bollardsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 80
Reusable glassesqty 100
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 24
Buntingqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Artist signsqty 30
Price listsqty 30
Directional signsqty 12
Floor plansqty 6
Information boardsqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Rechargeable lampsqty 12
Cash register
Payment terminalqty 2

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 8
Storage binsqty 12
Cool bagsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Sparkling juice - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cooked ham - 1 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow one foldable table or equivalent display surface per stall, then keep at least one spare table available for shared information or refreshments. Confirm stall sizes before buying extra furniture.
Prepare one artist sign and one price list for every stall, plus a few spare copies. Print participant information at least three days before the market so last-minute changes can still be included.
Count power points before bringing coffee machines, kettles, card terminals and lamps. Pack extension cords and power strips, and test every payment terminal and cash register the day before.
For refreshments, count one reusable mug, glass, plate and set of cutlery per expected serving at peak time, then add 10 percent extra. Serving bowls and platters should be ready before artists arrive.
Do not leave visitor guidance until the morning itself. Prepare directional signs, route and parking signs, floor plans and information boards at least one day ahead, and check that bollards and signs are visible from the entrance.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to an art market?: Bring stall furniture, exhibition walls or clothes racks as needed, artist signs, price lists, payment equipment, lighting and power supplies. Add seating for artists, reusable tableware and directional signs for visitors.
How many tables do I need for an art market?: Start with one table or display unit per stall, based on the confirmed pitch layout. Add at least one spare table for information, refreshments or unexpected changes, and confirm dimensions with artists before shopping.
How much tableware do I need for an art market?: Plan one reusable mug, glass, plate and cutlery set for each serving expected at the busiest time, plus 10 percent spare. For example, 80 expected servings means preparing at least 88 sets.
When should I prepare an art market shopping list?: Create the first list at least two weeks before the market, once the venue and stall numbers are known. Check stock three to five days beforehand and complete shopping no later than the day before setup.

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