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.
- If your items are handmade. 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.