About Us
Learn more about the Madison Public Market
OUR VISION
The Madison Public Market is a vibrant, inclusive gathering space, fostering equity through entrepreneurship and celebrating local culture by bringing together diverse foods, handcrafted arts, and traditions. It is a year-round destination for community connection and supporting the growth of new and established businesses.
It will feature produce from Wisconsin farms, culturally diverse prepared food, locally made food products and handcrafted arts/crafts. It is a cherished and inclusive community gathering space with art, music, and events that bring people together.
at the corner of First St. & E. Johnson St. (at 202 N. First Street)
points of entry
106 car parking stalls on site
Bike parking and bicycle station near several entries
Bus stop at the corner of First Street and E. Johnson
Explore featured artwork in the market!
Browse Artwork
Equity Through EntrepreneurshIP
By emphasizing equity through entrepreneurship, the Market is already being embraced as a place in Madison where businesses owned and operated by people of color, women, and first generation immigrants can get their start.
Other public markets in communities like Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia have assisted thousands of people in achieving financial growth. We know we can accomplish this in Madison too. We’ve studied these models, visited these incredible markets, and applied their best practices to our local framework.
In addition to supporting minority-owned small businesses, the Madison Public Market will truly be a multicultural gathering space. Public Markets are uniquely positioned to bring people together around our common love of food. Unfortunately, in Madison today, we’re very disconnected from other cultural communities. Nowhere else in Madison do we have a public space where the diversity that exists in our community can be experienced and appreciated on a daily basis. With inclusivity front and center, the Public Market will feel alive with the sights and sounds of multicultural artwork, food, and handmade goods.
Foundation Committees and Workgroups
The Madison Public Market Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, leads the fundraising efforts and community engagement for the Public Market project.
The Foundation manages the day-to-day operations of the Market, oversees vendor selection, handles the employee hiring process, applies for grants, and works closely with the City on the market's ongoing development and design.
Madison Public Market Foundation Committees and Workgroups are:
- Madison Public Market Foundation Board of Directors
- Arts & Cultural Expression
- Executive Committee
- Finance Committee
- Tenant & Operations Committee
Making it into a reality
The Madison Public Market is an essential, win-win step for the region’s economic growth that truly deserves the community's support.
The Madison Public Market Foundation has approximately $3 million in private support, TID #36 provides $7M in funding, and the Neighborhood Investment Fund Grant provides $4M in additional funding. The City of Madison Common Council's commitment of $4.5 million in additional TID funds, combined with the County’s $1.5 million commitment, provides the final funding needed to make the Market a reality. The Foundation continues to raise additional funds and manages the operations of the facility with no financial risk to the City.
Economic Development
Incubating diverse entrepreneurs and local businesses through low-overhead retail space.
Community Benefit
Repurposing a city building into a sustainable, art-filled riverside destination.
City Support
A community-vetted project backed by over 20 official council resolutions.
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