Artists Alley Policies - Furry Weekend Atlanta

Last Updated : January 21, 2025

While unlikely, all policies are subject to change without advance notice. Policy changes may occur in response to venue requirements, state or local law, or convention function requirements.

Any questions concerning these policies can be sent to:
[email protected]

By participating in the FWA Artists Alley, you agree that you have read and understand these policies.

Furry Weekend Atlanta General Attendee Convention Policies

https://www.furryweekend.com/attendee-policies/

Furry Weekend Atlanta Privacy Policies

https://www.furryweekend.com/privacy-policy/

The current coordinators (as of 2024) for artists alley spaces are as follows:
Kay Drac0rex – Vendor Hall Director ([email protected])
Tyr Kangaroo – Vendor Hall Lead ([email protected])

FWA Vendor Space Definitions

The Vendor Hall vendor spaces at Furry Weekend Atlanta have been organized into two categories in order to best meet the needs of individual vendors (as of 2023).

These definitions do NOT necessarily mean separated vendor locations. The location of each space will be determined in accordance to venue availability. Each vendor space will have clear signage and labeling on all FWA Maps and Applications, and will be announced at least 4 months before the convention.

FWA 2025 Vendor Hall Location will be Announced January 2025

Main Vendor Hall – “Dealers Den” : This is the general vendor hall including furry businesses, publishers, and product makers who focus on goods such as fursuits, merchandise, plushies, prints, posters, books, etc. This space also includes the Adult Dealers Den.
Artists Alley : This space functions similar to the Dealers Den just with a focus on artist accessibility. These tables are built to be functional for commission artists who are creating art at-con as well as a focus on prints and individual made works that may want a clearer space with freelancer emphasis. These tables will have strict limitations on what merchandise and goods can be sold to facilitate artists specifically.

Artists Alley Lottery & Waitlist Process

The application form IS NOW OPEN and the lottery will be run 5pm EDT March 14, 2025. Any applications received after the lottery is run will be placed at the end of the waitlist for each day applied. ARTISTS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN MARCH AS TO THEIR STATUS. This is to give artists time to prepare for the event!

Application Form

The Artists Alley spaces will be filled utilizing a lottery and waitlist system new for 2025! Any artist wishing to work within the Artists Alley must fill out the application form.

The lottery functions as follows:

All artists are assigned a random number ranging from 1 to the total number of applicants at time of the lottery run.
The artist’s modifier is applied to this random number.
The list for each day is then sorted by this modified number from highest to lowest.
Any duplicate numbers will have a randomized fractional number added not to exceed the next higher number (i.e. we use a true random number for the tie breaker)
The sorted list will fill tables as they are available (the initial TBD artists are guaranteed a space such that the Alley is completely filled; the remainder forms the waitlist)
The lotteries are run for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, in that order.
Modifiers:
- Artists rank their preferred days, which will apply a modifier for each day’s lottery pull. This is intended to slightly help artists that can only attend specific days.
  - 1.2x - most preferred day
  - 1.1x - second preference
  - 1.0x - third preference
- To allow more artists an opportunity to work in the Alley, subsequent lottery pulls will have a 0.75x modifier applied. (e.g. an artist is granted a table on Friday, so their lottery on Saturday will have a 0.75x modifier applied; if they happen to secure a table again Saturday via the lottery, then they will have two 0.75x modifiers applied for Sunday)
- Failing to check-out per our procedure will result in the artist being moved to the bottom of the waitlist for all remaining days of the convention and the next year the artist applies, a 0.25x modifier will be applied to all drawings.

Duplicate applications for an artist will be discarded; if an application needs to be edited, please email [email protected]. Applying under different names for the same artist in an attempt to increase one’s chances of gaining a table will result in all of that artist's applications being revoked. The lottery system is meant to be as fair as possible and each artist may have a single entry.

The lottery results and the waitlist will be made publicly available as the data is constantly updated leading up to and throughout the convention. Communication with the artists will occur when an artist nears the top of the waitlist so they can be prepared to be called to a table.

