Where can I find a place, information or events that feature or showcase local arts, crafts, dance, photography, music and literature in the Mobile Alabama area?
The local arts community is supported by the Mobile Arts Council in downtown Mobile and features local art mediums every second Friday of the month in the LoDa Art Walk. From the West end of Dauphin Street East to Bienville Square, you can enjoy art from various mediums. Dauphin Street is shut down and all the area businesses are open and involved in supporting and showing off local artists.
Mobile Alabama Art Walk Center
The center for arts in the Mobile Alabama is the Mobile Arts Council located at 318 Dauphin Street in Mobile, Alabama.
This organization was formed in 1955 by the Junior League of Mobile and has expanded to cultivate those involved in the arts and to give opportunity to all art backgrounds to show off and their skill on canvas, as well as, performing arts.
The MAC has several programs available to promote and encourage the arts.
- Taco Takedown – This program gathers local restaurants together and raises money for the local artists grant program.
- ChARTing New Directions – Through local camps, boys and girls groups are sponsored and allow young people the opportunity to increase their exposure to arts and also allow new artists to have teaching opportunities for local artists in the area.
- Grants – Four $1,000 grants are awarded for either individuals or arts organizations that are involved or support arts programs from crafts, dance to fine art and music.
- The Throwdown – A annual event that takes local artist and gives them 90 minutes to create a work of art. It is then offered that evening in an auction and whoever brings in the highest bid earns the title of Throwdown Champion.
- The Artys – Every year nominations from the community are accepted in nine different categories. Winners of each category are presented with a “Artys” award. Winners can be individuals, organizations or businesses.
- Mystic Squirrels – The Mystic SOBs! This is a Mardi Gras organization created to participate in the Mardi Gras festivities every year in the ORIGINAL birthplace of Mardi Gras. They celebrate creativity for the arts and raise funds for the year around mission of MAC.
Mobile Arts Council can be contacted at 251-432-9796 or their website.
Mobile Alabama Art Walk Festival
This monthly festival occurs every 2nd Friday between the hours of 6pm and 9pm. Dauphin Street is usually shut down from about where Springhill Ave and Dauphin Street meet down to Royal Street at the East end.
Local businesses along the path show off the artwork or allow presentation of different mediums of art in or outside their businesses.
You can stroll down Dauphin Street and view the works of art, visit the exhibitions at Bienville Square or enjoy some music at Cathedral Square across from the Spot Of Tea.
Art Walk Map
This is the general area that the LoDo Art Walk will be held. You can find detailed maps the day before the events at the LoDo Arts Facebook page or the City of Mobile Special Events website.
Mobile Alabama Art Walk Youtube Videos
Art Walk Schedule
Every 2nd Friday, between 6pm and 9pm
Starting in January 2019, Cathedral Square will be ground zero for performing arts venue where movie and music will be featured.
This year will start off with the “Year of Movies and Music” in the square.
See the online flyer for more details.
What If I Want To Be Involved With The LoDo Art Walk?
No problem! Just submit this application after reviewing the eligibility requirements and $10. The application process can take up to 2 weeks and you will have to adhere to any City of Mobile licensing requirements.
A fact sheet is available online to give additional vendor details and city requirements.
If I’m A Business Owner in the LoDo District, How Can I Get Involved?
Local vendors and businesses meet each quarter to discuss and plan. Contact Shellie Teague via email for more information.
And nonprofits are encouraged to join in on the fun at no charge. You just have to an arts component to your product or event.
How About If I Want To Show Off My Artistic Skills?
Call 251-208-1550 to get a list of the participating galleries and locations on Dauphin Street, Bienville Square. Music events will be held at Cathedral Square
Street performers can fill out and submit this application found on the LoDo Art Walk Facebook page.
Loda artwalk 2019 Reviews And Ratings
“This is the Best art walk in this area! So many things to see and so many places to visit. It is definitely an entertaining experience!”
Kalyn M. – Facebook Reviewer
“My friends and I took the best pictures last Art walk. There’s a nostalgia about it that provides a vintage look!”
Kandi C – Facebook Reviewer
“My first art walk was this weekend and it was amazing! From the pop up tents to Getting to go see exhibits at museums that I was excited to see made my life so happy. It’s a beautiful thing to bring all types of art together. The food, the art work, and the musicians. I just really cannot contain my excitement for next month.”
Rachel P. – Yelp Reviewer
Where Do I Park At The LoDo Art Walk Mobile AL events?
Free parking is available at Innova Arts which is located about 3 blocks North of Dauphin Street. Downtown parking meters are free after 6pm and several parking lots are available downtown.
Here is a link to Park First LLC paid parking locations.
And to make sure you adhere to all local city parking requirements, you can find City of Mobile on street parking information here.
