Exhibitor FAQ’s

The word “jury” is commonly used in regard to a professional show such as ours. However the term ‘curate’ is more descriptive of the process. We are not “judging” makers, we are simply selecting the makers whose items are the best fit for our show – those who will have the best chance of success with the shopper demographic we attract.

We limit the number of exhibitors per category; and our makers do not have to compete with imported and mass-produced items as we only accept handmade products. We strive to maintain a high level of quality and variety in those items offered at the show, thus ensuring we do not saturate the show with any one type of craft.

Also, our curating team are local artists who have enjoyed a long career making and selling art but who no longer display at shows. Therefore all applicants can rest assured they will not be disadvantaged or rejected based on any bias or competition with those who are curating the event.

The Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show reserves the right to accept or reject applications at its discretion to balance the style and content of the event for the benefit of all who attend.  It is our goal to promote and support Nova Scotia makers, everything we do is with that goal in mind. We reserve the right to permit up to 20% of out of province makers if space allows after consideration of all Nova Scotia applicants who will be given first preference.

Applications are open to Nova Scotia artists, crafts people, authors, bakers/confectioners, etc, who produce handmade art and craft.

Out of province applications will only be considered if space is available after consideration of all Nova Scotia applicants who applied by the deadline.

The Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show is held at the Cedar Event Centre, 111 Clayton Park Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 1M3

Located in the Clayton Park neighborhood of Halifax, the Cedar Event Centre is very centrally located and has ample free parking on-site. Additional on-street parking is also available. The building is fully accessible and the showroom layout designed with wider aisles for a more comfortable shopping experience.

Easy Access from:

• Halifax Stanfield International Airport – 22 minute drive
• Fall River – 19 minute drive
• Dartmouth – 17 minute drive
• Downtown Halifax – 15 minute drive
• Bayer’s Lake Park – 5 minute drive

Map and Directions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsartcraftshow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nsartcraftshow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nsartcraftshow

As this is a curated craft show we do not accept applicants on a ‘first come’ basis. All applications must be considered at a curating meeting once the initial application deadline has passed. Notifications will be sent as quickly as possible once the curating has been conducted.  The first curating meeting will take place on or around March 15th (depending on what day that date falls), or earlier if possible. Once the curating meeting has taken place notifications will be sent as quickly as possible. As a volunteer operated society unexpected delays can happen. We appreciate your patience.

After the initial curating meeting if there are any remaining spaces/categories that are not filled, or if a space becomes available due to a cancellation, we will then view applications on a case by case basis from our wait list applicants during additional curating meetings as needed. Please do not contact us asking if you have been accepted prior to the first curating meeting in March as no decisions will be made before that date.

Please refer to the front page of this site for the date of the next Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show

Thursday: There will be some time on Thursday afternoon for set up between 4 – 8pm.
Friday: 8AM – 9:45 AM.
ALL booths MUST BE set up and ready by 9:45am. VIP shopping will commence at 10am sharp. General public shopping commences at 10am.

The show is held at the Cedar Event Center, 111 Clayton Park Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia.
See map and directions here.

• We would normally require a deposit to be made at the time of application. This requirement may be reinstated again next year. However, for the 2024 show, there is no need to pay a deposit with your application. If an exhibitor is allocated a space, they must pay a $100 non-refundable deposit to confirm their spot. The remaining amount will be invoiced and is due prior to the show.
• Booth sharing will be permitted for the 2024 show however each space is restricted to only 2 vendors, and both must apply separately – and be approved – in order to share a space. There is an additional $30 sharing fee for shared spaces. Shared spaces must be carefully considered to ensure each maker can display their goods comfortably and cause no infringement upon any neighboring space. Please see the booth sharing rules for details.
• If an exhibitor, despite having applied for an individual space, showcases the creations of other artists who have not gone through the application and acceptance process for the event, they may face removal from the current show and/or a prohibition from participating in subsequent shows.
• We will no longer pursue applicants to correct or complete their applications. The responsibility to submit a properly filled application rests solely with the applicant. Given the high volume of candidates who submit applications, we do not have the volunteer capacity to follow up individually. All necessary information is provided in the application form, and by submitting, applicants acknowledge that they have read and understood these details. Therefore, any oversight in the application process is the applicant’s responsibility.
• We have moved! Check the details of our new location on our website. This is the same location as the 2023 show but it’s important so we left it listed under “what is different for the 2024 show’ for anyone who did not attend our new location in 2022 or 2023.
• If there are Covid related or other health related restrictions in place at the time of the show, we will as always abide by the rules to help ensure the safety of our exhibitors and shoppers. 