Whenever an artist withdraws their slot (before or at the convention), the waitlist shifts up to fill that slot. If you know you will not be able to bring supplies to the convention based on your waitlist spot, withdrawing from the waitlist will greatly assist your fellow artists!

Once an artist is assigned a table, they will be directly notified and have thirty (30) minutes to reply and let us know they will arrive shortly. This reply can be made in person (at the Artists Alley info table) or via electronic communication. If an artist fails to acknowledge their notification within the thirty (30) minute window, they forfeit the slot, a new artist is pulled, and they will be placed back on the top of the waitlist (next in line).

An artist has two (2) hours from the initial notification of their table being ready to show up to the Alley with supplies. Should an artist not show within this window (and not communicate with the Alley staff of any difficulties getting there, e.g. elevator is broken), they forfeit the slot, a new artist is pulled, and they will be placed back on the top of the waitlist (next in line).

The Artists Alley will utilize a check-in/check-out procedure so the staff can efficiently fill all available tables. When an artist is assigned a table, the artist must appear at the Artists Alley info/staff table to perform check-in. The artist will be provided a table number to set up at. The artist can utilize this space for the remainder of the day, but if they desire to leave early, they must check-out by visiting the same info/staff table before leaving the Alley. Check-in/out will require an ID with your legal name provided on the application form.

If an artist knows they will be wrapping up in a certain time span (30 mins or even many hours ahead), it is highly encouraged to notify the Artists Alley staff, in person at the info/staff table or electronically, when the table is likely to be free so the staff can notify the waitlist accordingly and minimize the time a table is left open.

Failure to check-out prior to leaving the Alley will result in an artist being dropped to the end of all waitlists for the weekend and a demerit of 0.25x applied to all lottery drawings for the next year they apply. Please help us ensure that we can provide the best opportunity to get a table to your fellow artists!

To facilitate accessibility and other needs, artists may designate an “authorized helper” either in the application form or during check-in at the convention. This authorized helper may perform check-in/out procedures on behalf of the artist.

Membership

Artists Alley tables do not include membership registrations. Please be advised that you will need to purchase registration separately! You will not be permitted to vend at FWA in any capacity without valid Registration.

https://www.furryweekend.com/registration/

Artists Alley Location Details

Electricity is not provided at the tables.

Artists Alley tables are shared between two artists. The table size is TBD (historically this was 6ft by 30in, so each artist had 3ft by 30in). Each table will have a tablecloth, skirt, and two chairs (one for each artist).

We have tried to maximize the number of artists that can attend, and, as a result, we must ask that all artists keep the aisles clear and passages open. Stored and displayed items must not impede traffic flow, both in front of and behind tables. We have a maximum limit of one person behind each station (i.e. assistants cannot stay behind the artist’s station).

The Artists Alley spaces are permitted displays up to sixteen (16) inches off the top of the table. Artist displays shall not extend in front of the table (a poster/flag hanging naturally off the front of the table is okay). These displays are encouraged to emphasize the artist’s work and not to block or crowd surrounding artists.

Spaces available at-con can not be reserved. You must take your things and clean your space when you leave for an extended (more than 30 minute) time period.

Spaces easily used for mobility seating should be given to those requiring space behind the table for mobility devices or assistant animals. An artist already occupying the space while the space is full will not be made to leave, however, if a non-priority space is available they may be requested to move so that all attendees may enjoy the space fully.

All works sold in the Artists Alley must be of your own work or must feature you prominently in it (such as a comic book). No third party dealers, dropshippers, or AI art are allowed in the Artists Alley.

Artists are permitted to sell any items or works that comply with these rules within the table space available.

You are obligated by Georgia state law to collect sales tax and turn it into the state after the weekend. Furry Weekend Atlanta is not responsible for your taxes or providing the forms. See the Taxes section below for details.

