We are calling on participants from Southern Africa or who work with Southern African products, places, and people to participate in a festival celebrating all things Southern Africa. This will be the first festival of this kind in the USA where we will see people from all across our region come together in the heart of Silver Spring, Maryland to celebrate our heritage and share our culture with our community.
Although we welcome a variety of vendors and talent, keeping with our organization’s mission and the goals for the festival, pending on the needs of the festival, we encourage vendors and talent from the following Southern African countries: Comoros, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Seychelles, DRC-Congo, Malawi, Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Angola, and Tanzania. Currently, all submissions are being considered for a limited time so you do not have to be from southern Africa to participate. However, once spaces become limited, preferences will be given to those selling at least one product that originated in Southern Africa or is inspired by the region. 
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS
We are inviting members of the general public living in the DC area and beyond to participate in the event in the following ways:
Vendors:
Food Vendors:
Looking for a variety of food vendors. Vendors must have one or more food items that are Southern African or Southern African inspired. Food vendors must be licensed unless their products fall under Maryland’s food cottage laws. Otherwise, all food vendors must obtain a one day license to sell food outdoors from Montgomery county (*this includes restaurant owners and those licensed in other counties).
Limited Booth spaces available assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis and based on the needs of the festival.
Art & Craft Merchandise Vendors:
Please provide a clear and accurate description of your products. Vendor must agree not to sell food items.
Fashion Merchandise Vendors:
Includes sellers of t-shirts, African print dresses, jackets, pants, fashion accessories etc. Vendor must agree not to sell food items.
Informational Booth Vendors:
The exhibit is for information, demonstrations and exhibit only. Vendor must agree not to sell food items or merchandise; non-profits that want to sell items must do so as a merchandise vendor.
Additional Information for ALL VendORS
- Purchase booths at: Eventbrite
- Currently, all submissions are being considered until spaces are filled.
- To ensure a positive experience for all festival participants, vendor selection is based on event needs, vendor types and space availability, as well as as a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Each exhibitor must supply his or her own table(s), chair(s), drop cords, canopies or whatever you need for your selling items as needed or desired.
- Due to the size of the festival along with contractual arrangements, it is impossible to schedule a rain date or alternative indoor site. The festival will, therefore, run on the slated dates rain or shine!*
- All vendors are encouraged to highlight and promote their Southern African themed products if featuring products from multiple regions. All vendors are encouraged decorate within the parameters of their space & engage the audience.
Talent:
SACU is welcoming Vendors and talent entries from talented people in the Greater Washington, DC Metro Area (or those willing to travel from out of state at their own expense) for a chance to be chosen to perform.
- Volunteer Live Performers: including drummers, singers, dancers, poets, spoken word performances, etc. Must submit a sample of your work.
- Fashion Designers: We are looking for 3 fashion designers showcasing Southern African designs both contemporary and traditional wear. Must submit photos of designs.
- Volunteer Models: All Ages, shapes and sizes to wear designer outfits.
- Festival Host/Mcee: We are looking for a dynamic hosts from the region who can engage the audience throughout the day about the on-going events at the festival. The hosts must be knowledgeable about Southern Africa and Southern African culture.
- Photographers: We are looking for a photographer to take photos during the event. Must submit a portfolio or webpage with past event photos.
- DJ: We are looking for an experienced DJ that is well versed with the music from the region. Must be able to compile a list of popular music predominantly from Southern Africa. A Sample set may be required.
- Sign up here: Festival sign up Form
Media:
We are looking for media to write, blog, and cover the event. If you would like to cover this event, please let us know. Sign up here.
Sponsors:
If you would like to sponsor the event in any way, please contact us for details. We are a non-profit 501c3 tax-exempt organization.
Contact:
info@southernafricancommunity.org or events@southernafricancommunity.org
*As the festival is a non-profit event, with all revenues being used to cover event costs and advertisement, vendor spaces purchased are non-refundable for no-shows, early/late arrivals or cancellations.