*DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST 2019* Call for exhibitors to show at the Saltaire Makers Fair, 14-15 September 2019. We are looking for contemporary craft designer-makers working in a wide range of disciplines to exhibit work over two days during the opening weekend of the Saltaire Festival, in gorgeous Victoria Hall, at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. We are looking to select and showcase high-quality, innovative work in ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass, metal, artists' books, paper, leather, wood, furniture, plastics, fashion textiles and accessories, printmaking and mixed media. *Applications with a focus on painting, drawing or other fine art practices will not be considered for this opportunity* Note: Please read the Opportunity FAQs in full before submitting your application.

Who are we?

Largely volunteer-led, Saltaire Inspired creates exhibitions and projects within the World Heritage Site of Saltaire village, responding to Bradford’s cultural heritage and strengths. We promote and develop artists and their practice, showcase and sell high-quality contemporary craft and design, engage and inspire the local community and aim to make visual arts accessible and engaging through the use of private and public buildings.

Visit the Saltaire Inspired website to find out more.

The Saltaire Makers Fair

Held twice a year, our Makers Fairs have a growing reputation for providing a showcase for some of the best contemporary craft available for sale or commission in the north of England and, increasingly, further afield. Audiences will have the opportunity to see unique and original handmade products, buy directly from the artists and makers, and meet the creative talent behind the work. The venue, Victoria Hall in Saltaire, is both attractive and historically unique, a great setting for a contemporary craft fair, and we regularly see 1000 - 1500 visitors per day through the doors. The Fair will include artist demonstrations, a popular Art Tombola and there will be a pop-up cafe with delicious sweet and savoury snacks.

Some comments from exhibitors: -

"Friendly yet professional feel. High quality makers"

"Excellent marketing and buzz"

"Very good footfall with plenty of people willing to buy work"

"Saltaire is wonderful because it brings designer/makers and people who are really interested in art work together in one place"

"Enjoyed the event very much and made to feel special by both organisers and visitors"

Artistic Policy and Selection

We aim to showcase the original work of independent artists, makers and designers.  All work must be handmade by the exhibitor themselves and original in concept. We are looking for work that is of gallery quality, contemporary and interesting. We do not accept or promote work constructed from assembled pieces, kit-based items or mass-produced reproductions of works in other media. Limited edition prints must be original. 

Our Makers Fairs have a specific focus on showcasing handmade and contemporary craft, therefore we are unable to accept applications of traditional Fine Art practices, such as painting and drawing. Artists wishing to show Fine Art works should consider applying for our Open Houses opportunity in May, as a part of the Saltaire Arts Trail 2020.

Returning artists and makers will be expected to exhibit a significant proportion of new work. If you have exhibited with us before, please make sure you include details of proposed new work in your application.

An independent panel of arts professionals will make the selection. The 2019 panel will be announced on the Saltaire Inspired website. 

Demonstrations

We are able to offer a limited number of spaces to artists wishing to demonstrate their craft, this is a great opportunity to engage visitors and encourage sales. A discount on pitch fees will be offered to those exhibitors selected to run demonstrations that feature an activity for visitors to take part in. See FAQs for details, and include details in your application if you wish to be considered.

Costs

Standard Space: £115 for 2 days - Approximate floor space of 8x4 ft, including a 6x2 ft table and up to 2 chairs if required. You are welcome to bring your own free-standing display boarding etc. to set up within this space.

Small Display Space: £135 for 2 days - Standard Space +  display board measuring approximately 4x3 ft (total space to display on board, above table height), with legs that make 6.5ft height in total. Includes a flexible hanging system, no spotlights but access to power may be requested.

Large Display Space: £155 for 2 days - Standard Space + display boards measuring approximately 8x4 ft (total space to display on board, above table height) with legs that make 6.5ft height in total. Includes a flexible hanging system and 2 spotlights.

Demonstration Space: a £30 reduction on the above prices, please state your stand preference in your application. May include a small amount additional space for demonstrations to take place in, to be agreed (no extra space can be given for demonstrations taking place in a Large Display Space)

Please state which pitch type you would prefer in your application, by typing either STANDARD, SMALL DISPLAY, or LARGE DISPLAY.

Fees will be requested upon successful application and must be paid by Monday 2nd September 2019. No commission will be taken on sales.

How to apply

Make your submission via Curatorspace, uploading between 4 - 10 good quality images. Please ensure that you upload and attach each image individually.

A non-refundable administration fee of £5 will be required for all submissions. As a volunteer-led charitable organisation, this helps us to cover the administrational costs of carrying out a fair and unbiased selection process with an independent panel of industry professional judges.

Once you have submitted your application, please return to the opportunity page and click on the link below. The administration fee should be paid no later than the closing date of Friday 9th August 2019, in order for your application to be considered. The £5 administrational does not guarentee you a place within the Makers Fair, all applications are subject to a selection process. Please make your payment here: Makers Fair Application Fee Payment 

Note: Please read the Opportunity FAQs in full before submitting your application.