If a minor is to use the Artists Alley, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during their usage of the Artists Alley. As a reminder the Artists Alley is to conduct business, the sale of artwork and other materials produced by the artists. Minors can not buy or sell adult artwork. Please be sure you are verifying the age of your clients. All 18+ works must be censored or placed in a properly marked folder and only shown once the age of the viewer is verified.

Because space is tight in the area, please bring only what you need to sell or do your art.

No open drinks on the tables. This includes cans and drinks with open-center dome lids.

If you are selling chemicals or soaps, do not open the containers within the alley.

It is asked that no selling is done after Artists Alley is closed, if it is seen that someone has set up displays outside of the Artists Alley you will be asked to remove the displays.

More information will be provided on our social media, website, and communication methods for setup times, Alley hours, and additional venue information. This information will be available before April 2025.

Display Guidelines and Behavior in General Vendor Spaces

Please remember that not everyone may share your tastes, and that your behavior is representative of the entire fandom. In accordance with state law, we must require that any adult material must not be displayed openly; for example, art/print Vendors we request, where applicable, that two separate binders (“general”, “adult”) be kept. Additionally, any “naughty” parts of art must be covered in some fashion (Post-It notes work well for this). This satisfies State requirements about underage viewing and is discreet for purchasers. Vendors are responsible for keeping unsuitable material out of the hands of minors in the vendor areas. Minors will be clearly identifiable according to their registration.

In addition to the above rule, we have several other regulations which we ask vendors to abide by:

No space may be resold or transferred without permission from the Vendor Hall Lead. Understand that we try to be extremely accommodating with this! So please just reach out to us.
Excessively loud, bright, or otherwise disruptive displays are not allowed. Any loud noises will be multiplied by the dynamics of the room, so please keep audio at a reasonable volume. “Reasonable” will ultimately be determined by your neighbors- Complaints about your volume will lead to requests to turn it down! This will also include lighting. While self transported booth lighting is encouraged, it must not interfere with other Vendors’ spaces.
No pirated works may be sold in the vendor areas. Anything that you sell that is not entirely your creation should have permission from all other parties before selling.
No AI generated art/AI derivative art may be sold in the Vendor spaces.
General hazards such as spray paint, open chemicals, and any materials with dangerous fumes will not be tolerated. Vendors will also be expected to maintain safe spaces when working with tools such as soldering irons or printers. If the function of any vendor’s space appears unsafe, you will be asked to remove materials or vacate the hall entirely.
Free standing displays or stands may not be used in any way that causes a safety issue or clogs the walkway. If you plan on using a stand or display with your table, please inform the Vendor Hall Coordinator so it can be positioned in a way as to not cause problems.
No weapons may be sold in the vendor spaces. Actual or replica weapons may not be sold in the vendor spaces. Prop weapons that comply with the FWA weapons policy may be sold.
No more than two people may be behind a single table at any given time.
Please keep your area clean and take your trash with you when you close up each night.
Please do not clutter the walkways behind Vendor tables and spaces. Be conscious of packaging for displays and items such as bins, totes, and boxes.
Be considerate of your neighbors. Everyone in the Vendor Hall is there to run a business, and everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. Please be patient and attentive, and help each other where you can. If you have an issue with another vendor, please contact the Vendor Hall Director as soon as possible so they can assist in a resolution.
While Tattoo Art has been present at FWA in the past, the event does not currently qualify to host Tattoo Artists for 2025. No tattoo’ing may be performed at FWA 2025.
Signs, decorations, banners, etc may not be taped, nailed, tacked, stapled, or otherwise fastened to ceilings, walls, painted surfaces, or columns at our convention facility. If you do any of these things and cause damage, you may face penalties. Please contact the Vendor Hall Director or Lead with any questions.

Furry Weekend Atlanta and its staff are authorized to enforce these policies and any policies it may enact, and we may provide penalties for violations of convention policies, including but not limited to ejection from the convention without refund. Area Leads will have final say on all disputes in the vendor areas. You can appeal to a Director as needed.

