schrader
pop swap 2024 is set for sunday, november 17!
what is pop swap?
Pop Swap started as an artist market made by artists, for artists. Specifically, for small-scale local artists that are often excluded from or are unable to participate in mainstream art markets, galleries, and events. That includes artists with disabilities, emerging or inexperienced makers, low-income artists, and artists with subversive or just downright inappropriate works. Many larger events charge high application and booth rental fees, require tax and insurance forms, require proof of event experience, and will deny artists that don't match their aesthetic from participating. The result? Highly popular, large-scale events and festivals filled with the same wealthy, established makers with similar aesthetics time and time again. Meanwhile, makers just starting out, creatives with full-time or multiple jobs, artists with "edgy" content, and so many more are paralyzed by the many obstacles and barriers to the economic and social support of the market circuit.
Enter: Pop Swap, a large-scale fest for all the rest!
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Since the first event in 2021, Pop Swap has had amazing support from many community partners, including financial sponsorship from the LGBTQ Center of Durham. The Center graciously covers the rental fees for Durham Central Park, which keeps Pop Swap free for participants and attendees!
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Show your support by donating to the LGBTQ Center of Durham today!
building community
Pop Swap has grown to be much more than an artist market. Here are just a few of the cool things that have happened at Pop Swap events:
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engagement
​Artists use Pop Swap as an opportunity to showcase their skills while getting the public involved. Live painting, sculpting, and crafting can be seen, as well as live poems by Poet Laureate William Davis. Folks can get henna and face painting done by local artists, or even have their portrait taken at Hntrgraphy's photo booth!​
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community support & service
Pop Swap showcases local clubs, nonprofits, mutual aid collectives, and other service groups. In the past, we've had adoptable dogs from the APS, free grocery distros by Feed Durham, free GNC closets, and info tables for many organizations and community clubs!​
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supporting performers
Visual artists benefit economically at Pop Swap, but so do the performers! Each event features live music and performances, and all acts are paid for their time, as well as given the option to sell merch and collect tips.​
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interactive projects
Pop Swap gets the whole family involved! We've had free kids crafts and activities, impromptu chalk art battles, community mural painting, and so much more!​
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for a good cause
Past Pop Swaps have also featured raffle baskets and other fundraising efforts to raise money for the LGBTQ Center as well as other groups​.
