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Choosing the right craft fair for you as a maker

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This guide has been created by Craft In Focus, organisers of curated contemporary craft events for UK artists and designer makers, drawing on more than 25 years of experience working with professional makers and audiences across the UK.

Choosing a craft fair - the key things to consider before booking a stand:

  1. AUDIENCE - Are the visitors the right customers for your work?
  2. EXHIBITORS - Is the standard and mix appropriate?
  3. CURATION - Is there a meaningful selection process?
  4. COST - What will exhibiting actually cost you?
  5. MARKETING - How will the organiser attract visitors?
  6. VENUE - Is the location and environment right?
  7. REPUTATION - What do previous exhibitors say?
  8. BUSINESS VALUE - Will the event help you to sell, grow or build your profile?

DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE - click the thumbnail

 

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GET IN TOUCH NOW!
For information on how to apply to exhibit at our shows, please drop us an email: info@craftinfocus.com

Tell us your name, address and brief details of your type of craft.

Hints and Tips for New Exhibitors

Click above to download some handy tips for new exhibitors!

Craft In Focus Venues

Exhibit your work alongside some of the best designer makers in the UK

Don't just take our word for it - see what previous exhibitors have said!

Exhibitors' Comments

 

Here's a short video featuring exhibitors from our recent events.

 

Why are we different?

Craft in Focus has changed the way the public perceive craft shows and has reinstated the high quality image of Britain's talented designer makers. Craft in Focus now provides makers from all over the country with an opportunity to sell their work to an appreciative audience. We welcome up and coming designers as well as more established makers.

The events have been hailed as "A breath of fresh air for craft shows, just what the industry needs" by both visitors and public alike. The shows are now firmly placed in visitors diaries as the "Must Visit Events". The Independent newspaper placed Craft In Focus above all other events of its kind in the country.

Because Craft in Focus is so committed to making a difference we have earned an enviable reputation for staging high quality shows for the public and providing financially successful events for exhibitors.

Our advertising is widespread for all our shows and begins well in advance of the shows to ensure not just maximum visitor attendance, but a quality attendance attracting those who will have a genuine interest in your work.

Selection process

All disciplines will be considered if the work is of a high standard. Makers who have not already exhibited with us will be asked to send photographs of their work and stand set up to accompany their application. Please note that we do not accept bought in work and we will not hesitate to remove an exhibitor from a show for selling work not made by themselves.

 

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Keep up to date with Craft In Focus - for offers, news and exciting future developments just join our mailing list. (By providing your Email you agree to receive, by Email, updates and reminders on Craft in Focus events, and special offers when they are available). Your data is NEVER shared. We do not under any circumstance pass your data to any third party. 

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Exhibitor Comments

  • “It’s a privilege and joy to take part in your events. They are extremely well run and it’s fantastic to be surrounded by such talented and friendly exhibitors.”
    – Suzie Jasper

  • “I know I would not have been able to develop my work without the wonderful showcase your events have always given me.”
    – Sandra Young Glass

  • “Thank you for another fantastic show at Hyde Hall.”
    – Cheryl Liston

  • “An excellent event at Hyde Hall (my third one there). Thank you very much for organising and running it so well …as always!”
    – Tom Gaskell, Limned Glass

  • “My first time exhibiting with Craft In Focus and my first time visiting the beautiful RHS Garden Hyde Hall and oh my goodness, I sincerely hope it won’t be the last! The event ran like clockwork, the weather was balmy, the talent was immense, and the people were lovely.”
    – Forever Garden Metal Artwork

  • “It was my first time exhibiting at Hyde Hall. I certainly wasn’t disappointed, and it was everything I’d hoped it would be. Thank you for putting on such a great event.”
    – Desiree Hart

  • “Four days at Hyde Hall – amazing. Many thanks for a terrific and well-organised event.”
    – Chamaeleon & Co

  • “Hyde Hall is my favourite show of the year. Fabulously organised as ever, returning fun customers, lovely venue.”
    – Magwitchery

  • “Another perfectly run event. Thanks for a great and successful show.”
    – Jonathan Lerer

  • “Had a fantastic show. Hyde Hall is always such a good show.”
    – Chloe Harford

  • “Fabulous atmosphere, great attendance …great organisation.”
    – Liz Tyler Designs

  • “As always very well organised for both exhibitors and customers.”
    – Blissimore Designs

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Frequently Asked Questions

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If you are new to exhibiting and are not yet familiar with Craft In Focus, it is entirely reasonable to ask this question.

