Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fairs 2025. Apply for GNCCF Manchester, Newcastle & GNCCFonline
Deadline: 28/02/2025City: Manchester & Newcastle upon Tyne | Region: Greater Manchester | Country: United Kingdom | Ann-Marie Franey
Apply Now for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, our NEW summer fair in Newcastle & GNCCFonline Gift Edition. In addition to our flagship GNCCF Manchester, we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new summer event at Northumbria University in the heart of Newcastle. Applications are now open for: GNCCF Newcastle, Northumbria University 20–22 June 2025; GNCCF Manchester, Victoria Baths 16-19 October 2025 & GNCCFonline Gift Edition 29-30 November 2025
Sell Your Work at the Most Respected Contemporary Craft Fairs in the North!
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fairs (GNCCF) are nationally renowned as the premier selling events for contemporary craft in the North of England.
We offer makers an unrivalled opportunity to put their work in front of eager and savvy audiences in a way that suits them and their buyers best.
In addition to our flagship GNCCF Manchester, we’re thrilled to be launching an inaugural Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Newcastle this summer.
About our Fairs
GNCCF Newcastle:
Taking place over the weekend of 20-22 June, it will be held at Northumbria University’s city centre campus in a large ground floor arena just 200m from the main shopping high street and nearest Metro station.
This exciting new fair will feature 140 selected makers exhibiting in a white shell-scheme exhibition stand setting. It offers a fantastic opportunity to engage and develop a new customer base in the North East, attracting visitors from the region, North Yorkshire and the Borders.
It is easily accessible for load in and out with plenty of nearby parking. There are hotels/AirBnBs to cater for all budgets a short walk away or in local suburbs, within easy reach by public transport.
GNCCF Manchester:
Returning to the stunning Victoria Baths for its 18th edition from 16-19 October and featuring over 150 exhibitors, this much-loved event remains a highlight of the UK craft calendar, attracting a loyal and enthusiastic audience of buyers and collectors year after year.
Whilst mainly white shell scheme exhibition stands, there are also affordable table-top options for new makers on the upstairs balcony. Victoria Baths is Manchester’s iconic heritage attraction.
Home to many other arts events and widely used as a filming location, it was chosen by Chanel as a venue for its prestigious Metiers d'Art in December 2023.
No expense was spared on the building when “Manchester’s Water Palace” opened to the public in 1906. Its magnificent interior of glazed tiled walls, mosaic floors, decorative stained glass, swimming pools, original changing rooms and Turkish Baths, not forgetting the quirky staff living quarters upstairs, provides a fitting backdrop to explore the beautiful craft on sale at the GNCCF and the fair’s other exhibitions and workshops.
GNCCF Manchester is easily accessible, with free parking on site, on surrounding roads and a multi-story car park just a five-minute walk away. It is a ten-minute walk from Oxford Road, the main bus route into the city centre.
Access for unloading/breakdown is straightforward; exhibitors can park on-site to unload, and then move their cars to one of the nearby public car parks.
There is ramped access at the front and rear for trolleys and hand-cranked lifts into the pool exhibiting areas.
There are hotels/AirBnBs to cater for all budgets a short walk away and plenty more in the city centre or local suburbs, all within easy reach by public transport.
“GNCCF Manchester is certainly the best in the North and generates a huge interest locally. There is always a great atmosphere with good quality work on show, and customers look forward to it in anticipation.” GNCCF Manchester Exhibitor 2024
GNCCFonline Gift Edition:
Our annual Christmas pop-up, held over the weekend of 29-30 November, is an affordable and accessible online event that allows you to showcase your work under the highly respected GNCCF brand - without the added costs of in-person fairs.
Promoted extensively to our mailing list and social media followers (together reaching an engaged audience of over 45K), it’s perfect for reaching craft-savvy buyers shopping for unique Christmas gifts.
GNCCFonline Gift Edition is an ideal platform for emerging makers or those unable to attend physical events, and it’s an invaluable follow-up opportunity for makers who have exhibited at GNCCF Newcastle or GNCCF Manchester, prompting additional sales and converting interest from the fairs into purchases.
Application Details
You can apply for one or more fairs on one single application form.
Exhibitors for all our events are selected for their excellence by a panel of craft experts, based on their submitted images.
