Call for Applications: GNCCFonline Christmas Edition

Apply NOW for GNCCFonline at Christmas. Deadline midnight 4th October 2020.

Great Northern Events, a not for profit organisation, organises the portfolio of Great (& Little) Contemporary Craft Fairs in the North of England. All exhibitors for our prestigious shows are selected for their excellence in their craft by an expert panel, to sell their work to the public and trade. Now in in our 13th year, our fairs are renowned as the place to buy and commission unique and exceptional handmade work.

Whilst we are unable to hold live events, our fairs are now online. Following the success of our inaugural GNCCFonline in July, we now welcome applications for the Christmas edition of GNCCFonline, taking place 21-22 November.

You will be a designer – maker/artist working to the highest standards in ceramics, jewellery, glass, basket-making, silver and metalsmithing, mixed or recycled media, lighting and furniture design, wood, millinery, fashion design, interior textiles and homewares, leather, paper, stationary and printmaking. We do not accept painting, drawing, graphic design, photography or greeting card makers ( cards accepted as part of a wider range), nor do we accept hand-made candles or soaps and toiletries. Applications must be from the designer-maker and work must not be mass produced. We do not accept imported goods, not made by yourself.

As an online selling event, to achieve the best sales we recommend you have an online shop or third party selling platform.

We welcome applications from both UK and international makers.

The participation fee is £75 +VAT ( currently 5%) and there is an application fee of £5. You will be prompted to pay the application fee on completion of the on line application when you will be redirected PayPal. The application form will not be submitted without this payment. This fee is non-refundable. It will go towards covering the administration costs for processing the applications and the selection procedure. Note we do not take any commission on sales.

Your images: You will need to upload 8 product images - these should be of pieces you wish to sell through GNCCFonline. ONCE SELECTED, YOU CAN CHANGE THESE IMAGES BEFORE OR DURING THE EVENT EG IF THAT PRODUCT BECOMES SOLD BY CONTACTING THE ORGANISER.

The participation fee includes:

Exhibitor selling profile with 8 images with links to buy now via your own selling platforms, 50 word description and contact details. This listing will remain live until New Year and then will revert to an exhibitor profile where buy now buttons will be removed but links to your selling platforms and website etc will remain.
Extensive social media promotion on facebook, twitter and Instagram and opportunity to take part in Instagram lives such as maker interviews, online studio visits and maker demos and product presentations.
Promotion via the GNCCF newsletter sent to 10,000 followers.
Digital advertising – google and facebook ads.
Help and guidance on how to get the most from the event.
cross promotion with relevant groups, organisations and universities.
national and regional press and promotion campaign, with particular emphasis on maker profiles and images of work.
GNCCFonline branded artwork components to use in your own online promotion.

Successful applicants will be notified via email by 24th October 2020 and will be sent acceptance forms and invoiced for the full participation fee.

Stats & Testimonials from GNCCFonline Summer edition

£10k of commissions taken
13% of sales were from outside UK ( of these 7% were to USA, 3% to Europe)
134414 page views on GNCCF website
9000 visitors to GNCCF website of which 21% were first time visitors
78% of exhibitors reported increase in social media followers
71% reported increased traffic to online shops

“As a collector of hand-made jewellery, I am supporter of the GNCCF which is a wonderful showcase of some of the best work in the UK, brilliantly and creatively run and managed. The main exhibition and the 'little' shows are highlights of the year for me. However the online offer, generated due to the restrictions around Covid-19, was really impressive and compelling. It was well designed and very well marketed and I enjoyed the direct contact with the jewellers themselves. Although very different it was nonetheless a very positive experience.” GNCCFonline customer

“In the absence of in person craft fairs taking part in GNCCF online gave me a deadline to work to, an incentive to create new pieces, and showed my jewellery to a much wider audience than I could reach on my own. It was great to have engagement and feedback on my work (as well as sales!) which has been very much reduced in recent months.” Naomi James, GNCCFonline exhibitor

“I loved GNCCFonline, being new to the GNCCF audience and the event being online I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what an event and what a supportive craft community! I couldn’t keep up with the lovely messages, new customers and sales! This is an event organised by people who love what they do and it shows!” The Cat in the Shoe, GNCCFonline exhibitor

“GNCCF online was good for me, 20-30% of my sales were from new customers. And lots of mail list sign ups.” Carla Murdoch GNCCFonline exhibitor

You need to complete the application form in full to be considered for GNCCFonline Christmas taking place 21-22 November 2020
Once images are uploaded YOU CANNOT AMEND so please ensure you select the correct images first time. IMAGE ONE MUST BE SQUARE.
Your application will not be submitted without payment.
Should you have any difficulties in completing the application or submitting your payment please email ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk stating your name, email, contact telephone number and a brief outline of the problem.
closing date for applications is midnight Sunday 4th October 2020.
www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk