JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 A recent policy change has some vendors worried about the future of Jacksonville\u2019s First Wednesday Art Walk in downtown.<\/p>\n
In June, Downtown Vision Inc.<\/a>, which organizes the Art Walk, began charging new fees to some of those looking to sell art at the monthly event.<\/p>\n Now, all artists participating in the event pay an annual $45 and another $45 per event.<\/p>\n \u201cPreviously, these fees only applied to artists located in the park. In June 2025, Downtown Vision, Inc. implemented a change to its permitted footprint, which caused these fees to apply equally throughout the full programmed area; including James Weldon Johnson Park, stretching down Laura Street and surrounding right of way from Duval to Adams,\u201c Downtown Vision, Inc. shared in a statement.<\/p>\n In addition to those new rules for fees, food vendors are required to pay a $25 annual application fee and $100 once approved. According to the vendor application<\/a>, \u201cTruckies will have to submit their sales report at the end of the night and will be required to pay 10% of their net sales to Downtown Vision for participation.\u201d<\/p>\n Several vendors have shared concerns on social media. <\/p>\n \u201cThe whole point was to feel community and support small businesses, but OF COURSE they want a piece,\u201d Diamond Wallace shared on social media<\/a>.<\/p>\n Others say they are worried it\u2019ll mean fewer vendors and visitors coming to the monthly event.<\/p>\n Michael Armanno works with Bespoke House, providing studio space, materials, professional development, and marketing opportunities for area artists. He says he\u2019s working with area leaders to address some of the concerns.<\/p>\n