At this year‘s festival, we will explore everything that vibrates, pulses and suggests life! We invite artists of all kinds as well as community members to interpret the theme in myriad ways. Let’s delve into all that pulses — things like hearts, cities, lights and drumbeats. Whatever the art form or mode of expression, we seek performances and activities that are brimming, beating, expanding, or keeping a sense of time. Let’s check the pulse of our city: How do we feel? What’s the state of our cultural health? Whether it’s dancers conveying rhythmic contortions or a large, kinetic sculpture that expands and contracts, we look forward to your interpretations of this theme!

Applicants will be accepted only from organizations whose primary mandate is in the area of Art or Social Service, as defined below.  

Somerville City Departments can also apply; there is no fee for Somerville City Departments.  Outside gov't groups must pay fee.

"Art" means all those symbolic representations of a  people's worldview transmitted through the media of music, drama, dance, visual arts, literature, and craft and combinations thereof.  Art includes, but not limited to the activities of musical composing, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic, motion pictures and photography, creative writing, weaving, pottery, jewelry-making, embroidering, macrame, and architecture.  

"Social Service" is defined as a social programs and activities provided by organizations which serve the City's residents to strengthen personal or community life.  

The booth fee is $75. Each booth space is 10-ft. wide x 10-ft. deep.  If you require more space, each additional 10'x10' space is $75. (Example: If you need 300 square feet, you will need 3 spaces: three 10' x 10' spaces - $225).  The maximum number of booth spaces per applicant is five.  Booth fees are not refundable upon acceptance of your application.  

The Somerville Arts Council can provide one 6-ft table and two chairs for a fee of $20. If you would like to rent a table and chairs, make sure to indicate it on the application and add $20 to your application fee. Vendors are welcome to bring their own table and chairs and forego the $20 rental fee. If you request a particular location, we will make every effort to grant it, but we cannot guarantee that your request will be met.

 We cannot provide electricity.

Your application will not be considered complete until a check is received in the mail. Once you are approved, you will then mail a check to: Somerville Arts Council, 50 Evergreen Ave. Somerville, MA 02145.

Checks are not refundable after you have confirmed by mailing a check and if we have deposited them.