Hours

Friday: TBD
Saturday: TBD
Sunday: TBD

Set up for each day starts one (1) hour prior to opening.

Local and State Laws

We want all vendors to please be active and aware of state laws. Georgia is strict on many safety and commerce legalities. FWA will not be liable for Vendor businesses who violate Fulton County or Georgia State laws while vending at Furry Weekend Atlanta.

Please be familiar with Fulton County and Georgia State laws concerning raffles, gambling, reward-based games, marketing, and any activity that may fall into legal grey areas.

Accessible resources for some of these laws can be found here: https://pbpatl.org/

While most of your businesses are not Non profits, many of the laws still apply to any business vending in Atlanta. Don’t do crimes!

Security and Safety

The most important part of Furry Weekend Atlanta is that everyone is safe at all times.

The vendor areas of FWA will be staffed at all open hours. When not open, vendor areas will be secured with hotel/event personnel patrol. All artist materials must be removed at the end of each day.

All vendor spaces will be required to comply with all security and safety policies of the convention. Violence, harassment, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of harmful behavior will not be tolerated. Products and behavior will apply and any violation of FWA policies may lead to vendor removal from the vendor spaces and convention without warning or refund.

Although staff will be present during operation of the vendor hall and it is highly encouraged vendors do not leave any cash or valuables behind when the hall closes. Furry Weekend Atlanta is not responsible for losses due to theft, damage, fire, or any other causes.

Accessibility

All vendor spaces at Furry Weekend Atlanta are deliberately structured to be as accessible as possible for people of all shapes, sizes, needs, and backgrounds. It is important to us that vendors with any particular accessibility needs have those needs acknowledged and met as soon as possible. Please be sure to contact [email protected] if you have any particular needs in your vendor area.

The diversity of this fandom is what makes it beautiful and the vendor Coordinators are here to facilitate you. No disability, need, or assistance is a hassle or a burden. We are happy to build accommodations suiting your needs.

If you have any questions concerning accessibility at the general convention, please contact:
[email protected]

Specialized Vendor Spaces

Furry business vendors of board games and video games may be considered for vendor spaces in other areas. Please contact [email protected] for questions and details.

Taxes

According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, dealers at Furry Weekend Atlanta do not need to obtain Tax IDs or business licenses. Dealers at Furry Weekend Atlanta are classified as “Itinerant Vendors” under the Georgia Tax Code and will still need to deduct and report Georgia State and Fulton County sales taxes.

Vendors will need to fill and submit the FS-32 Tax Form at the tax rate of the event.

Tax Form

At the time of this policy update, the tax rate for Fulton County is 8.9%

PLEASE VERIFY THIS TAX RATE BEFORE SUBMISSION OF THE FORM!

Vendor Hall staff do not have professional tax experience, and cannot provide additional feedback or assistance concerning the tax rate or forms required in Fulton County, Georgia.

Due to the fluctuating nature of a county sales tax rate in addition to a sales tax rate, it is prudent that vendors check the month of the event to ensure no additional forms or rates will be required. Forms will not be provided at the event at this time due to these possible fluctuations.

Communication

Coordinators will use automated emails for frequent cadence to vendors as well as using the official FWA website (furryweekend.com) and Twitter (@furryweekend) to provide information, announcements, and collect feedback and vendor status. Please be sure that your email system does NOT block any furryweekend.com domain emails. You may receive information from the following sources:

FWA is a fully volunteer staff, and the Leads of the vendor spaces may not immediately respond to emails. If you do not hear back from them in three business days, please attempt to contact again before escalating. Twitter is not a reliable way to contact the vendor Leads. If you have an issue with any of the vendor processes for FWA, please contact the Leads first to find an effective resolution.

We will have announcement channels for Artists Alley and Vendor Hall Main for communication and file storage. Members will be expected to behave according to the various platforms policies as well as FWA polices within these spaces. Links to these spaces will be hosted on our website when established by January 2025.