We have been organising events since 2000, and our shows attract some of the largest audiences of any contemporary craft fairs in the UK. We are proud of the reputation we have built, the loyalty of our exhibitors and the continued demand for stand space at our events.

We do not rely on unsolicited calls to recruit exhibitors. Our reputation has grown primarily through word of mouth and recommendations from makers who return year after year. Demand for space is consistently high, and our events are frequently oversubscribed.

However, you do not have to take our word for it. We encourage you to read the testimonials on our website and hear directly from makers who have exhibited with us.

We welcome applications across a wide range of craft and design disciplines, provided the work is of a high standard. To be eligible, you must:
  • Design and make your own work in the UK.
  • Exhibit and represent your own work, rather than act as an agent for other makers.
  • Agree to abide by our Terms and Conditions.

We do not accept bought-in, imported or mass-produced work. We take this requirement seriously and reserve the right to remove exhibitors who are found to be selling work that they have not made themselves, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Not at all. We welcome applications from emerging as well as established makers and artists aged 18 and over.

We are interested in the quality, originality and craftsmanship of your work, rather than simply how long you have been practising.

If you are applying to exhibit with Craft In Focus for the first time, we ask you to provide photographs of the work you intend to exhibit and, if possible, an image of a previous stand or display.

We look for a high standard of craftsmanship, originality and a distinctive approach to your chosen discipline. Please ensure that all images are clearly labelled with your trading name.

Our application forms are fillable PDFs and are best completed on a computer or tablet. Alternatively, you can print the forms, complete them by hand, and return them by email as a scan or photograph, or by post.

Professional photography is not essential.

Clear images that allow us to assess the quality, style and finish of your work are what matter most. Photographs taken on a mobile phone are perfectly acceptable, provided they are well lit and in focus. A plain, uncluttered background will help your work stand out.

If you are new to exhibiting, you may not yet have a photograph of a previous stand. This is not necessarily a problem. As long as we can clearly assess your work, we can discuss suitable display options and offer guidance where needed.

For further advice, please see our Tips for Newcomers pages.

No. There is no fee to submit an application.

If your application is successful and you are offered a place at an event, a deposit will be payable in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

At our mixed-discipline events, we generally provide a space-only stand within a clear-span marquee with a solid floor. Hyde Hall is an exception, where stands are on carpet laid directly over the ground.

Exhibitors booking space-only stands must provide their own backdrop and display equipment. Alternatively, shell scheme can be hired as an optional extra at most events.

Tables, chairs and electrical power are also available to hire at an additional cost. Outdoor space may be available for certain types of work and display requirements. Please refer to the information for your chosen event for the specific arrangements and options available.

For further guidance on preparing your stand, please see ourTips for Newcomers pages.

Yes, exhibitors may use their own gazebos at our events for certain products or for demonstrations, with the exception of RHS Wisley, where this is not permitted.

Exhibitors booking space-only stands must provide their own backdrop and display equipment. Alternatively, shell scheme can be hired as an optional extra at most events.

We prefer gazebos to be white on the outside. Striped, brightly coloured and black gazebos are not permitted. Please check the requirements for your particular event if you are unsure.

Shell scheme is an optional stand backdrop available at most of our events.

It consists of panels enclosing your stand area and provides a neat, professional display without the need to supply your own backdrop. It can be particularly useful if you are new to exhibiting.

Our shell scheme panels are approximately 2.1 metres high and covered in pale grey, Velcro-compatible fabric, allowing you to attach suitable graphics and display materials.

Please note that screws and nails must not be used on the panels. If you are planning to attach anything to the shell scheme, please ensure that it is suitable for Velcro-compatible fabric.

