Since 2022, when Kaitlin Fritz discovered that art fairs and markets in Seattle are costly and inaccessible, the "Cutie Fest" she and a few others established has become a staple for local artists and vendors to sell their works, a place where they can come and go whenever they'd like, and set up their stations anywhere in Capitol Hill's Cal Anderson Park.
The spring and summer of 2022 saw three Cutie Fests, and the parent organization, the Cutie Foundation, claims each event more than doubled in size.
Cutie Fest has been hosting regular meetings since August of 2023. Attendees can assist with planning Cutie Fests, tag along on visits to possible venue locations, help with fundraising to ensure the org has a future, and steer the TikTok page.
"Come to one meeting or come to multiple! No commitment. This is a drop-in thing so that more people can be involved and have a voice," states another Instagram post.
Cutie's website also highlights young artists where people can purchase products, like clothing and stickers, directly from sellers.
To bring local talent together, Cutie hosts other events, like an upcoming "Queers Night Out" at the Slip Gallery on First Avenue. The event will cater to aging Queers who prefer to be tucked into their beds by midnight. The theme and outfit inspiration recommended by Cutie is "ultra modern brat girlie pop." September 7's Queers Night Out will feature flash tattoos, oracle readings, a photobooth, and a crafting station.
Challenges
An August 8, 2024, Instagram post discusses current challenges with Cutie Fest, which relates to why the effort was launched in the first place.
"In order to get grant money, which would be major financial funding so I can hire employees and open a community center, Cutie needs to be registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit," Fritz announced in the post.
A total of $600 is needed to apply as an officially recognized nonprofit. Markets, on the other hand, generally charge $70-200 to vend for one day, according to Cutie Fest. The organization said that beyond making enough to break even with these fees, artists have to make even more in order to turn a profit. If artists aren't reeling in the cash, it can be a time-consuming hobby. Cutie believes artists deserve to create for a living, and to be supported in their efforts.
Supporting young artists who are looking to start their own small businesses needs to be a community-wide focus. Cutie says it's the only way for artists to succeed.
Follow Cutie Fest on Instagram
@CutieFoundation or visit
https://cutiefoundation.my.canva.site
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