Artist Call: Grand River Arts Festival

GRAF Fine and Applied Artists Information

Conditions of acceptance

The visual and applied component of the GRAF is selected by committee.  Admission will be based on originality, workmanship and professional presentation. Total show composition (i.e. Number of exhibitors per category) will be taken into consideration. All work displayed in the show should be of consistent, high caliber as indicated in initially submitted images.

Please indicate the category in which you are submitting images on the application page.  If work is in more than one category, you will be required to submit images from each discipline.

There are limited spots for students.  All applicants must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary fine art program to qualify for the reduced student rate of entry.  Please identify your medium and check off the box for students.

Submissions must be submitted by April 14, 2023 and must include the following:

·      Completed application:

·      3 high quality digital images of work (no irrelevant background imagery)

·      Applications/images will not be accepted after the deadline.

·      Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Acceptance and cost:

1.    We are grateful for the large number of submissions we receive, however only those selected for the festival will be contacted by April 28, 2023

2.   After confirmation of acceptance. GRAF must receive payment (see above) by April 30 for booth space and tables. Late payments will not be accepted. Payment details to follow acceptance.

Professional exhibitor – $100

Student exhibitor – $35

ONE Table rental (6×2’) – $15

Details:

1. The festival will open at 5pm on September 15. Set up must be completed by 4:30. Booths must remain staffed during open hours, through 8 pm on Saturday, September 16. There will be no allowance for late set up nor early removal.  Commitment to the festival is for both days.

2. More details regarding set up, etc. will be provided as we get closer to the event.

3. Each exhibitor will be provided with one quarter of a 20 x 20 existing tent (10’ square area open on all sides).  One table can be rented for an extra charge and must be reserved on this application.

4. Tables must be covered on all 4 sides to the ground.

5. Boxes and other packaging materials must be stored out of sight (under tables or in vehicles).

6. Exhibitors provide own chairs.

7. Booth areas may not exceed standard 10’ height, nor 10’sq ground dimensions.

8. Only mediums which have been approved through the festival jury process may be displayed.  If an artist has multiple mediums or changes their medium, each one must be juried separately.

9. No commercial prints, multiple prints nor multiple cast objects may be displayed or sold, except for note cards and promotional material. (This does not include original printmaking works, nor new media.)

10. Photographs must be produced with archival ink on archival paper, signed and numbered, except for postcards/promotional material.

11. All 2-dimensional work must be displayed professionally (either framed or matted and wrapped in cellophane).

12. All booths will be attended by the artist, not by representatives or agents.  A direct contact of the artist may relieve the artist for brief periods of time to ‘booth-sit’ (bathroom or food breaks, or to view the festival).

13. Participants are responsible for their own insurance for their artwork, personal belongings and booth.  The GRAF is not liable for damages, losses or theft during the festival.

14. Exhibitors will maintain a clean booth and orderly surrounding area during the show and leave the area clean after the show.

Sales:

All works should be for sale.  All sales and transactions are the sole responsibility of the exhibitor.  It is expected that all exhibitors will provide packaging and wrapping of their items for their customers.  It is recommended that an online system for payment be available and/or a ‘float’ of cash. NOTE:  Wifi is not available.

Refunds/cancellations:

The Festival Committee must be contacted via email at [email protected] in order to request a refund before May 31, 2023. Cancellations for any reason by the exhibitor after this date will not be refundable.

General Information:

• The GRAF is an outdoor art festival.  The show goes on rain or shine.  Exhibitors should come prepared for inclement weather.  Tents have sides that can be installed if needed.

• Full overnight security will be provided; however exhibitors may want to pack away their items and store overnight either under table or in vehicles.

• Electricity is available for some booths.  Please indicate in application if it is required.

• Restrooms are available in designated buildings.

Promotion:

• The GRAF will be promoting the event via social media, paid ads, publications, flyers, etc.

• It is the direct responsibility of all participants to promote the event via their social media, email, etc. using official logo, hashtags and reposts.