This ensures a vibrant, refreshing and varied selection of different crafts to browse and buy.
We show designer-makers at the top of their game as well as the best of what’s new. Many make us the first step into national craft events.
We’re looking for established designer-makers, emerging talent, and recent graduates working to the highest standards in disciplines including ceramics, glass, jewellery, metal, leather, wood, interior textiles, fashion design & accessories, mixed media, basket-making, product design, furniture, lighting, print-making, and more.
We welcome applications from diverse and talented makers from the UK and abroad, whatever their background or professional qualifications; we encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups in craft, including, but not limited to, those who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, neurodivergent, D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and working class.
We're also keen to attract makers whose contact address puts them in one of Arts Council England's Levelling Up For Culture Places.
Bursaries for New Makers:
For both GNCCF Newcastle & Manchester 2025, we're offering bursaries for new makers in business less than 2 years. GNCCF Newcastle also offers two bursaries for applicants based in Arts Council England's Levelling Up For Culture Places (See guidelines for further details).
For details of stand fees for all fairs please click here. We take no commission on sales.
GNCCF Newcastle, GNCCF Manchester and GNCCFonline Gift addition are presented by Great Northern Events NW Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation with a remit to champion craft and makers in the North of England, and is supported by Arts Council England with public funding from the National Lottery.
Submission fees
The following submission fees apply to this opportunity.
- Application Fee for GNCCF Newcastle ONLY - 12.00 GBP
- Application Fee for GNCCF Manchester ONLY - 18.00 GBP
- Application for for Both GNCCF Manchester & GNCCF Newcastle - 28.00 GBP
- Application Fee for GNCCFonline Gift Edition ONLY - 8.00 GBP
- Application Fee for ALL THREE fairs ie GNCCF Newcastle, GNCCF Manchester & GNCCFonline - 35.00 GBP
- Application fee for GNCCFonline and GNCCF Newcastle - 20.00 GBP
- Application fee for GNCCFonline and GNCCF Manchester - 26.00 GBP
The appropriate fee will be payable using a debit or credit card after the first submission has been completed. If the submission fee allows you to submit more than once, you will be able to make further submissions after the first. Contact the curator if you have any questions about the opportunity or the submission fee, or email help@curatorspace.com if you have any questions about the payment process.
We welcome applications from designers, makers, and artists working in ceramics, jewellery, glass, basket-making, silver and metal smithing, book-making, paper, stationary, wood, plastics, mixed media, furniture, fashion textiles and accessories, fashion design, shoe design, millinery, leather, interior textiles and home-wares, product design, and printmaking. Applications must be from the designer-maker and work must not be mass-produced. We do not accept imported goods, not made by you.
We do not accept painting, drawing, graphic design, photography or greeting card makers, nor do we accept hand-made candles or soaps and toiletries.
All exhibitors are selected for their excellence and suitability for the fair by a panel of craft experts, based on their submitted images.
For all our fairs, we welcome applications from diverse and talented makers from the UK and abroad, whatever their background or professional qualifications; we encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups in craft, including, but not limited to, those who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, neurodivergent, D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and working class. We're also keen to attract makers whose contact address puts them in one of Arts Council England's Levelling Up For Culture Places.
If you live with a disability or mobility issue, our application form offers you the opportunity to tell us how we can help you participate in the fair, and we will make reasonable adaptions where we can, within the scope of the venue.
If you need support to fill in the application form, please get in touch and we will do what we can to help.
The following stands are all white plywood shell scheme booths with wall heights of 2.44m and the costs include two spot lights.
2x1m £390+VAT (see details about new maker bursaries in the guidelines and the application form)
2x1.5m £545+VAT
3x1m £560+VAT
3x1.5m £665+VAT (limited availability)
4x1m £660+VAT (limited availability)
4x1.5m £700+VAT (limited availability)
3x1m Shared between 2 exhibitors £350+VAT each ( limited availability)
We have a very limited number of 3x1 stands that can be shared between two exhibitors. You can name who you wish to share with on the application form but both makers will need to apply and be selected; if only one of you is selected we will get in touch with other options.
