New Maker Initiative

Many say the Living History community is shrinking, and while we mourn the loss of those who pass away each year, we are dedicated to encouraging the next generations. 

The New Makers Initiative invites artists and craftspeople to apply for a reserved, premier table space at the Kalamazoo Living History Show to give them a “launch pad” for their living history show experience. This display is about recognizing and promoting New Makers and encouraging new generations in the community. 

This initiative reserves no fewer than 3 tables at the annual Kalamazoo Living History Show to promote and display the work of juried New Makers. Each Maker is allowed to display and sell their work on these reserved tables. Table space will be shared with each New Maker juried into the show that year. 

There is no cost to the New Makers to apply and table at the show. However, New Makers must cover their personal travel, lodging, and meal expenses. Each New Maker will receive 2 vendor badges, one for themselves and one for a spouse/helper.

We will accept applications/nominations to be included in this initiative up until February 1st, or until we fill the available spaces at the table.

The following criteria are being used to select the Maker for this initiative:

1. Must be a relatively new Maker with 5 years or less actively pursuing their work. 

Their work must 

• Fit within the existing requirements of the show

• Be handmade by the applying maker

• Be documentable to the time period(s) of the show

• Not have been displayed at the Kalamazoo Living History Show previously

• Follow all existing vendor rules

2. Must be at the show both Saturday and Sunday, and available to be present at the tables with items on display for the duration of the show. 

3. New Makers & guests must be in period-appropriate Pre -1890 clothing for the duration of the show.

The Kalamazoo Living History Show reserves the final determination on who gets selected. We want a variety of makers to apply and a variety of work to display at the New Makers tables. Makers are encouraged to have business cards or a sheet with their contact information on display. 

All New Maker Initiative applications will receive an email response no later than February 15th.

Tablecloths will be provided for New Maker Initiative tables. Space for each maker will be marked on each table to ensure equal space is shared.

The Kalamazoo Living History Show is looking forward to the 2027 show being the inaugural year for the New Makers Inititative. 

If you are a young artisan, or if you know of a young person who might like to apply for this opportunity, please apply online at KalamazooLivingHistoryShow.com/newmakers

If you are not interested in the New Maker Initiative, anyone is welcome to apply to be a vendor at the show at kalamazooshow.com/vendor-information. Applications are mailed the day after Thanksgiving each year. 

We look forward to seeing you all at the 2027 Kalamazoo Living History Show scheduled for March 20-21, 2027 at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center.