Looking for information about applying?
Many of the most important details are covered here:
This page covers additional frequently asked questions.
Applying
A display picture is required. If you do not have one we suggest setting up a trial/test display wherever you have the room and taking some photos of it to submit with your application.
The display photos you submit must be consistent with the display you intend to set-up at our show. It does not have to be the same set up, we just need a feel for your display style. We need to see how your set up will look in our show because when it comes to selling looks matter. YOUR DISPLAY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR WORK. It shows your professionalism and an understanding of how to display your items for optimal sales. We also need to know how your display will look and what kinds of display stands etc you might use to ensure we can accommodate your needs in the best way possible.
If you have a display photo from past shows, but you are planning a whole new display and do not have all the components yet to create a mock-up/test display, you can send us a representation of how you plan to set up your space. Contact us before applying if you have any problems or questions about this so we can work something out.
Please note: If your display at our show is found to be unacceptable and not consistent with our rules, you may be subject to removal from the event.
Your photos play a major role in the selection process.
See full details: Application Photo Guidelines
After submitting your application form, you will be directed to a page with a link to our Dropbox account. Simply click on this link to upload your photos, adhering to the instructions provided below. Additionally, this link will be automatically emailed to you upon application submission. If you happen to close your browser before uploading your photos, you can retrieve the link from the confirmation email. It is crucial to follow these instructions accurately, as failure to do so may result in your application being incomplete.
Follow the link to Dropbox provided in your confirmation email. Photos are required as part of your application and must be uploaded to our Dropbox account, we can not accept application photos via email, messenger or social media messages.
You must upload all of the following:
- 5–10 photos that accurately represent the type and style of handmade items you intend to display at the show
- 2–3 in-progress photos showing your work being made
- 1–2 photos of your booth, table, or display setup
If any of the above are missing, your application will be considered incomplete.
Your display photos do not need to show the exact setup you will use at the show, but must demonstrate a clear understanding of a functional, well-presented display suitable for your work. If you do not have display photos, click here for instructions on how to proceed.
If you are applying in multiple categories, you must include photos representing each category. For example, if you apply for both pottery and knitting but only provide pottery photos, your application will be considered incomplete.
The Dropbox upload link will be provided on the confirmation page and in the email sent after you submit your application form.
File requirements:
Upload photos in JPG or PNG format only. Do not upload folders, PDFs, Word documents, or other file types. Unsupported files will be removed and may result in your application being considered incomplete.
File naming:
The name entered on your application must be used when uploading your photos. This is the name that must be entered in the name field on Dropbox — not your business name.
If someone is uploading images on your behalf, ensure they use your name (not their own), or your images may not be matched to your application and will be considered missing.
Image quality:
Submit the best images you have. If we do not have quality images, we cannot promote your work or accept your application. Do not add text or promotional overlays to photos. Small, unobtrusive logos or watermarks are acceptable, provided they do not cover or distract from the image. Do not submit collages.
Authenticity:
To ensure fairness and maintain trust with the public, all submitted images must be real photographs of your handmade work. Basic photo editing is acceptable; however, the use of AI to alter or recreate the product itself is not permitted. Images must accurately reflect what the customer will receive.
One Last (important) thing:
Photo quality is one of the most important parts of your application.
Before uploading your images, please review: Application Photo Guidelines
Every successfully submitted application triggers an automatic confirmation email sent immediately to the address you provided on the form. If that email is sitting in your inbox (or your spam/junk folder), you’re all set.
We kindly ask that you do not contact us simply to confirm receipt — with over 200 applications each year, we are unable to look up individual submissions on request.
Can’t find the confirmation email? Please wait 24 hours from the time of submission, as some email services experience delays. If you have checked both your inbox and spam/junk folder and still cannot find it after 24 hours, email us with the address used on your application and we will verify whether it came through.
Requests to verify receipt after applications have closed cannot be accommodated. All applicants will be notified of decisions in due course — please do not contact us regarding the status of your application.
When you submit your application photos through Dropbox, a confirmation page will appear on your screen indicating that your files were uploaded successfully. Additionally, Dropbox will send a confirmation email to the address you provided, which will include a list of the files you uploaded. If you don’t receive the confirmation email, please check your spam or junk folder. If you still can’t find it, consider re-uploading your files to ensure nothing was missed.
Please Note: Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to confirm individual submissions, so if you’ve seen the confirmation page and received the email, you can be confident that your files were received.
Important: You must use the same name when uploading your photos that you used on your application. If the names do not match, your photos may not be associated with your application, and your submission will be considered incomplete.
We have an online application available right here on our website. Applications are only accepted online, this is the only website where our application can be submitted. Look for the link to the application page on the menu at the top of this page.
We understand that applicants are eager to know if their work fits our craft show before going through the application process. However, we do not offer pre-approval or pre-curation.
To maintain fairness and integrity in our selection process, all interested artists and crafters must submit a complete application form through our website during the open application period. Our curating team only reviews submissions after the application period closes. This ensures that every applicant is given equal consideration based on the same set of criteria.
Here’s how our application process works:
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the application form with all required information and photos of your work. Make sure to follow the guidelines and criteria listed.