We do not accept applications from groups wishing to share a stand. However, we are interested in hearing from groups, organisations, universities, collectives and galleries who may wish to stage a selling/non selling exhibition or installation. This is subject to space being available. Please email an outline of your proposals detailing number of participants and space required to ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Victoria Baths Manchester: 16-19 October 2025:
Table top/space only balcony upstairs incl 1800x750 table, £295+VAT (Priority will be given to New Maker in business 2 yrs or less)
Table top/space only Turkish Baths exhibition space downstairs incl 1800x750mm table incl 1800x750 table, £340+VAT
The following stands are all white plywood shell scheme booths with wall heights of 2.44m and the costs include two spotlights:
2x1m £430+VAT
2x1.5m £575+VAT
3x1m £585+VAT (limited availability)
3x1.5m £680+VAT (limited availability)
4x1m £685
Other stand sizes may be available but are not guaranteed - organisers will confirm your preferred stand size/option and cost once selected.
Please use shift or ctrl-click to select your preferred stand size from the drop-down menu on the application form which details the above exhibition packages and respective costs.
Stand package costs for both GNCCF Newcastle and Manchester include:
- exhibitor profile including an image and 50 word description on our website with links to your website/online shop/insta
- exhibitor profile with images on our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram)
- extensive promotion via our social media platforms with c24,000 followers combined
- show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 28,000
- promotion to Friends/members of Victoria Baths and via their social media
- exhibitor storage areas
- 24 hr security
- helpers for set up and breakdown
- on-site easy access temporary parking for set up and breakdown
- extensive national and regional press and promotion campaign, with particular emphasis on maker profiles and images of work
- printed and digital promotional materials to send to your networks
- digital promotional artwork to use on your social media platforms
- exhibitor awards
- various stand options to choose from - white plywood shell scheme, space only, table-top.
- if you select a shell scheme stand this will include two spotlights.
- all stands include chair(s)
Additional costs for GNCCF Newcastle & GNCCF Manchester:
Electrical sockets and extra lighting can be ordered at an additional cost via the electrical contractors (selected exhibitors will be sent an order form). Order before 4th June for GNCCF Newcastle and 3rd October for GNCCF Manchester - Socket costs from £40; cost of extra spotlight, from £24. After this date, the cost for a socket is £50 and spotlights are from £30. PAT testing costs £10 for first item and £5 for subsequent items. Note these prices are exclusive of VAT and are subject to change.
Furniture hire. Please note tables are only included in the table-top package that is available in Manchester. We do not supply tables, chairs or display furniture as part of other stand packages. Tables 1800mm long x 600mm deep x 730mm high can be hired from the organiser at a cost of £18 +VAT. Plinths and shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost.
We do not accept applications from groups wishing to share a stand. However, we are interested in hearing from groups, organisations, universities, collectives and galleries who may wish to stage a selling/non selling exhibition or installation. This is subject to space being available. Please email an outline of your proposals detailing number of participants and space required to ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
GNCCFonline Gift Edition: 29-30 November 2025 (web profile remains live till 31 Dec):
Participation fee: £85 (+VAT) or £65 (+VAT) if selected for both GNCCF & GNCCFonline.
GNCCFonline Gift Edition includes:
our website will feature 8 product images, along with descriptions and buy now URL and exhibitor profile with URL to your online selling platform (eg. your website
shop,
etsy shop,
via gallery Instagram etc).
An exclusive preview for subscribers on the Friday evening before the fair opens online to the public on Saturday
GNCCFonline will remain live until 31 Dec after the fair to enable follow up sales
extensive promotion on our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram)
show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 21,000 and via our network of partners.
digital promotional materials to send to your networks and use on your own digital platforms
We are using this application platform called Curatorspace. You will need to create an account on CuratorSpace to proceed with your application.
The application form must be completed in full and submitted online. If you wish to apply for more than one show you only need to complete the application form once. On completion of the form, you will be directed to our payment handler Stripe to process your application fee(s).
Once you have submitted your application form, you will receive an automated email from Curatorspace telling you that it has been received.
The submission form has a "save as draft" option on it which lets you save the submission and come back later to complete it. However, we advise that you complete the big wordy sections in Word first and cut and paste in, just in case your wifi goes down or there's a glitch; this way you're not starting over and you don't have a GRRR moment!
You will need the following information to complete the application form. Some info we ask for is for organiser's use only and will not be published. This will be stated on the application form. If you need support to fill in the application form, please get in touch and we will do what we can to help.
