Q: What's the purpose of St'ArtUp317?
A: To create a streamlined way to connect tenants with landlords who have empty storefronts in the downtown area. Activation of empty storefronts, even for short lengths of time, helps everyone - the vendors, the landlords, and the city itself.
Q: When will Season 5 Applications open?
A: Season 5 Applications will open December 2021.
Q: Where are the properties located?
A: Properties are located in Downtown Indianapolis.
Q: What kinds of vendors should apply for this program?
A: The pop-up program is open to businesses of all kinds - online retailers, indie brands, established businesses, startups, artists, makers and non-profits are all welcome to submit an application. For the retail spaces, we are specifically interested in any vendors that sell clothing/shoes/bags/accessories, furniture, home goods, cosmetic products, pet products, or pre-packaged food items like oils, spices and the like.
Q: How much is rent for the 30 day pop-up?
A: The month-long pop-up in May is free, however, we require a program deposit of $150 from all participating brands. The deposit is fully refundable once vendors submit a final report at the end of the pop-up.
Q: Who will be responsible for utilities?
A: The cost of utilities is included with the pop-up ie. they will be free.
Q: Is there wi-fi?
A: Most locations will not have wifi. We have some funding to help pay for some hotspots. This amenity will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Q: How does the selection process work?
A: This is a competitive program so please submit as much information about your business as you can as well as any visuals that will help explain your vision for the pop-up. We are looking for vendors who, through their application, show that they are well prepared to take advantage of this opportunity. Previous experience with pop-ups or having your own store are a plus, but are not essential. After applications close, a selection committee reviews every application, and selects the most promising projects/vendors to participate. All selected vendors are required to sign a program agreement, a license agreement, pay a program deposit of $150 and show proof of liability/contents insurance.
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to release the offered space to another vendor if you're not able to submit all the required paperwork by deadline.
Q: Who does the selection committee consist of?
The committee consists of 8 people: 2 project stakeholders (Develop Indy & PATTERN), 3 business professionals with experience in retail and real estate), 1 representative of the City of Indianapolis and 2 people representing the arts community.
Q: What are the move-in and move-out dates?
A: You will be able to start moving in on April 27, and you have to be moved out by June 5. Our Vendor Coordinator will help you connect with the landlord to work out the details of your move in as soon as you acknowledge your selection and indicated your readiness to move forward.
Q: If we want to stay beyond the 1 month term, could we do that?
A: If the space is available beyond the 30 day pop-up period, you are welcome to negotiate staying longer with the property owner/management. This falls outside the scope of the St’Artup317 program.
Q: What is the minimum number of hours that the storefront/exhibition needs to be open to the public?
A: Standard retail hours (approx. Mon-Sat, 10a-6p) are expected for commerce tenants, but are negotiable within reason.
Window activation should be on and engaging 24/7.
Q: Can artwork or signage be digital displays?
A: Yes they can. However, displays cannot be offsite advertising for you or others. All signage must follow City of Indianapolis sign ordinance language.
Q: Is there lighting provided for the windows?
A: Please assume that there will be no light fixtures available. You should plan to bring as much lighting as possible in order for your window to be eye-catching and highly visible at all times. Electricity will be available in all spaces.
Q: Can I choose where I pop-up or do my installation?
A: Due to the unpredictable nature of the real estate market and some logistical considerations outside our control, you will not be able to select your location before applying. When you are selected as a vendor, you will be provided with a list of all available locations and windows at that time. When you respond with your acceptance, you will also have a chance to express your interest in particular properties at that time. This will be on a first-come, first serve basis.
Q: Can I tour the spaces prior to finalizing my acceptance?
A: When you receive your acceptance notification, you are welcome to drive by the available spaces at any time. Likely, there will be no time to do interior tours.
Q: Can a group of us apply together?
A: No. Every vendor needs to submit their own application, noting which other vendors they would like to share space with on the application. Every application will be evaluated on its own merits, and every accepted vendor will need to pay a $150 program deposit.
Q: Will I need to provide any reporting at the end of my project?
A: Yes, we require all vendors to track & submit certain information. It will be things like earnings, number of visitors, social media mentions, customer zip codes, and anything else that will help us to make this initiative better and to gain an understanding of the audience. Program participants will be given reporting requirements along with their acceptance notification. If you do not submit your report by the deadline, you risk forfeiting your program deposit.
Q: Who is responsible for the insurance of the storefront/window?
A: If you do a pop-up in a retail space which allows you to welcome visitors/customers, you will need to secure a general liability (1M coverage) policy in order to participate in the program. We also strongly recommend securing insurance for your inventory/fixtures. If you're doing an installation in a window, we still strongly suggest that you get insurance on the contents of the windows.
Q: If my proposal is not accepted this time around, should I apply again for the next season of pop-ups?
A: Absolutely!
Q: If I’ve previously been accepted as a vendor, am I eligible to apply for future seasons?
A: Yes, you are. While the goal is to offer this opportunity to as many different people as possible, if we have more space than vendors, we would certainly prefer to fill it with a repeat vendor than have it sit empty.