What you need for an art market

An art market needs more than tables and a few signs. Artists need a clear, well-lit stall, a way to take payments, and packaging for purchases, while visitors need information, seating and refreshments. Plan equipment by stall count and expected attendance, then add a small reserve for damaged packaging, extra cables and bad weather. This checklist focuses on what to buy, hire or bring before opening day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 24
Chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 6
Bar stoolsqty 8
Information desk
Clothes racksqty 4

Presentation

Exhibition boardsqty 24
Easelsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 24
Artist labelsqty 120
Price listsqty 40
Clipboardsqty 40
Plastic coversqty 100
Plastic containersqty 40
Wrapping paper rollsqty 12
Gift ribbon rollsqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Rechargeable lampsqty 12
Sound system
Microphone
Payment terminalsqty 2
Cash registersqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 12
Outdoor lightsqty 8

Decorations

Welcome signsqty 3
Directional signsqty 12
Buntingqty 10
Decorative vasesqty 10

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 100
Glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 12

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Soup ladlesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broomsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpansqty 4

Safety

Bollardsqty 12
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 4
Non-slip matsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cheese crackers - 8 packs
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian mini quiches - 80 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 160 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Apple pies - 6 pieces
- Whipped cream - 12 cans
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper cups - 300 pieces
- Paper plates - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Toothpicks - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 24 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Allow one display table or equivalent surface per artist, plus at least one chair for each stall if artists will be working there. Add a separate information desk so visitor questions do not interrupt sales.
Prepare two payment options for the market: a payment terminal for card transactions and a cash register with change. Keep price lists and artist labels ready at least one day before setup.
Buy wrapping paper and gift ribbon according to expected sales, not visitor numbers. A practical starting point is 1–2 wrapping sets per expected purchase, with extra rolls for larger artwork.
For an outdoor market, cover every table and display area with plastic covers and have party tents ready before the forecast becomes uncertain. Check the weather at least 48 hours ahead and tell artists when the plan is confirmed.
Count power needs before buying or collecting equipment. Coffee machines, kettles, lighting and payment terminals may require extension cords and power strips, while rechargeable lamps provide backup if outdoor power is limited.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an art market with 20 stalls?: Start with 20 stall surfaces, at least 20 chairs, artist labels, price lists and enough display boards or easels for each artist’s work. Add one information desk, payment equipment, packaging supplies and 10–20% extra paper, ribbon and signage materials.
How much packaging do I need for an art market?: Estimate one wrapping option for every expected purchase, then add 20% spare capacity. For example, if you expect 100 sales, prepare materials for at least 120 packages, including extra wrapping paper and gift ribbon for larger items.
How many payment terminals and cash registers do I need?: Use one payment terminal for every 1–2 busy sales points, plus at least one cash register for cash payments. Test all devices 24 hours before opening and prepare change before artists and visitors arrive.
When should I prepare lighting and weather protection for an art market?: Reserve party tents, plastic covers and outdoor lighting at least 1–2 weeks before the market. Check the forecast 48 hours before opening, then install string lights, outdoor lights and rechargeable lamps during setup rather than waiting until dusk.

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