- Application Review: After the application period ends, our curating team will review all submissions against our criteria to decide which applicants will be invited to participate in the show.
- Notification: You will be informed of the decision regarding your application as soon as the selection process is complete.
We encourage all artists and crafters who are interested in participating to apply, as we look forward to discovering a diverse range of talents and creations. Please do not seek pre-application assurances by asking us to review your social media or websites etc. The only way to be considered for the show is through the official application process.
If you would like to learn more about the application process and criteria, please read through the information available on our website.
Thank you for your understanding and interest in our craft show. We can’t wait to see your applications!
Booth sharing is permitted however shared spaces must be carefully considered regarding layout to ensure each maker can display their goods comfortably, access their space appropriately, not overflow into the aisle, and cause no infringement upon any neighboring space.
Booth sharing refers to a space occupied by 2 individual businesses or makers sharing one space.
If you wish to share a space with another artisan:
- Only two exhibitors/artists may apply to share a single space.
- Both artists must apply separately – and be approved – in order to share a space.
- There is an additional $30 fee for shared spaces. (+15 each exhibitor).
- In the case of a shared space we will invoice each exhibitor for one half the cost of the space.
- Space is not confirmed for either exhibitor until the full booth fee has been paid.
- Should one exhibitor need to cancel their attendance the remaining exhibitor may utilize the full space providing it has been paid for in full.
- Shared booths are limited to 2 product categories combined. This means if two makers share a booth, each may represent only one category (rather than the standard allowance of 2 categories per maker). This restriction ensures we maintain our curated balance of makers across all categories.
- THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON SHARED BOOTH SPACES.
Allowing completed applications to be edited after submission creates numerous issues. Therefore, we do not permit a completed application to be edited. However, you may replace a submitted application with a new one.
In case you discover an error in your application after submitting it, follow these steps to correct and resubmit it:
- Retrieve the auto-confirmation email you received upon submitting your initial application. This email includes a copy of your submitted details. Use this to easily copy and paste the accurate information, saving time in the process.
- Visit our website again and initiate a new application form.
- Transfer the information from the confirmation email into the new application form, either by copying and pasting or retyping. Ensure that your application is as detailed, if not more so, than your first attempt. Incomplete or insufficiently detailed applications will be rejected during the curation process.
- Make sure to amend any errors or add any missing information that was present in your original application.
- Submit the revised application.
- Discard the original confirmation email. After submitting your new application, you will receive a fresh confirmation email with a new application number. Retain this new number, as the original application will be replaced by the new submission.
- Regarding photos, if you have already uploaded them during your first application, there is no need to re-upload unless they were incorrect. The photos from your first submission will be linked to your new application. Only the application confirmation number will change.
We receive hundreds of applications for only 60 spaces. To ensure fairness, each vendor is limited to one space. While we do not permit booking a double space, you may indicate on your application that you have the necessary display and product to adequately fill one. If we have a last-minute cancellation leaving us no time to fill the space from the waitlist, we will then reach out to a vendor who has noted their ability to accommodate a double space. Please understand that we do not book double spaces under any other circumstances.
No. We do not wish to disappoint our shoppers by having only some exhibitors available on just one day, nor do we want to disrupt any other artists display by allowing packing up or set up to occur during the 2 day show. All exhibitors are expected to remain for the duration of the show.
Eligibility
Applications are open to Nova Scotia artists, crafts people, authors, bakers/confectioners, etc, who produce handmade art and craft.
READ THE DETAILED ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION HERE
Out of province applications will only be considered if space is available after consideration of all Nova Scotia applicants who applied by the deadline.
Some items and production methods are not permitted at the show.
Please see full details here: What Can and Can’t Be Sold at the Show
No. Vendor attendance is required. Part of what makes our show special is the opportunity for shoppers to meet the makers behind the work. You’re welcome to have assistance at your booth, but the artisan must be present.
No. You may only bring and display items that were listed and approved on your original application.
Why is this policy so important?
When curating the show, we carefully review each maker’s product category to ensure the event isn’t oversaturated in any one area. We also strategically plan the showroom layout to optimize selling opportunities for everyone.
For example: If you were approved for knitting but arrive with candles, you will not be permitted to display the candles. This isn’t just about following rules—it affects the entire show. Imagine you’re placed beside another candle maker when we expected you to have knitting. This creates an unfair situation for the candle maker who applied honestly, disrupts our carefully planned layout, and undermines the balance we’ve worked to create.
What if I’ve developed new products since applying?
If you’ve added new product lines or categories since your application was approved, please contact us in advance. We’ll review whether the additions can be accommodated while maintaining show balance. We do have an Additional Product request procedure in place, but the deadline for this is October 1st.
Bottom line: Stick to what was approved. It ensures fairness for all makers and creates the best possible experience for both vendors and shoppers.
Selection & Results
We receive a high volume of applications (typically over 200 for approximately 60 spaces), and we are not able to provide individualized feedback.
Not being selected does not mean there is anything wrong with your work. Many strong applications are not accepted each year.
Because this is a curated show, selection is based on multiple factors, including:
- Category balance and overall mix of the show
- How your work fits with the show’s audience
- The clarity and completeness of your application
- The quality and presentation of your photos
Some categories are highly competitive, and not all applicants can be accepted.
