festival of crafts 2023 exhibitor pack

general information

the festival, location & our venue

about festival of crafts

festival of crafts is an annual two-day craft event held at Farnham Maltings, a charitable arts organisation. Now in its 27th year, the festival is well established in the craft calendar and features a curated selection of makers from across the UK. The work shown is across all craft forms including but not limited to homewares, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, accessories, furniture, lighting, textiles and print. The festival champions great design and the process of making both traditional and modern techniques and skills.

The show offers opportunities to well established craft practitioners as well as first-time exhibitors and graduates (special graduate rates available). This is a curated festival and exhibitors are selected by a panel. Places are limited. The selection process aims to offer visitors an eclectic mix of contemporary craft from innovative makers.

The festival takes place during Farnham Craft Month; a month-long programme of activities across Farnham celebrating makers and other craft organisations.

the venue

Farnham Maltings is an arts and cultural community centre in the heart of Farnham in southwest Surrey. The 18th century listed building hosts theatre productions, live music, comedy, film, workshops, craft festivals, artist studios and more. From parent and baby classes to students from the University for the Creative Arts to U3A sessions, the Maltings is a vibrant space enjoyed by all ages within our community.

the location

From its roots as a medieval market town, Farnham has a long history of supporting craft and makers. In 2020, Farnham was awarded World Craft Town status by the World Craft Council in recognition of the town’s ongoing celebration and promotion of craft. In addition to the Maltings, craft is proudly on display in Farnham at the New Ashgate Gallery, the Craft Study Centre and UCA Farnham.

Farnham Maltings is a short two-minute walk from the town centre with plenty of public car parks and the rail station only five minutes away. Trains run between Farnham and London Waterloo on a regular service, taking only an hour.

what to expect

• a lively atmosphere, which provides the perfect opportunity for makers to meet, sell to or take commissions from craft enthusiasts.

• a diverse workshop and talk programme, plus a variety of interactive craft activities for visitors to enjoy.

exhibition information

selection criteria & how to apply

what we are looking for

We are looking for applications from makers working in a variety of disciplines, including new and traditional craft techniques and producing work with a modern design aesthetic. Our marketplace showcases makers selling products with a lifestyle focus including (but not limited to) homewares, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, accessories, furniture, lighting, textiles, print and more.

Each application must be supported by images of the maker’s work to reflect the products that will be sold.

festival of crafts is a curated show and applications are not on a first come first served basis. Our selection committee made up of a number of craft experts ensures a high standard of exhibitor and that a varied range of disciplines are showcased.

The panel refer to the following criteria when selecting exhibitors to festival of crafts:

selection criteria

• how an exhibitor’s product(s) fits with the ethos of festival of crafts (contemporary lifestyle craft with a modern design aesthetic). The work must be designed or made by the exhibitor.

• how an exhibitor’s work fits in with the range of disciplines at festival of crafts.

• how the quality of the finished product aligns with the standard of makers at the festival.

• how the exhibitor demonstrates an overall cohesiveness and consistency to their work.

• if an application includes more than one range of products, the panel reserves the right to specify that only a particular range is to be sold at the festival.

• returning exhibitors should include details of new items for sale. This is to keep the festival fresh and engaging.

• Applications must include clear photographic representations of exhibitor’s products.

stand sizes & prices

There is no shell scheme at Farnham Maltings. We can provide tables and chairs and electricity at no extra charge. *(Please note that VAT is applied at the UK standard rate at the point of invoice).

Please be aware that sizes of the pitches are approximate. Due to the quirky nature of the Maltings building, pitches may vary in shape while still having the square footage of a single or double pitch.

• Single pitch £175 + £35 VAT = £210

• Double pitch £275 + £55 VAT = £330

• Emerging maker pitch £130 + £26 VAT = £156 (single pitches only)

To qualify for the emerging maker pitch you must have graduated or have set up your creative business within the last 2 years. You will be asked to show evidence of this if you are offered and accept a place as an exhibitor.

your exhibitor fee includes:

Digital: Listing on the website, as well as inclusion in the digital catalogue available to download for all visitors. Both listings include a description of work, image and website details.

Stand: Table, chair, electricity and wifi use as required. We regret that free parking for exhibitors is no longer included in the stand price.

how to apply

Online: Applications should be made via the online form from the farnhammaltings.com website.

Email/post: We encourage all applications to be made online. However, if you do require a copy to be sent via email or post please contact: jo.connolly@farnhammaltings.com.