Dane Arts Buy Local (DABL) is a program within Dane Arts that connects local artists and businesses through a series of pop-up art markets. By combining unique vending opportunities with professional development workshops, DABL directly supports the work of Dane County artists in recognition of their impact on the local economy. More than $100K in sales and commissions has been reported by artists to-date.

The 2019 Fifth Annual DABL Art Market will be held at Yahara Bay Distillers on Friday October 18th from 5:00pm-9:00pm, and October 19th from 11:00am-4:00pm. Click here for a list of participating artists!

By bringing business influencers and arts appreciators together in the same space, DABL aids in driving cumulative sales at local pop-up art markets. All dollars stay in Dane County to enhance the local creative economy.

DABL draws interest from across Dane County. Between 2015 & 2018, the events have attracted more than 1,300 attendees, including artists, patrons, entrepreneurs, and representatives from and businesses big and small!

Corporations may or may not be people, but they can certainly be patrons of the arts.

Getting them to see that is the primary goal of an art market, Dane Arts Buy Local (DABL), now in its fifth year. The next event takes place Oct. 18-19 at Yahara Bay Distillers in Verona.

The market was created as a business-to-business event, but it is open to the public. More than 400 people attended last year. The event also includes workshops for artists, focusing on marketing.

“I’m trying to show how art is impacting in every arena, and visual arts particularly in the business arena,” says Mark Fraire, director of Dane Arts, the county’s cultural affairs commission.

Dane Arts Buy Local was created after Fraire met with curators at Epic Systems Corp., well-known for its extensive art collection. The Verona-based healthcare information technology company annually makes large purchases at Madison’s art fairs, on and off the Square.

“I’m excited because I don’t have as many business-to-business connections as I would like, and that is what this event is all about,” says woodcut artist Sara Meredith, who will be exhibiting at the DABL market for her first time. She’s previously taken many of the accompanying classes. She says the classes helped her learn what artists need to do to thrive as small business owners. Classes this year include Demystifying the Grant Writing process, “Artpreneurs” Selling Business to Business, and Business Planning for Artists.

In addition to Epic, Fraire notes that Promega Corp., a global biotechnical manufacturer based in Fitchburg, hosts regular exhibits and purchases artworks.

“For the commission pieces, people who are going to be spending $10,000 on a piece of art want to make sure you know how to work with subcontractors and can get it done on time and on budget,” Westfall said.

Westfall has gotten commissions through Dane Arts Buy Local, including one from the software company WIDEN to make a rendering of the Milwaukee skyline in glass, metal and willow branches.

Mark Fraire, Director of Cultural Affairs for Dane Arts, emphasized the value of supporting the art and culture industry in Dane County. In 2015, the industry generated $249.9 million in economic activity for the region, Fraire said.

Thursday is the annual Dane Arts Buy Local Night Market event at the U.S. Bank building downtown. Thirty-two artists were selected as vendors and there will be a panel discussion with five local leaders from the music industry talking about the importance of the relationship that is the event's theme: "The Art of Business and the Business of Art."