Who are we?

Makers for Makers RVA is a curated event space curated by makers for makers. Our mission extends through five foundational values designed to protect and uplift Richmond creatives.

The Five Foundational Pillars of Makers of Makers RVA

  • Inclusive Community:

    • At our center sits the most important pillar of all! Building and nourishing an inclusive community through connection and artistic expression.

  • Diversity:

    • We champion a marketplace that actively reflects and celebrates the multifaceted voices of our city.

  • Equity:

    • We provide a dynamic space where artists profit fully from their hard work without the burden of exploitation or inflated fees. When resources permit, we reinvest in our community by sponsoring table fees for artists and organizations dedicated to bridging societal gaps.

  • Collaboration:

    • We believe that art and community both thrive in a collective. We create a supportive ecosystem where resources and ideas are shared. We always aim for a collaborative approach that strengthens our bonds with the community and those around us.

  • Joy & Connection:

    • We cherish and cultivate an atmosphere of love and optimism, ensuring every interaction is rooted in the joy of being together and creating.

Goals and Aspirations

Short-Term:

Our immediate priority is to lower the barrier to entry for new and inexperienced creators. We aim to provide sponsored Vendor Fees for a few tables at every event, primarily reserved for current art students and artists facing financial hardship. By removing the upfront cost, we ensure that one’s talent dictates their opportunity, not capital.

Long-Term:

Our ultimate vision is to decouple the act of creating from the burden of operational overhead. We are actively seeking to secure sustainable funding through partnerships, sponsorships, and community donations with the goal of eliminating as many maker-side expenses as possible. We aspire to build a market model where the artist’s only job is to create, while the community provides the platform.

Support the Mission!

Any donations would be used to reach those goals and/or would be allocated towards expenses for operating and growing the market.

*Please note that there is a drop-down menu to choose a donation form! There is a specific donation form for vendor fee exclusive donations!
3% Cover the Fee

Any and all donations made are non-refundable. Donations are collected and used exclusively for funding Makers for Markers RVA operations and for supporting the artists that may be involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All donations are used to sponsor Market Fees and/or cover market expenses*.

    *Expenses can include insurance, advertising, venue rentals, entertainment, decorations, etc.

  • Sure! Feel free to email us at makers4makersrva@gmail.com and we can discuss your participation!

    Please include the phrase “Volunteer Request” in your email subject.

  • We do! We will be doing raffles and sticker rallies and similar activities to promote market participation whenever possible and in the future I look forward to hosting art classes/activities during events.

    Feel free to email us at makers4makersrva@gmail.com with any questions or details.

  • Absolutely, 100%! We offer an option on the donation form to leave a message. That message will be shared (anonymously) on the donations page as they accumulate.