Artwork can be donated to an art fair as opposed to having the fair organizers buy it from the artist. Paintings, ceramic sculptures, jewelry and textile artwork are all types of artwork that can be donated, then re-sold in order for the sponsor to raise money. Artists may also decide to donate works to an art fair and have the sales from those works be given to their favorite charity.
Tables, chairs, table covers, pens, receipt books and cash boxes are all functional supplies that can be donated for an art fair. Stores such as Office Max,Target and K-Mart have been known to donate these types of supplies for community events, such as art fairs. More expensive supplies, such as credit card scanning machines, can be lent or donated on a per-day basis.
After a day of looking at art, fairgoers will be hungry. Donated food can be a good -- and cost-effective -- way to feed them. Local restaurants in the area can each designate a chef for the day and donate their time to the fair while advertising their businesses. Snack food such as pretzels, chips, and cupcakes can all be procured ahead of time from local grocery stores. Coffee, bottles of water and tea can also be donated. Donations can either be free for fairgoers, or sold by the organizers to raise money for a certain cause.
Many art fairs have raffles or door prizes as a way of luring visitors. Most of the time, the prizes for these events are donated. Artistic prizes such as sketchpads, paintbrush sets, markers and museum memberships are all interesting prizes for donation. Gift certificates for nearby shops and restaurants can be donated by local businesses also.
Local businesses such as car washes, laundromats, bookstores and coffeehouses are fair game for asking for donations for an art fair. It's a win-win business move for community organizations to donate supplies, food and drinks, gift certificates, or even cash, as this can boost their business image and exposure. It is also a good way to reach out to new customers.