JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – 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.
Recommended Videos
“There’s always a stigma that we don’t have enough going on in this city,” Diamond Wallace, a community organizer, said. “And Art Walk was something that we looked forward to. It was fun.”
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.”
“It no longer feels like a group of people that you know - that you love coming out to this space to show off their product,” Wallace said. “It has drastically changed, participation isn’t the same. The people going out there isn’t the same. And of course the businesses out there are not as prominent because of the new changes.”
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 area artists. He says he’s working with area leaders to address some of the concerns.
“Recent changes it feels like its getting more and more restrictive and less accessible to the creative class,” Armanno said. “We have a lot of questions and we’re having a hard time finding answers to figure out how we can get involved and what is best for the community as a whole and who gets to decide that.”
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.