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). 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 at the end of March as no decisions will be made before that date.

All our shoppers are VIP!

The advance VIP Shopping hour held in 2022 will not be taking place in 2023 as we are investigating other options at this time. We may reinstate it in the future.

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

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 2023 show a deposit is not required when you submit your application. An invoice for the full amount will be sent to successful applicants. At that time exhibitors will need to pay for their space by the deadline on the invoice in order to secure their space. An option to pay a deposit to secure your space with the balance payable at a later time will be offered.
• Booth sharing will be permitted for the 2023 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.
• We have moved! Check the details of our new location on our website. This is the same location as the 2022 show but it’s important so we left it listed under “what is different for the 2023 show’ for anyone who did not attend our new location in 2022.
• 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. 

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. 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.

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

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

Booth sharing will be permitted for the 2023 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.

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 this year as that would significantly increased the booth fee.

The perimeter spaces will have a 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) 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 $30 administration fee only if you have not received any promotion/marketing highlighting your business and attendance at the show.
  • Cancellation from September 1st – September 30th – a refund minus a $60 administration fee only if you have not received any promotion/marketing highlighting your business and attendance at the show.
  • Cancellation after October 1st – no refunds will be provided.
  • 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.
• PAYMENT INFO:
  • Once successful applicants are offered a space, a 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. 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.