What is your Submission Type?
Please select your MAIN craft discipline from the drop-down menu. The discipline you select will be the one under which we publish your profile in the relevant fair directory on our website.
Exhibitor Contact Details
Please state your business name here as this will be published in the fair directory on our website.
Business Details
For your website profile, describe your work/practice in 50 words max and write it in the third person. eg. Jane is a ceramicist. She works in porcelain and her work is seen in many collections.
You may wish to include details of materials, techniques, inspiration, your background, where you work from, and any important or unusual awards or commissions - people who engage with your story are more likely to buy from you.
We also ask you for a 25 word description for social media profiles.
Please note the details you submit in this part of the form are automatically uploaded onto the website, should you be selected, so it's very important that the text you provide is grammatically correct - do check for typos and correct sentencing case - for instance, please do not write it all in lower case.
In the qualifications/significant exhibitions & commissions section please state what qualifications/experience you have relating to your practice and any significant achievements such as exhibitions or interesting commissions. Please also mention other fairs/shows you have been selected for. It does not have to be a comprehensive list. This section is to inform our selectors, should they request the information, especially if they are not familiar with your work.
Please also list here any interesting facts about you or your work, which may make a press story eg. change of career or unusual background or route into your craft. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have stylish/quirky homes or studios or who have interesting collections of craft etc or have clients who are celebrities. Think about what you like to read about and if you think you have a story that would be of interest to others, tell us.
Event Selection
Select which fairs you want to take part in, and answer the questions specific to that fair.
Should you be selected, we will get in touch with you if we are unable to offer you the stand option you have requested, and offer you an alternative. If you are selected and prefer to be on an end or near another exhibitor please contact us once you have accepted your space.
New maker opportunities are for those in business 2 years or less.
GNCCF Bursaries
GNCCF Newcastle - New Maker Newcastle and Levelling Up Bursaries
We are offering 20 makers who are within 2 years of starting their business, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle, a bursary of £110 towards the cost of a 2x1m stand. Recipients will receive a £110 discount on their fees for this stand size only. To apply, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary in the relevant bit of the application form, and we will use a lottery draw to identify 20 recipients.
We also offer 2 makers from Arts Council's Levelling Up areas, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle, a bursary of £250 towards their stand fees. To apply, please indicate you wish to be entered for this draw. We leave it to you to decide if you honestly need this. If you're an established maker and you're doing OK, please consider stepping aside and giving others a stronger chance of receiving the support.
To find out if you live or work in one of Arts Council's Levelling Up for Culture Places, cut and paste this link into your browser to check which local authority you are in: https://findthatpostcode.uk/ then check against the list on the Arts Council website, which you can find here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/your-area/priority-places-and-levelling-culture-places.
GNCCF Manchester - Radcliffe Trust Bursaries
We are working with the Radcliffe Trust once again to offer 10 makers who are within 2 years of starting their business and who are selected for GNCCF, a bursary of £250 towards the cost of stand fees. Recipients will receive a £250 discount on their fees.
To apply for any bursary, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary on the application form, and we will use a lottery draw to identify the recipients.
A maker can only receive a bursary of any kind once - GNCCF Manchester Radcliffe Trust Bursary, GNCCF Newcastle New Maker Bursary or Levelling up Bursary. Bursaries can only be used in this way and cannot be exchanged for cash. If you are unable to attend the show, you will forfeit the bursary.
Interested in Demonstrating?
We may have space for exhibitors who wish to demonstrate on their stands. If this is of interest, please state the skills you would demonstrate and any extra space you would need for equipment and proximity to utilities if required. Extra space will be given free of charge but cannot be guaranteed.
Should you be selected, we will get in touch to discuss the possibility of demonstrating on your stand or at some other area of the show.
Interested in delivering an outreach workshop?
We deliver high-quality craft workshops for the clients of The Oasis Centre, a community centre based in Gorton East Manchester, and sometimes are invited to other organisations.
We are keen to hear from makers who may be interested in hosting a workshop or long-term craft projects. Experience working with vulnerable adults and/or teenagers is desired but not essential (DBS checks may need to be carried out). Workshops should be anything from 1.5-4 hours and be aimed as if the participants are 8 years old. You will be paid for your time and materials.