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.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/regulatory-information.html

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.

The cost to participate in the show as an exhibitor/vendor is listed on the Exhibitor Information page of our site along with all other relevant information for potential exhibitors.

The same information is also listed directly on both the Application form and on the Wait list form.

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 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.

Friday: 10AM- 5 PM
Saturday: 10AM – 4 PM,

The show is held at the Cedar Event Center, 111 Clayton Park Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia.
See map and directions here.

The word “jury” is commonly used in regard to a professional show such as ours. However the term ‘curate’ is more descriptive of the process. We are not “judging” makers, we are simply selecting the makers whose items are the best fit for our show – those who will have the best chance of success with the shopper demographic we attract.

We limit the number of exhibitors per category; and our makers do not have to compete with imported and mass-produced items as we only accept handmade products. We strive to maintain a high level of quality and variety in those items offered at the show, thus ensuring we do not saturate the show with any one type of craft.

We do not operate on a ‘first come’ basis.  We review all complete applications and then make our choice based on several factors:

• The overall cohesiveness and consistency of your work.
• If your items fit well with the demographics of the shoppers we attract to our show.
• If your items are made by hand (the use of appropriate tools is expected), or if some of your designs are produced/manufactured elsewhere or by others. All work must be original and made by the artist.
• How your items are represented to us in your photos. (Your photos should not be blurry or poor quality. You must provide photos of your own work for review).
• Submitting the same photos with your application every year is not recommended. This indicates a lack of interest on your part, and if you are not creating new pieces, there will be nothing to showcase to potential customers. Consequently, they may assume that you have nothing fresh to offer. As a result, we will prioritize those who provide novel and updated work and images.
• If we feel that your work is too similar to other artists we have participating. (We limit exhibitors per category, so early applications will have the advantage as we can’t accept everyone.)
• The number and diversity of products you offer. We ask that you apply for no more than two categories per applicant. We know that many artists are extremely talented in multiple areas, but limiting your focus for this show helps us to preserve the balance among the various crafts shown and, MORE IMPORTANTLY, will help to increase your SALES! (For example a table with one cohesive theme or one style of product, is much more visually appealing to shoppers than a table with a just few of 15 different types of crafts).
• Our need to diversify the crafts available at the Show. Several categories are incredibly competitive. Applicants should apply early for a chance to get a space in one of the highly saturated categories but we do maintain a wait list.
• All merchandise in the Show must be hand-crafted and offered in finished form. Manufactured kits, supplies and resale merchandise is not permitted.
• MLM and other distributor type products and services are not permitted.
• No bulk/factory manufactured items allowed. Computer cut vinyl affixed to bulk commercial resale items are not permitted. Vinyl affixed as a decorative component to an otherwise handmade item is permitted.

Kindly note that past attendance does not guarantee you a space every year, nor does it exclude you. The curators’ goal is to rotate applicants to ensure that more creators in our community have an equal chance of participating. The Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show reserves the right to accept or reject applications at its discretion to balance the style and content of the event for the benefit of all who attend.  It is our goal to promote and support Nova Scotia makers, everything we do is with that goal in mind. We reserve the right to permit up to 20% of out of province makers if space allows after consideration of all Nova Scotia applicants who will be given first preference.

Clarification on ineligible items:

Resale goods refers to purchasing items and reselling them without any personal contribution to their creation. This includes goods acquired from international sources; even if these items are handmade abroad, they are not considered handmade by you, thus disqualifying them from eligibility. Only items where you have contributed your own original design element are eligible for this event.

Furthermore, we do not allow the sale of vintage, antique, or flea market-type items. Although these may be handmade, they do not meet our criteria for sale at this show.

The sale of art or craft supplies, unless they are part of a kit that you have personally designed and packaged, is also prohibited. For example, kits that feature your original design are acceptable.

The sale of products from direct sales or multi-level marketing (MLM) companies is strictly forbidden. Items from these sources, even if assembled by hand, lack your unique design or creative input and are therefore ineligible.
In summary, only items that include your personal design and creativity are eligible for sale at this event.

Please view the Vendor Agreement, Show Rules & Waiver here.

