Discuss Showcase is a selling exhibition opportunity for up to 4 mid-career makers who are pushing the boundaries of their craft practice.

Discuss at GNCCF Manchester

We are looking for makers, who are experimenting with new techniques and/or materials towards developing a new body of work, or a significant new direction in their craft practice, to apply for "Discuss" at Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester. 

"Discuss" is an interactive and educational showcase for our visitors to gain more detailed insight into the process of craft and making from idea to object.  It offers an opportunity for successful applicants to discuss their research practice with show visitors and craft professionals and so get audience feedback which may help shape their work. 

This opportunity is a blank canvas and would suit those engaged in academic research or makers in receipt of an Arts Council Developing Your Creative Practice grant. Whilst we welcome makers of all backgrounds and at different stages in their craft practice, Discuss would probably suit makers who are mid career and who are pushing the boundaries of their craft practice, after developing considerable experience in their field. 

Successful applicants will need to be comfortable in talking and demonstrating to the public and be able to show how their ideas and forms have progressed.  

This is a FREE opportunity.  Successful applicants will be able to sell their work from their stand but any sales will be subject to a 30% commission to Great Northern Events NW Ltd.  

The stand space allocated will be dependent on what is exhibited and demonstrated.  It is likely to be a white plywood-walled exhibition stand ( can hang or screw into) and will have one spot light per sqm.  Additional lighting, powersockets, proximity to utilities etc (within reason) can be arranged with the organiser.

Please include in your proposal:

• background to your research
• synopsis of current research/experimental practice
• what you will be exhibiting and briefly how you will be displaying your work eg. shelves, audio visual
• what you will be able to demonstrate ( if applicable) and what utilities you will need. Eg. access to power socket or water.

Individual applicants will be able to bring an assistant to help them on their stand and cover for breaks but the successful applicant will be expected to be present on their stand throughout the public opening of the fair.

Friday 8 October 9am-5pm:  Set up (to be arranged with organisers)

Friday 8 October 6-9pm:  Preview Evening (invited guests only)

Saturday 9 October 10am-6pm:  Public Opening

Sunday 10 October 10am-5pm:  Public Opening

Sunday 10 October 6.30pm - late: Breakdown (exact times tbc)

(Some goods and equipment may be removed from site on Monday 11 October, by arrangement with organisers).

There will be no charge for the stand or utilities.  Any other expenses incurred as a result of exhibiting, such as accommodation, travel and subsistence, insurance and courier of work and/or equipment will be at the expense of the exhibitor.