**DEADLINE EXTENDED to Friday 25th January 2019** Call for exhibitors to show at the Makers Fair at Saltaire Arts Trail, 25-27 May 2019. We are looking for contemporary craft designer-makers working in a wide range of disciplines to exhibit work over the three days of the late May Bank Holiday in gorgeous Victoria Hall, at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. The event is part of an annual festival of contemporary visual art sited in the unique public and private spaces of the village. 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, but should consider applying for the 'Open Houses' opportunity instead.

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.

Our premier event, Saltaire Arts Trail, takes place annually - in 2019, on the late spring Bank Holiday weekend of 25-27 May. Over three days, Saltaire becomes a magnet for visitors. As well as the Makers Fair, there are commissioned exhibitions and installations, free creative family workshops, and the famous Open Houses - a village wide gallery of contemporary art in the Grade II listed homes of Saltaire residents.

Visit the Saltaire Inspired website to find out more.

The Makers Fair

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. 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, which runs alongside the Makers Fair during the Saltaire Arts Trail weekend.

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.

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.

The administration fee should be paid no later than the closing date of Friday 25th January 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