What is a Pop-up Event? Unlike a mural, sculpture, or public-art project defined by material, pop-up events are a bit difficult to define. However, they do have three characteristics in common: they are public, temporary, and unexpected. Pop-ups also provide opportunities to build connections and enhance the quality of life in your community.

In this toolkit, you will find information about:

• Benefits of pop-up events
• Material, site, and space needs
• Community engagement strategies
• Potential funding strategies
• Evaluation methods
• A “Taking Action Checklist” and a “Best Practices Cheat Sheet”
• Many project examples to get your creative juices flowing

This toolkit aims to show that creative community collaborations are so much more than the final product itself: the process can aid in building bridges among diverse groups and create stronger networks wherever you live.

To supplement this toolkit, consider downloading POW!: A Plan of Work Template for Creative Community Projects. POW! will help you organize your goals, tasks, budgets, and track of your project success. Our Community Mural Toolkit and Yarn Bomb! A Toolkit for Community Fiber Projects are great sources for sparking ideas for a pop-up event.