If you choose a space-only stand without shell scheme, you must provide your own backdrop to separate your stand from neighbouring exhibitors.

Many of our stand layouts are arranged back-to-back, so an appropriate backdrop is essential.

Your backdrop must be at least 1.7 metres high and must not exceed 2.4 metres in total height, including any fittings.

We recommend keeping your backdrop to around 2.2 metres wherever possible. Taller structures can appear imposing, affect neighbouring displays and create practical difficulties within the marquee.

If you are unsure whether your proposed display is suitable, please contact us before the event.

There is no fixed application deadline.

However, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible, as our events fill quickly through word of mouth and returning exhibitors. For many disciplines, events can be fully booked by mid-November. Early application gives us the best opportunity to consider your work while space may still be available.

No. You do not need to submit a risk assessment with your initial application.

However, you must have a suitable risk assessment in place before participating in your first event with us. Preparing a risk assessment is usually more straightforward than you might expect. We can provide guidance to accepted exhibitors on request.

Yes. Public Liability Insurance is a requirement under our Terms and Conditions.

We strongly recommend arranging appropriate cover before taking part in any public event.

The minimum level of cover required for Craft In Focus events is £2 million. A number of providers offer policies designed specifically for artists, makers and craft fair exhibitors, and annual cover may be more economical than purchasing insurance for individual events.

Please ensure that your policy meets our requirements and covers your exhibiting activities.

We regret that we cannot accept every application, and each year we have to disappoint a number of talented makers due to limited space and the need to maintain a balanced selection of work.

Where appropriate, unsuccessful applicants may be placed on a reserve list in case a space becomes available through a cancellation.

We also encourage makers to apply again in the future. We aim to introduce variety into our shows by rotating exhibitors where possible, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new work and new makers each year.

No. All exhibitors must arrive and set up their stands on the day before the event opens to the public.

At most events, there is also an opportunity to arrive during the afternoon two days before opening. The precise arrangements will be confirmed in the information for your event.

On show mornings, exhibitors generally have access to their stands approximately 60–90 minutes before opening to prepare for the day. Vehicle access to the show area is generally not permitted on show days, although some exceptions may apply.

Please plan your arrival and set-up accordingly.

There is no single maximum vehicle size that applies to every event. However, vehicles classified as C1 or larger require prior approval.

If you intend to arrive in a Luton-style van or a large motorhome weighing more than 3,500 kg, please tell us when booking, using the Notes section of your application or booking form.

Some venues have tight turns, restricted access or low overhanging branches near the marquees. Knowing your vehicle requirements in advance allows us to advise you on access and make any necessary arrangements.

Most of our events take place within well-known gardens, where visitors pay the normal garden admission charge.

There is no additional admission fee specifically to visit the Craft In Focus event beyond the venue's standard admission price. At most events, we also arrange discount codes for exhibitors to share with their customers, offering savings of up to £10 on admission at some venues.

Please check the information for your particular event for details of any available visitor discounts.

Exhibitors are provided with passes for additional helpers, subject to the arrangements for the event.

Helpers may be directed to designated exhibitor parking areas and access routes rather than the public entrances. Please ensure that anyone assisting you is familiar with the relevant arrangements before arriving on site.

Not necessarily.

We cannot advise you on how to price your work, but the range of prices at our events is broad, from smaller pieces costing just a few pounds to major works worth many thousands.

Over the years, Craft In Focus has built a reputation for presenting high-quality British craft and contemporary art. Our events attract visitors who appreciate original work and are interested in discovering distinctive pieces for their homes and collections, including higher-value and statement pieces.

We encourage makers to present their work confidently and price it appropriately for their materials, time, skill and the market they serve.

We organise contemporary craft and design events at a selection of venues, including beautiful gardens and historic locations.

Each event offers a different setting and opportunity to showcase your work. Please visit our website for details of forthcoming events and their locations.

We are always happy to hear from makers who are interested in exhibiting with us.

Email info@craftinfocus.com with your name, contact details and a brief description of your work, and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.