Applying For a table

Thank you for your interest in applying for the UChi-Con Artist Alley! To apply for a table at the Artist Alley, all artists must complete the application form and submit samples of their work as directed below.

• UChi-Con's Artist Alley does not operate on a first-come first-serve basis. Your submission of this application does not guarantee a spot in the UChi-Con Artist Alley. We will contact artists via email to notify them of their application decision.

• Each application must contain a link to a viewable portfolio. Links to social media pages (Instagram, Twitter/X, Tumblr, etc.) will not be accepted. A website or a Google Drive Folder link is preferred. 

  • Please ensure all Google Drive Folders are set to "Anyone with link can view". If we cannot access your portfolio, your application will not be considered.

  • Those applying as vendors must still submit a portfolio with images of what official merchandise they will be selling. 

• Original art and fanart are both allowed. If applying as a vendor, official merchandise is allowed upon signing of the vendor agreement form. AI-generated images are not accepted under any circumstances. 

• If you are able to, please also submit a photo of your table set-up.

• All art must be PG-13, which means NO NIPPLES AND NO GORE.

• Important Dates:

  • Applications open: November 1st, 2023

  • Application deadline: December 9th, 2023

  • Results: December 16th, 2023

  • Day of convention: January 27th, 2024

Tables

• Tables are 6' x 2.5'

• Tables are assigned on convention day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arrive early to get the best spot possible for your needs.

• You may have any number of people helping you man your table. All helpers must register for the convention, either by pre-registering or by registering on the day.

• Each table will have two chairs provided.

• Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi on campus can be very unpredictable and unreliable. As such, UChi-Con does not guarantee internet access to its vendors. Please come prepared with data plans that can accommodate any internet needs you will need day-of. Artists will be notified if this situation changes.

• There are very few electrical sockets in Ida Noyes. Please be prepared for this. We will not be providing extension cords or power strips. Artists may not bring their own to use, as this creates a tripping and fire hazard for the convention. Keep in mind that Ida Noyes is a historical building and cannot handle too many electronics being plugged in at once.

• Please bring your own change. We have a limited amount and most of it is in use during the convention. We will direct you to the nearest bank if requested, but it is better to be prepared than to be late setting up.

• If you are considering selling UChi-Con branded merchandise, please contact us first.

• Be considerate of those around you.

Convention day

• Artist Alley check in begins at 8:30 AM. Arrive as early as possible if you want a specific spot.

• Make sure that you have adequate change on hand.

• Upon arrival, head to registration to pick up your badge.

• After picking up your badge, head to the Artist Alley. Check in with the Artist Alley Head of Department, who will be at the UCJAS table at the front of the Artist Alley.

• You will then be welcome to select a table and set up for the day.

table displays

• UChi-Con is a PG-13 convention! That means that all displayed art pieces must hold to a PG-13 standard: no excessive gore, strongly sexual content, or otherwise explicit content. Please refer to the convention rules for details.

• If you wish to sell items that violate the PG-13 standard they must be hidden from plain view and produced only upon request.

• We reserve the right to ask you to take down or remove any pieces of art deemed inappropriate by UChi-Con staff. This includes “under the table” products that we find particularly objectionable and unsuitable for the convention (such as sexually explicit artwork involving minors or imagery that promotes hateful ideologies).

• Please do not obstruct the walkways with your displays. We reserve the right to ask you to move your displays if they are impeding traffic.

• Artists may not bring additional tables or furnishings of their own to add to their table.

vendor policy

• Vendors are welcome at the UChi-Con Artist Alley! However, as priority goes to promoting local artists, opportunities are limited.

• If you wish to apply as a vendor, please submit the Artist Alley Form and indicate that you will be selling “Official Merchandise” in the designated question on the application. Vendors, like artists, will also be required to submit a portfolio containing images of what official merchandise they will be selling (see “Applying for a Table” above for more details).

• Our affiliation with the University of Chicago means that we will require vendors to submit further paperwork. If accepted into the Artist Alley, this paperwork will be provided. The Vendor Agreement must be signed and returned to the Artist Alley Head of Department before the day of the convention, or else the vendor will not be allowed to table at the convention.