More arts vendors might line Market Street in the coming months via a program launched this week that gives grants for artists to set up shop on its sidewalks. 

Dubbed the “Make it! On Market” program, it offers grants of up to $5,000 to create “surprise-and-delight” moments for passersby on Market Street. 

The collaboration between the nonprofit Mid-Market Foundation and the city of San Francisco joins “Busk it!”, a joint initiative that, since its launch in March, has paid local musicians to give gigs on Market Street’s sidewalks. 

“This program is one of the many initiatives crucial to the changing experience on Market Street,” said Abra Allan, director of creative engagement for the Mid-Market Foundation. “‘Make it!’ allows us to expand our support of artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs, and showcase unique and only-in-San Francisco experiences on a daily basis.” 

Market Street Arts, the Mid-Market Foundation initiative administering the arts programs, said that “Busk It!” has funded about 30 shows per month since March. After originally planning to end the program in November, Market Street Arts announced Tuesday that it would extend the program into 2025. Market Street Arts added that it will now also consider all live performers for “Busk it!”, not just live musicians. 

The public arts programming on Market Street uses funds from both the Mid-Market Foundation and San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the nonprofit said. It comes as San Francisco leaders have looked for new ways to attract people to downtown after just more than 44% of office workers have returned since the COVID-19 pandemic, lagging behind other major cities. 

“In less than a year, Market Street Arts has achieved remarkable milestones: filling vacant storefronts with Creative Hubs and activations, investing $150,000 to bring incredible musicians to perform free sidewalk concerts 10 times a week, and presenting over 150 free, live events,” said Steve Gibson, executive director of the Mid-Market Foundation. “These efforts have paid local artists, increased foot traffic, and brought a wealth of joyful activity to Mid-Market every week.” 

The foundation is soliciting applications for the grants online at marketstreetarts.org. 

Cole Reynolds is a rising junior at Northwestern University, where he studies journalism and anthropology. He has previously served as managing editor for The Daily Northwestern. In that role, he was part of the team that revealed the extent of hazing on the Northwestern football team — a story that attracted national attention. Outside of reporting, you can find him making fresh pasta, bread or other culinary creations.