We are proud to present the third annual Grand River Arts Festival - a celebration and exhibition of visual arts, music, and theatre, held on the historic grounds of Glenhyrst Art Gallery in Brantford, ON.

Fine and Applied Artists from Southwestern Ontario in all mediums are invited to apply.    A selection committee will review  all submissions and choose artists based on variety and quality of work .  Are you a practising artist who would like to be a part of the Grand River Arts Festival?  If so, please complete the application below.  Applications are due by April 1, 2025 and notifications will be sent out after April 30.

GRAF Fine and Applied Artists Information

Acceptance and Cost:

We are grateful for the large number of submissions we receive, however ,  only those selected forthe festival will be contacted by April 31.  We will maintain a waiting list.

The Visual and Applied component of the GRAF is selected by Committee. It will be based on originality, workmanship, and professional presentation. The number of applicants into each category will be taken into consideration.  All work to be displayed must be a consistent, high-caliber as indicated by initially submitted images. If your work falls into more than one category, please submit images for each.

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

All submissions must be submitted by April 1, 2025 and must include -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.

After confirmation of acceptance, GRAF  must receive payment in full by May 15 for booth space , tent space, and tables. Late payments will not be accepted. Payment details to follow acceptance.

•  Professional artist booth under large tent canopy  - $100

•  Professional artist – bring own 10 x 10 tent - $50

•  Student artist - $35 (must submit name of post-secondary school)

•  Table rental – 1 per vendor - $15 

Details for consideration before applying:

 

  1. The festival will open at 5pm on September 19. Set up must be completed by 4:30. Booths must remain staffed during open hours, through 7 pm on Saturday, September 20. There will be no allowance for late set up nor early removal. Commitment to the festival is for both days.  More details regarding set up, etc. will be provided as we get closer to the event.

  2. Only mediums which have been approved through the festival jury process may be displayed. If an artist has multiple mediums, each one must be identified and images of each submitted.

  3. 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.)

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

  5. All work must be displayed professionally (photographs and works on paper should be either framed or matted and wrapped in cellophane).

  6. All booths will be attended by the artist, not by representatives or agents.  A festival volunteer can be asked to booth sit for brief periods of time.

  7. All further details will be sent upon acceptance.

  8. Submission of completed form is considered acceptance of all terms and conditions.

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 grandriverartsfestival@glenhyrst.ca in order to request a refund before June 30, 2025. 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.  Festival tents have sides that can be installed if, needed. 

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

  • Limited access to electricity is available for some festival tents.

  • 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.


    COMPLETION OF THIS APPLICATION WILL BE DEEMED AS ACCEPTANCE OF ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS OUTLINED ABOVE.