Go! Artists - Oldham Art Fair

Deadline: 22/06/2025

City: Oldham  |  GO! Friends

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GO! Artists - Oldham Art Fair invites Artists, Makers, and Creatives to display and sell their work in an important cultural space in Greater Manchester. Taking place on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at Gallery Oldham, this event is a celebration of local talent and a chance to connect with the artistic community while promoting creativity throughout Oldham and beyond.

GO! Artists - Oldham Art Fair: A Showcase for Creativity and Community

The Friends of Gallery Oldham are proud to present their first GO! Artists - Oldham Art Fair, offering Artists, Makers, and Creatives an exciting platform to promote and sell their work in a vibrant cultural setting.

This event will take place on Saturday, 15th November 2025, in the Education Suite at Gallery Oldham, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

About Friends of Gallery Oldham

The Friends of Gallery Oldham share their appreciation for heritage, art, and culture with the local community.

They actively support the gallery’s mission to inspire, educate, and entertain, as well as raising vital funds for projects such as acquiring new artworks, conserving treasured pieces, and supporting local artists.

By participating in this event, you’ll be helping to enrich Oldham’s cultural landscape and ensure the arts thrive for generations to come.

Event Overview

GO! Artists - Oldham Art Fair celebrates the creativity of artists and makers from Oldham and beyond.

The event features a vibrant mix of high-quality handmade creations, from paintings and illustrations to unique crafts and ceramics.

Attendees can engage with local creators, explore their work, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces.

Key Dates and Requirements

  • Application Deadline: Midnight, 22nd June 2025
  • Notification of Selection: 30th June 2025
  • Payment Deadline: 13th July 2025 (£20 participation fee, this is non-refundable and is required to secure your place)
  • Artwork Contribution Requirement: Participation includes providing a small piece of work for the event's art raffle, which raises funds for the Friends of Gallery Oldham's initiatives.


Eligibility

  • Priority is given to artists and makers living, working, or connected to the Oldham Borough, but applications are welcome from all areas.
  • All work must be handmade, original, and of high quality. Reproductions or mass-produced items will not be accepted.
  • Copyrighted materials are prohibited.


Application Guidelines

To apply, please submit the following by the deadline:

  1. Completed application form.
  2. High-quality images of up to three pieces of your work (JPEG, max 2MB each), including a photo of your proposed stall setup.
  3. Proof of valid public liability insurance.


Event Features

  • Professional Platform: Exhibit your work in the inspiring surroundings of Gallery Oldham, a cultural hub that celebrates creativity and talent.
  • Community Impact: Support The Friends of Gallery Oldham’s fundraising efforts and promotion of Gallery Oldham.
  • Extensive Promotion: The event will be widely advertised via social media, newsletters, gallery networks, local newspapers and local radio stations.


Tables and Logistics

Tables are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of applications.

Ensure you submit your application promptly to secure a table if required.

Each stand will fit a 6ft table, and one chair is provided. If additional space is required for displays like art browsers, this must be requested on the application, but cannot be guaranteed.

All tables must have neatly presented tablecloths, and nothing should be left on the floor to prevent trip hazards.

Stalls should be set up to a high standard to maintain the professionalism of the event.

Event Setup

  • Setup will take place from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and stalls must remain set up until 4:00 PM. Packing down early is strictly prohibited unless in case of emergency.
  • Further setup instructions will be provided closer to the event date.


Insurance and Conduct

  • All artists must hold valid public liability insurance, which must be submitted with the application.
  • The Friends of Gallery Oldham and Oldham Heritage, Libraries & Arts are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to artwork or personal belongings during the event.
  • Participants are expected to act professionally and respectfully throughout the event.


Parking and Accessibility

Nearby parking is available at Sainsbury’s (free for three hours) and local council car parks (free for three hours on weekends).

Be part of Oldham’s creative future and help make the GO! Artists - Oldham Art Fair a lasting tradition. For more information visit: https://gofriends.org.uk/.

Make a submission Contact the curator
Who is eligible for this opportunity?
While the event prioritises artists and makers living, working and connected to the Oldham Borough, applications are open to creatives from all areas.
What can I sell?
We're looking for artists and makers who work in a variety of mediums. All work must be original, handmade, and of high quality. Reproductions or mass produced items will not be accepted. Copyrighted work is strictly prohibited. If any copyrighted items are displayed during the event, you will be required to remove them immediately, which may impact your participation in future events.
Why do I need to provide a piece of my work?
While this art fair aims to showcase and promote local makers, it's also a vital fundraising event. Funds from the day will help Gallery Oldham buy new artwork, take care of older pieces, and give local artists the support they deserve. Participation includes providing a small piece of work for the event's art raffle, which raises funds for the Friends of Gallery Oldham's initiatives. Contributions don’t have to be costly, but your generosity will make a significant difference.
What's the selection process?
Due to limited space, submissions will be juried by a panel to ensure a variety of styles and mediums, the panel's decisions are final.
When will I be notified?
Artists and makers will be notified of the selection decision by email 30th June 2025.
Why do I need to show proof of public liability insurance?
By providing proof of insurance, you demonstrate that you take safety seriously and are prepared to handle any unforeseen incidents. This is required to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.
Is there a fee to participate?
Yes, a nonrefundable fee of £20 per table is required upon selection confirmation to secure your place.
When is the payment deadline?
Payment must be made by 13th July 2025. Failure to pay on time may result in forfeiting your space for the event.
What is I can no longer attend?
If you're unable to attend the event for any reason please provide with as much notice as possible so we may be able to fill the space.
Is electricity provided?
No, so please bear this in mind when applying.
Does the venue have free WIFI?
Yes, details of which will be provided nearer the time.
Are tables provided?
We have a limited number of tables available, these will be reserved and a first-come, first-serve basis upon receipt of applications so please consider this when applying.
Will I have to bring my own chair?
One chair per stand will be provided. If you require more, then please bring your own on the day.
How much space will I have?
Each stand is allocated a 6ft space. If you require extra space for displays (e.g., art browsers), this must be stated on your application. Additional space cannot be guaranteed and will not be allocated if it poses a safety risk.
What do I need to set up/take down?
Set up will be from 9 am - 10 am, and you must be packed down by 5 pm. Further set instructions will be emailed nearer the event date.
Can I leave the event early?
Under no circumstances should you pack down before 4 pm, doing so is not only unprofessional but it will result in you not being eligible to participate in future events. In the case of an emergency and you need to leave, please inform one of The Friends Of Gallery Oldham volunteers who will assist you in quickly and safely packing down your stall.
What is expected of me on the day?
Participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and professionally throughout the event. All artists must follow the organisers’ instructions during setup and throughout the day.
How will the event be promoted?
This event will be extensively marketed to ensure success, including promotion through social media campaigns, newsletters, gallery and library networks, local newspapers and community radio stations. Artists are encouraged to actively share event details on their own social media platforms to help boost community attendance.
Where can I park?
Convenient parking is available nearby at Sainsbury’s (free for 3 hours) or in local council car parks (free for 3 hours on weekends), which can be found here (https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/201064/car_parks/809/oldham_town_centre_car_parks). There is also a convenient tram stop located just in front of Gallery Oldham (Oldham Central).
Where will you use my images?
By submitting your artwork, you grant Friends of Gallery Oldham permission to use the images for promotional purposes, including social media, newsletters, and press materials.

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