Applications are reviewed as a whole after the deadline — not on a first come basis.
Many exhibitors apply more than once before being accepted, and we encourage you to apply again.
Submitting clear, complete applications with strong, well-lit photos will give you the best chance of success.
For a full explanation of how applications are evaluated, please see:
Applicants Start Here
How are applications evaluated
This is a curated craft show. Applications are not accepted on a first come basis and are reviewed after the application deadline has passed.
Curating takes place in the mid to later part of March. Following this, notifications will be sent to applicants as the process is completed. With over 200 applications to review, this may require multiple review stages and can take time.
All applicants will be contacted once decisions have been finalized. We are not able to provide individual status updates during this time. We aim to contact all applicants in the first week of April.
As a volunteer-operated society, timelines may occasionally shift. We appreciate your patience while we complete the process.
If spaces remain after the initial round, or become available due to cancellations, additional applicants may be selected from the waitlist and contacted accordingly.
Important: Please do not contact us to ask about your application status. We are not able to respond to individual inquiries during the selection process.
- You may still be offered a space if one becomes available
- Category balance still applies
- Waitlist decisions are made at the show director’s discretion
Our show is curated rather than juried. This means we are not “judging” makers — we are selecting the applicants whose work is the best fit for this particular show and audience.
Applications are not reviewed on a first come, first served basis. All applications are reviewed after the deadline.
We review applications based on:
- Craftsmanship and quality
- Originality and cohesion of your work
- Presentation and professionalism
- Photo quality (your photos are used for both selection and marketing)
- How your work fits within the overall mix of the show
We limit the number of makers in each category to maintain a strong balance of products. This helps avoid oversaturation and creates a better experience for both exhibitors and shoppers.
Some categories are highly competitive, and not all applicants can be accepted due to space limitations.
Our goal is to support Nova Scotia makers and create an environment where they have the best chance of success.
The Nova Scotia Art & Craft Show Society reserves the right to accept or decline applications at its discretion in order to balance the overall style and content of the event.
Nova Scotia makers are given priority. Out-of-province applicants are only considered if space remains, with a maximum of 20% of exhibitors per show. This is a cap, not a guarantee.
Past participation does not guarantee acceptance in future shows.
Presenting updated work and photos each year is recommended.
Authenticity of Images
All submitted photos must be real images of your work. Basic editing is acceptable, but images must accurately represent what customers will receive.
AI-generated or altered images that change or recreate the product are not permitted and will result in the application being declined.
- We are not able to provide individual updates during the review process
- All applicants will be notified once decisions are finalized
After Acceptance
Permits may be required for Food and Bath & Body Vendors
Food Vendors
Exhibitors offering food products at the Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show may need to possess an up-to-date Food Handlers Permit, which can be acquired online. Click here. Sellers must ascertain whether their food products require permits, as not all foods are subject to this requirement. Anyone involved in the sale of food must secure the necessary food permits as mandated by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment. It is your duty to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
For additional information, please consult the links below:
Public Market Guidelines for Food Vendors – https://novascotia.ca/nse/food-protection/docs/publicmarketguide.pdf
Food Permit Application – https://novascotia.ca/nse/food-protection/docs/publicmarketapp.pdf
Bath and Body Vendors
All bath and body products sold at the Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show are required to adhere to Health Canada’s Cosmetics Legislation, which mandates appropriate permits and labeling.
Each product must have a Cosmetic Notification Form submitted following Health Canada’s guidelines. Vendors should ensure they can provide all required documentation for their products when requested.
Tables must be covered to the floor on all visible sides. Storage items, such as boxes, must not be visible under your table. If you use a fitted stretch table cover (the type that wraps around the table legs and creates a fabric arch), you must either leave the space under the table completely empty or use an additional cover to ensure it is fully draped to the floor.
A professional display reflects the value of your handmade products, so please ensure your setup is neat and polished.
BOOTH SIZE: 10′ wide by 8′ deep.
BOOTH DRAPE: In order to keep costs low for exhibitors we have opted not to fully pipe and drape this show as doing so would significantly increased the booth fee.
The perimeter spaces will have an actual wall behind them (or window if at the front of the room), the sides will be marked so you know where the boundaries of your booth are, but there will not be side drape.
In the middle of the room the aisles will have white drape at the back to ensure all booths have a clean separation from booths behind them but no side wall drape.
TABLES: One 6 foot table IS included in the booth fee. Additional tables are available to rent but must be pre-booked as they are not available onsite, we must order them ahead of time. The cost is $20 per table. Tables are 6′ x 2.51′. (72 inches x 30 inches) and standard table height of 29″. You may rent or bring more than one table, but do remember that everything inside your space must fit and not extend past your 10 x 8 space.
ELECTRICITY: We ask applicants to indicate if electricity is truly required for their display, as not all spaces have access to electricity. Since there are no outlets in the centre of the room, an additional $25 fee may be charged to exhibitors who require electricity in a location that necessitates us to pay to have cords run across the room. This will also dictate where those exhibitors can be placed and limit their location options.