Your images must be at least 1MB and no bigger than 3MB and be jpegs or PNGs. We cannot accept TIFs or PDFs. Should your images be larger than 3MB they will not upload. Please do not upload images less than 1MB as we are unable to use them in publicity.
Image 1 MUST BE SQUARE. It will be the main image on your website entry and will also be used for press and social media promotion. If you have difficulties trying to crop images to make them square please upload the original image for selection and we will contact you for an alternative square image 1 should you be selected.
Images 2-6 can be either square, portrait, or landscape.
Image 7 is optional and is a portrait image of you or ideally an action shot of you making. We may use this image in our "Meet the Maker" posts on social media. Label this image with your name and make sure you include a photographer's credit in the description. If it's your image, put 'Artists own'.
Image uploading can take a while depending on your broadband speed - do not refresh the page as this will stop the uploading process.
Images 1-6 should be of the work you intend to exhibit and be no more than 3 years old.
All images must be cleared for non-exclusive copyright so we can use them for publicity and promotion. (Please refer to the terms and conditions).
Please enter the name of the photographer to be credited in the Photo Credit field or enter Artists Own if you took the photo.
LABELING YOUR IMAGES
You must label your images as follows. We ask them to be labelled in this way so we can send them to the press - this is for your promotional benefit so please oblige.
IMAGE 1: Please label this image on your upload as YOURNAME1 and save it as a jpeg i.e. the file name will look like this: ANNSMITH1.jpeg (You will need to save the image as this before uploading it).
Images 2-6
These are additional images for selection, website, and press. Images 2-6 must also be between 1- 3MB and jpeg. They can be square, portrait, or landscape. Please label all these images on your upload as YOURNAME2/3/4/5/6
SOME TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMAGES
A poor-quality image can be a reason for not being selected. Here are some tips to increase your chance of success:
• Is your image sharp and in focus?
• Make sure the image isn't too dark or light
• Don’t photograph light-coloured work against a light background or dark against dark.
• Work is judged on quality and consistency. Do your images form a consistent body of work?
• You may wish to show close-ups of detail, especially for textiles in one of your photos and a wide shot of the same product in another
• Don't allow a model to dominate the photo - it's the work we want to see, not the person wearing it.
• Consider photographing your work in a white light box or against a plain background so it can be cut out from the background. We use these images in our promotional materials and the press likes them like this too.
• It's worth investing in good photography. Bad photographs can mean your work gets rejected.
• It may also be useful to invest in some small lights if you choose to photograph your work yourself.
• Good photographs are used in promotional materials and press releases.
A note about the best images for our promotional materials and for press:
For your image to be chosen as one of our "hero" images in our promotional materials eg leaflets, display ads, and social media it is useful to have an image of work on a plain background so it can be "cut out". The press also prefers these images. When photographing your work please consider this and always get some pieces shot in this way.
If you are having problems uploading images please contact us through the 'Contact curator' tab.
For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Newcastle: £12 (inc VAT)
For GNCCFonline : £8 (inc VAT)
For all fairs : £35 (inc VAT)
For both GNCCF Newcastle & Manchester : £28 (inc VAT)
You will be prompted to pay the application fee on completion of the online application form, when you will be redirected to Stripe. The application form will not be submitted without this payment.
This fee is non-refundable and is inclusive of VAT. It will go towards covering the administration costs for processing the applications and the selection procedure.
This marketing campaign includes:
• distribution of leaflets via Culture Calling, the region's premier arts listing and distribution agency to the region's major galleries, museums and arts venues, universities, cafes, bars and city centre offices. We will also be delivering leaflets door-to-door in selected postcodes identified through some bespoke research carried out by the Audience Agency to widen our reach.
• display advertising in magazines
• digital advertising
• regional outdoor advertising
• cross-promotion with relevant groups, organisations, and universities
• extensive web-based and e-marketing campaign
• promotion to our mailing list of 28,000 subscribers
• extensive social media promotion via Facebook and Instagram to our followers c24,000
The GNCCF has generated a PR value in excess of £500K over the last 4 years, with editorial and photography in the Observer and Guardian online in Nov 2023, Sunday Times, Mail on Sunday, Guardian Weekend, Guardian online, Independent, Living etc, Elle Decoration, Homes and Antiques, World of Interiors, House & Garden, Country Living, Art Quarterly, Selvedge, Craft, Ceramic Review, Creative Tourist, Northern Soul, Creative Boom, Manchester Evening News, Yorkshire Post, Cheshire Life, Lancashire Living, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show and Radio 4, Woman's Hour.