Introduction

In response to an unprecedented influx of applications for the 2024 show, the Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show Society has introduced a revamped selection process. This new approach is designed to address the challenge of managing a significantly higher volume of submissions than our capacity allows, with the utmost commitment to fairness and integrity. By ensuring that each application receives a thorough and equitable evaluation, we uphold our dedication to showcasing the broad spectrum of talent within the art and craft community.

Curating Methodology

Diverse and Anonymous Curatorial Team

A panel of international curators from Canada, the USA, and Australia has been assembled to bring diverse perspectives to the assessment process. The anonymity of these curators serves to eliminate potential biases related to personal, professional, or regional affiliations. Applications are reviewed based solely on the information and information and photos presented by the applicant, allowing the artistry and craftsmanship of the work to speak for itself.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection of applications is considered on several key areas:

• Craftsmanship
• Originality and Creativity
• Presentation
• Marketability
• Professionalism & Branding
• Photo Quality

This qualitative assessment framework ensures that the creative and professional merits of each submission are the primary factors in its evaluation.

Ensuring Impartiality

Incorporating non-participating local creatives into our curating team and maintaining the anonymity of all members are critical steps in our strategy to prevent bias. These measures, combined with the diverse geographical representation of our panel, guarantee a fair and balanced selection process.

Commitment to Transparency

Our process is built on a foundation of transparency. By openly sharing our selection methodology, we aim to ensure that the Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show remains a testament to fairness, diversity, and excellence.

Conclusion

The Nova Scotia Art and Craft Show’s selection process reflects our dedication to fairness, diversity, and excellence. Through careful planning and thoughtful execution, we aim to curate an inclusive and vibrant exhibition that celebrates the remarkable talents of our applicants, offering an enriching experience to all involved.

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.

1. Follow the link to Dropbox provided in your confirmation email. Photos must be uploaded to our Dropbox account, we can not accept application photos via email, messenger or social media messages.
2. Upload a MINIMUM of 5 and a MAXIMUM of 10 good quality product photos representative of the type of handmade items you wish to display at the show.
3. Additionally upload 1 or 2 booth/table/display/set up photos. This does not need to be the exact display you will use at the show, but must be representative of your understanding of the importance of a good workable display suitable for your items. A display photo is required so if you do not have a display photo click here for instructions on how to proceed.
4. Upload photos in JPG or PNG format only. Please do not upload folders, PDF, Word or or other file types. 
5. The name entered on your application must be used for your photos. This is the exact name that must be entered in the name field when you upload the photos on Dropbox, NOT your business name. If someone else is uploading images for you make sure they do not enter their own name, or your images will not be connected to your application and will therefore be incomplete.
6. If someone is assisting you to upload your photos ask them to follow these instructions carefully.
7. Important: Please send the best images you have that represent your items well. If we do not have quality images we can not promote your products or accept you to the show.
8. Photos should be uploaded to DropBox at the link you have been provided in the confirmation email.

We have an online application available right here on our website.  Click on “Application” on the menu at the top of this page.

The visual quality of your application photos can profoundly influence your success in being selected for craft shows. Despite the excellence of your products, poor photographs can hinder your marketing efforts, affecting your potential success and the overall appeal of your participation. This document outlines the importance of high-quality product photos and provides comprehensive tips to elevate your application’s visual presentation, ensuring your craftsmanship is showcased in the best possible light.

The Critical Role of Application Photos

Final scores are often tied among applicants, the decision therefore often comes down to the quality of application photos. This highlights a crucial aspect: high-quality product photos are not just beneficial; they are imperative. To enhance your chances of securing a spot in the next show, prioritize submitting clear, well-lit photos of your products without any textual additions. Your display photo should also demonstrate a professional and organized presentation, as even the finest handmade goods can be overlooked due to a disorganized display. Remember, in marketing, visual appeal is paramount.

Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Photo Submission

Lighting is Key

Natural Light: Aim for well-lit photos using natural light. If indoor lighting is insufficient, consider taking photos outdoors for the best effect.

Focus on the Product

Product Centric: Ensure photos feature a single product or a cohesive group of similar products. Avoid collage images that can detract from the details.

Clean Composition

Foreground and Background: Maintain a clean and uncluttered composition to prevent distractions from the product.

Full Product Display

Complete Visibility: Ensure the entire product is visible in the photo to accurately represent its size, shape, or functionality.

