The second Grand River Arts Festival is a celebration and exhibition of visual arts, music, and theatre, held on the historic grounds of Glenhyrst Art Gallery in Brantford, Ontario. 

Are you practising artist who would like to be part of the Grand River Arts Festival with a selling table? If so, please complete the application below to acknowledge your interest. Application deadline is May 1, 2024 and selected artists will be notified by May 31, 2024!

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 May 1, 2024 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:

We are grateful for the large number of submissions we receive, however  only those selected for the festival will be contacted by May 31, 2024.  We will maintain a waiting list.

After confirmation of acceptance, GRAF must receive payment in full by June 15, 2024 for booth space and tables. Late payments will not be accepted. Payment details to follow acceptance.

  • Professional artist booth - $100

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

  • Table rental – 1 per vendor - $15

Details:

  1. The festival will open at 5pm on September 20. Set up must be completed by 4:30. Booths must remain staffed during open hours, through 7 pm on Saturday, September 21. 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, 3 images from each medium must accompany the application and will be juried separately.

  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. 20 x 20' Tents are provided and shared by 3 artists each. They have central lighting but artists who wish to illuminate their work must bring their own lighting for the evening event - battery operated preferred as we have limited electrical. Artists may not bring their own tents, booths, etc. All displays must fit into the designated section of the assigned space.

  7. All booths will be attended by the artist, not by representatives or Agents.  Artists are encouraged to bring helpers to relieve them or a festival volunteer can be asked to booth sit for brief periods of time.  

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, 2024. 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.


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