GNCCFonline is promoted through
• extensive social media promotion on our Facebook and Instagram platforms c24,000 followers
• display ads in local publications on and offline
• cross-promotion with relevant groups, organisations, and universities
• extensive web-based and e-marketing campaign
• promotion to our mailing list of 28,000 subscribers
However, Victoria Baths in Manchester is a venue with lots of quirky spaces such as the changing cubicles surrounding the swimming pools, the old and charming Staff Living Quarters and viewing balconies upstairs and we are always keen to hear from artist collectives/universities/colleges/organisations etc to animate these spaces with exhibitions and installations etc. If you have a proposal for these spaces, we will be happy to consider it. This is subject to the availability of space. The cost will depend on the proposal. - please email us with your proposals to ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
There are some shared 3x1m stands for two people available at GNCCF Newcastle only. Check the application form for details. Both makers have to apply separately and be selected to take up a shared stand. As for Manchester, we are happy to consider proposals for exhibitions, installations, workshops etc from artist collectives/organisations/universities etc as elements which add value to the selected maker stand. The cost will be dependent of the proposal and number of people involved. Please email ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
My favourite show to exhibit at, brilliantly organised and the visitors are so friendly! A great mix of visitors from craft newcomers to serious collectors, makes for very interesting conversations.
A friendly, buzzing show in a stunning location, that pulls in a very engaged and supportive crowd.
Now the only selling event I participate in annually, GNCCF is a top-quality event with a great vibe, brilliantly organised, and attracting a wide range of engaged and enthusiastic visitors and buyers.
GNCCF is my all-time favorite fair and I'd feel lost not being part of such an amazing fair!
It is always a pleasure to be a part of GNCCF. The show is beautifully curated, well organised, and welcoming and the venue is extremely special. The visitors in Manchester are enthusiastic and receptive to the exhibitors and their work and it was a joy to engage with them!
Finally, a place for like-minded artists to sell to like-minded collectors.
This venue and show make me feel quite emotional, it’s such a wonderful building filled with creativity and always faultlessly organised by the GNCCF team.
It's always been a pleasure to exhibit at GNCCF - which is one of my favourites! Being at Victoria Baths adds to the experience. It was great to see so many visitors make the trip to see us there.
Superbly organised and friendly. Very busy, lots of sales. And the helpers were fantastic!
Really well organised and with lots of visitors. The marvellous venue only adds to the fantastic experience.
GNCCF was my first big craft fair and I couldn’t fault a thing. It was so well organised that it has certainly set the bar for my experience of exhibiting with other fairs in the future.
Great exposure in the North. The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is on a par with the London shows and one of my favourite shows on the circuit.
It was my first GNCCF and turned out to be the best, most successful show I’ve ever done. My work was very well received and my sales were great.
GNCCF has led to some great professional development opportunities for me, including a solo show at the prestigious Blackwell House in Cumbria.
I receive orders throughout the year from GNCCF customers.
The GNCCF give me great exposure and positive brand association; it's great to exhibit alongside exceptionally good talent; and my business benefits from lots of gallery interest and follow-up sales throughout the year.
The social media campaign was excellent and the show was very well advertised; constantly a good show for me.
In these Terms & Conditions the following definitions are: Organiser refers to Great Northern Events (NW) Ltd. Exhibitors refers to any persons selected to participate at The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair or GNCCFonline.
For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair live events:
• Exhibitors must keep their stands open and attended by knowledgeable staff throughout the period of the event and wherever possible this should be the designer-maker.
• Exhibitors may not sub-let space within the area allocated to them.
• Exhibitors must not display goods of an inflammable, noxious or obscene nature. Fabrics used on stands at live events for display purposes must be fireproofed (this does not include merchandise). The organiser will remove any such unsuitable material from the event.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage caused to the panels, flooring or stand fittings.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage they cause to event buildings/structures.