Maintain Aspect Ratio

Standard Framing: Use a standard aspect ratio to prevent parts of your product from being cut off in the frame.

Minimal Text

Limited Overlays: Refrain from including text overlays. A small logo or watermark is permissible, but additional text should be avoided.

Showcase Your Display

Previous Displays: If you've participated in our show before, use a photo of that previous display. If you have not participated with us before, use a photo from another show you have attended. This helps to visualize your setup and product presentation in the context of our event.

Consider Display Contrast and Background

Visibility and Distraction: Ensure your display contrasts well with your products. Dark products on a dark table cover may not be visible enough. Similarly, avoid using busy patterns or overly vibrant backgrounds that could distract from smaller products.

Enhancing Your Application Through Better Photos

The selection process for craft shows heavily relies on the visual presentation of your products. By adhering to the guidelines outlined above, you can significantly improve the quality of your application photos. This not only highlights the craftsmanship and beauty of your work but also boosts your application’s overall appeal. Capturing clear, vibrant photos in natural light, focusing on individual products or cohesive groups, and ensuring a simple, distraction-free background are essential steps to making your application stand out. Remember, a strong visual presentation enhances your chances of being selected for future shows, allowing your craftsmanship to shine.

By following these comprehensive tips, your craft show application will not only meet the visual standards expected by selectors but also significantly enhance the appeal and success of your submission.

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 visit our FAQ page.

Thank you for your understanding and interest in our craft show. We can’t wait to see your applications!

Booth sharing will be permitted for the 2024 show 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.

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.
• THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON SHARED BOOTH SPACES.

In case you discover an error in your application after submitting it, follow these steps to correct and resubmit it:

1. 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.
2. Visit our website again and initiate a new application form.
3. 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.
4. Make sure to amend any errors or add any missing information that was present in your original application.
5. Submit the revised application.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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.

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.

These instructions outline what is needed to complete an application and the general process.

• A completed form and photos must be received for your application to be considered.
• PHOTOS: Photos are required with your application and should be uploaded into our DropBox
  account. We do not accept photos via email or messenger. A minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 photos showing the type of handmade items you will be displaying at the show along with 1-2 booth/table/display/set up photos . You will find the DropBox upload link on the confirmation page and in the email sent to you after you submit the application form.
• If you wish to share a space with another artisan, both artisans must apply and be accepted. Shared spaces are permitted only when both participants have applied and been accepted to the show individually. Only two exhibitors/artists may apply to share a single space. There is an additional $30 sharing fee for shared spaces. 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.
• Once accepted to the show: If you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible. Fee is only refundable according to the following criteria:
  • Cancellation prior to September 1st – refund available minus $100 non-refundable deposit. If we have already promoted your business in any print or electronic media no refund will be provided. You can still claim the fee paid as an advertising expense so retain your receipt for tax purposes.
  • Cancellation on or after September 1st no refund will be provided.
• PAYMENT INFO:
• Once successful applicants are offered a space, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to accept and hold their space. The remaining balance will be payable in due course prior to the show, an invoice will be sent.
• Payment can be made via eTransfer or credit/debit card only. Credit/debit card will incur additional processing fees. Cheques are no longer accepted.

Show rules are listed here: http://nsartcrafthow.ca/ufaqs/vendor-artisan-agreement/

Who May Apply

Applications are open to Nova Scotian artists, crafts people, authors, bakers/confectioners, etc., who produce handmade art and craft.

• All merchandise in the Show must be hand‐crafted and offered in finished form. Kits, supplies and buy/sell resale merchandise is not permitted.
• MLM and other distributor type products and services are not permitted.

The word “jury” is commonly used in regard to a professional show such as ours. However the term ‘curate’ is more descriptive of the process. We are not “judging” makers, we are simply selecting the makers whose items are the best fit for our show – those who will have the best chance of success with the shopper demographic we attract.

We limit the number of exhibitors per category; and our makers do not have to compete with imported and mass-produced items as we only accept handmade products. We strive to maintain a high level of quality and variety in those items offered at the show, thus ensuring we do not saturate the show with any one type of craft. This creates an optimal selling environment for our artists and the best shopping experience for our shoppers.

It is our goal to promote and support Nova Scotia makers, everything we do is with that goal in mind.

Nova Scotia makers receive first preference however, we reserve the right to admit up to 20% out of province makers if space is not filled initially by Nova Scotia makers.