• Exhibitors may not move or install any lighting or electrical appliances without the written approval of the organiser. Any lighting or electrical appliance not supplied by the electrical contractor must be approved and PAT tested by either a qualified electrician in advance of the show for which proof may be required or on site by the contractor. This will incur an additional cost as detailed in the exhibitor manual and exhibiting fees of the website
• The organiser reserves the right to move stands and relocate space previously notified to exhibitors.
• The organiser reserves the right to cancel and/or amend the event if required by circumstances outside their control.
• The organiser accepts no liability for the loss or damage to exhibitors' work at any event, neither during the event, nor during setting-up or dismantling, nor during any emergency procedures (real or false alarms). Exhibitors are responsible for fixing their work securely to shelving and walls. Insurance is the responsibility of the individual exhibitor and the exhibitors must insure they are covered for all eventualities (including public liability insurance).
Payment Terms for GNCCF Newcastle
• A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair ( also known as GNCCF) Newcastle must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 13th April 2025. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair this deposit will not be refunded.
• A second instalment of 50% of the outstanding balance must be received by Sunday 11th May 2025 and the final instalment (remainder of the balance outstanding) must be received by Sunday 8th June 2025.
• Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after Sunday 11th May 2025 are liable to pay 50% of their total exhibition package fees.
• Exhibitors who cancel on or after Sunday 1st June 2025 are liable for the total cost of the exhibition package.
• The organiser cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising as a result of problems with the venue or its staff. If, because of war, fire, strike, or other cause beyond the control of the organisers, the event is cancelled, exhibitors remain liable for stand fees and the organisers shall have no liability to exhibitors from the loss of income resulting from such cancellation. The exception to this would be if the organisers cancelled the fair due to Govt guidelines/legislation to stem the spread of COVID-19, in which case the deposit and any further payments made would be fully refunded. Should the exhibitor accept a digital or other alternative option to replace the cancelled fair, and this incurs a participation fee, then this amount will be subtracted from the total fees already paid by the exhibitor and a partial refund will be given for the difference.
• If the organiser cancels the event, exhibitors' deposits and stand fees will be reimbursed in full (unless an alternative option is accepted by the exhibitor - see point above - in which case a partial refund may be given) but the organiser cannot be held liable for any additional expenses incurred.
Payment Terms for GNCCF Manchester
• A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair ( also known as GNCCF) Manchester must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 4th May 2025. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair this deposit will not be refunded.
• A second instalment of 50% of the outstanding balance must be received by Sunday 15th June 2025 and the final instalment (remainder of the balance outstanding) must be received by Sunday 17th August 2025.
• Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after Sunday 13th July 2025 are liable to pay 50% of their total exhibition package fees. For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, exhibitors who cancel on or after Sunday 17th August 2025 are liable for the total cost of the exhibition package.
• The organiser cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising as a result of problems with the venue or its staff. If, because of war, fire, strike, or other cause beyond the control of the organisers, the event is cancelled, exhibitors remain liable for stand fees and the organisers shall have no liability to exhibitors from the loss of income resulting from such cancellation. The exception to this would be if the organisers cancelled the fair due to Govt guidelines/legislation to stem the spread of COVID-19, in which case the deposit and any further payments made would be fully refunded. Should the exhibitor accept a digital or other alternative option to replace the cancelled fair, and this incurs a participation fee, then this amount will be subtracted from the total fees already paid by the exhibitor and a partial refund will be given for the difference.
• If the organiser cancels the event, exhibitors' deposits and stand fees will be reimbursed in full (unless an alternative option is accepted by the exhibitor - see point above - in which case a partial refund may be given) but the organiser cannot be held liable for any additional expenses incurred.
For GNCCFonline Gift Edition:
• A deposit of £40 for your exhibition package must be paid following acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 4th May 2025. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair after this date, your deposit will not be refunded.
• Your outstanding balance must be paid by Sunday 21st September 2025.
• Exhibitors who cancel on or after Friday 3rd October 2025 are liable for the total cost of the participation package.
For both live and online events:
• The organiser reserves the right to withdraw their offer of space from any exhibitors owing monies to the organiser on any account.
• All exhibitors should give full cooperation to the organisers and/or appointed publicity contractor in attempting to achieve coverage and promotion for the event.
• Any agreements entered into by the exhibitor and an external contractor or supplier at the event, are the responsibility of the exhibitor and the organiser cannot accept liability for claims resulting from the failure of any of its contractors or suppliers to deliver goods or services.
• Whilst the organiser takes every effort to ensure that exhibitors contact details are correct in the promotional material for the event, the organiser cannot accept responsibility for any errors published therein and the organiser shall have no liability to exhibitors for any claims resulting from such errors.
• In consideration of the organisers assisting exhibitors in promoting their work, exhibitors must agree to grant the organisers a non-exclusive copyright licence for any promotional materials supplied to the organiser and/or its appointed publicity contractor, for the purpose of promoting and publicising their work and the event. In granting this licence exhibitors should be aware that the promotions may include the use of these materials on the internet and that images supplied may be scanned and held digitally for this purpose. The copyright is, and will continue to be, beneficially and solely owned by the exhibitor, who must ensure that it does not and will not, infringe on any other copyright and that no information contained in the materials is or shall be inaccurate, misleading or injurious.
Exhibitor Code of Conduct
• We ask all exhibitors to join us in creating a positive environment and atmosphere, where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic fair experience, whether in-person or online.
• As part of this, we do not tolerate any discriminatory behaviour, bullying or harrassment including any form of Racism, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Antisemitism and Sexism. Such behaviour may include hostile or abusive comments or intimidating actions. If you see or hear such behaviour at one of our events, please talk to an organiser.
• Failure to make yourself aware of our exhibitor Terms and Conditions and Code of
We are offering 20 makers who are within 2 years of starting their business, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle, a bursary of £110 towards the cost of a 2x1m stand. Recipients will receive a £110 discount on their fees for this stand size only. To apply, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary in the application form, and we will use a lottery draw to identify 20 recipients.
We also offer 2 makers from Arts Council's Levelling Up areas, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle , a bursary of £250 towards their stand fees. To apply, please indicate you wish to be entered for this draw in the application form. We leave it to you to decide if you honestly need this. If you're an established maker and you're doing OK, please consider stepping aside and giving the others a stronger chance of receiving the support.
To find out if you live or work in one of Arts Council's Levelling Up for Culture Places, cut and paste this link into your browser to check which local authority you are in: https://findthatpostcode.uk/, then check against the list on the Arts Council website, which you can find here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/your-area/priority-places-and-levelling-culture-places.
GNCCF Manchester - Radcliffe Trust Bursaries:
We are working with the Radcliffe Trust once again to offer 10 makers who are within 2 years of starting their business, who are selected for GNCCF, a bursary of £250 towards the cost of stand fees. Recipients will receive a £250 discount on their fees.
To apply for any bursary, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary on the application form, and we will use a lottery draw to identify the recipients.
A maker can only receipt a bursary of any kind once - Radcliffe, Start Up Newcastle, or Levelling up. Bursaries can only be used in this way and cannot be exchanged for cash. If you are unable to attend the show, you will forfeit the bursary.
• We ask all exhibitors to join us in creating a positive environment and atmosphere, where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic fair experience, whether in-person or online.
• As part of this, we do not tolerate any discriminatory behaviour, bullying or harrassment including any form of Racism, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Antisemitism and Sexism. Such behaviour may include hostile or abusive comments or intimidating actions. If you see or hear such behaviour at one of our events, please talk to an organiser.
• Failure to make yourself aware of our exhibitor Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct, and follow them at all times may lead to you being asked to leave the fair without a refund of any fees paid.
You must have an account to make a submission using CuratorSpace. It's free and only takes a few moments. Once registered you'll be able to keep track of all of your submissions and get updates on upcoming opportunities.
Already have an account? You'll need to log in to make a submission to this opportunity.
You must have an account to send a message to the curator of this opportunity. Registering only takes a few moments. Once registered you'll be able to keep track of all of your submissions and get updates on upcoming opportunities.
Already have an account? You must log in to send this curator a message.
Get the latest CuratorSpace news, updates about new opportunities, upcoming deadlines, and art-related promotions.
Artists are invited to submit and show artworks with us relevant to the theme “KINDRED... Artist Call Out: Ephemeral Beauty - Sculptural Installation at Messums
In an exploration of creativity and non hydroCarbon materials, Messums Org would like to invite... Supercontemporary - Publication&Exhibition Open Call for Artists
Contemporary: "belonging to or occurring in the present" with "super" to bring it closer to our...