American Craft Council 2016
April 21, 2015 to April 21, 2015
Multiple Locations - See Prospectus for Details
Application Dates
Jun 1 to Aug 1 '15
Application Fee
$1.00
(see prospectus for details)
Late Application Dates
Aug 2 - Aug 09, 2015
Late Fee
$25.00
(see prospectus for details)
Notification Date
Sep 28, 2015

Prospectus

We invite you to be part of our talented community of artists, ranging from those just beginning their careers to masters in the craft field. Join us for what promises to be a spectacular season showcasing the highest quality craft in the country.

OVERVIEW

Our juried marketplace features extraordinary work by more than 1,500 of the country’s most talented craft artists.

BENEFITS

Media coverage

  • The ACC promotes its shows with the help of highly-skilled public relations firms that have a pulse on the local marketplace in each of our show cities. We also work with media buyers who track the latest trends for reaching diverse audiences. In 2016, we will focus our efforts on national, regional, and local media prior to each show and throughout the year.
  • We feature our artists’ work on the ACC website, in digital and print ads, via social media, in a special show preview sections of American Craft magazine, and on-site via comprehensive show programs and colorful navigational signage.

Attendance

American Craft Council shows reach nearly 50,000 collectors and craft enthusiasts at our shows in Baltimore, Atlanta, St. Paul, and San Francisco.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We encourage you to apply if you produce original work in any of the following categories: basketry, ceramics, clothing and accessories, decorative fiber, furniture and lighting, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, stone, toys and puzzles, and wood.

DEADLINE Aug. 1, 2015

LATE DEADLINE Aug. 8, 2015. A $25 fee will apply.

Jury results will be emailed to applicants in late September 2015.

STANDARDS

To ensure a high level of quality in the work exhibited in American Craft Council shows, each jury is instructed to adhere to these guidelines in making decisions:

  • Work is handmade and reflects excellence and the unique vision of its maker
  • Work is well conceived and skillfully executed, without technical faults
  • All work must be the design of the applicant and made in the United States or Canada by the applicant or under his or her direct supervision.

GENERAL POLICIES

The Council reserves the right to:

  • Invite up to 20 percent of the artists for each of our shows, to assure balance in the show
  • Refuse submissions which fail to meet the high level of quality as stated in the standards statement
  • Require removal of objects at a show that are inconsistent with the application submission. Exhibitors must display work consistent with the type and quality represented in the submission.
  • Remove an artist from the show if all work is not the design of the applicant and made in the United States or Canada by the applicant or under his/her direct supervision
  • Cancel any show that does not receive sufficient appropriate applications
  • Retain all fees for image submissions, show applications, space reservations, and booths as these fees are non-refundable. Exceptions to this policy may be considered in extraordinary circumstances. Cancellation by the exhibitor will result in forfeiture of all fees paid up to the date of cancellation.

WHAT IS ELIGIBLE?

  • Three-dimensional, handmade craft that meets the standard statements listed above
  • Small-studio production work under the direct supervision of the applicant. Direct supervision requires that artist oversees production work as it occurs and provides constant direction, feedback, and assistance. All work must be produced in the United States or Canada. The American Craft Council reserves the right to require authentication of the production process as needed and at any time during the application and exhibition process.

WHAT IS NOT ELIGIBLE?

  • Commercially manufactured art
  • Work assembled (wholly or in part) from commercially available kits. Such items, exhibits, and/or exhibitors may be removed from the show without prior notification and/or refund of booth fee.
  • Two-dimensional art such as paintings, prints, or photographs
  • Mixed media work that uses paint and canvas as its primary medium
  • Screen-printed material
  • Etchings, web- or sheet-fed offset printed work
  • Works that incorporates materials acquired from the killing of endangered species
  • Elephant/Mammoth ivory (this includes fossilized ivory)
  • Dried or silk flower arrangements
  • Soaps
  • Bonsai
  • Embellished commercially-made objects (such as t-shirts, note cards, etc.)

The Council’s decision is final with regard to acceptability of exhibitors’ work.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Submit five digital images to the annual jury by midnight (PST) August 1, 2015, via JAS, the online application system ( www.juriedartservices.com). Each application will be given one jury score for all 2016 shows.
  • We encourage returning applicants to submit two to three images of new work. Marketing and promotional efforts focus on new pieces.
  • Mark the checkbox for each show you would like to apply your 2016 score to.

FEES AND DEADLINES

Deadlines

  • Application deadline for 2016 shows is August 1, 2015 at MIDNIGHT (PST)
  • The late application deadline for 2016 shows is August 8, 2015 at midnight (PST). A $25 late fee will apply for all applications received between August 2 and August 8.
  • Jury results for all shows will be emailed to show applicants in late September 2015.

Fees

  • $10 processing and handling fee for each set of images
  • $30 application fee for each show you would like those images applied to
  • All application fees are non-refundable and are not transferable. The Council assumes no responsibility for the receipt of incomplete applications.
  • $25 late fee will apply for all applications received between August 2 – 8

Booth fees

Booth fees vary by show location and cover the following:

  • Space rental
  • Booth sign
  • Listing in show directory
  • Listing on public website
  • Five free guest passes
  • Exhibitor and one assistant badge
  • Promotional materials (postcards, electronic flyers)
  • National advertising campaigns
  • Discounted tickets on public days

Booth fees DO NOT cover:

  • Ancillary decorator services such as pipe and drape, carpet, shipping
  • Electricity (exception: San Francisco show)

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Applicants are asked to classify their work by identifying the principal material in which they work (ceramic, fiber, glass, metal, etc.) or the primary type of work they create (furniture and lighting, jewelry, etc.). This is how work will be scored and listed in the show directories, etc.

Jewelry applications (important information)

  • Jewelry images must all be submitted under jewelry. Do not include jewelry images in any other category submission, or it will be removed.
  • Any artist who wishes to exhibit jewelry, as well as other types of work, must submit separate applications in the appropriate categories.

Multiple bodies of work

  • If the artist makes two distinct bodies of work in the same material, he/she may wish to submit a separate application for each. Applicants may not submit the same image more than once in the same category.
  • A single application representing multiple bodies of work in the same material must proportionately reflect what the artist intends to exhibit at the show. For example, if one type of work predominates in the artist’s display, it must predominate in the files submitted. The Council reserves the right to enforce the same proportion in your display.
  • If an artist wishes to apply with more than one application, he/she must apply with separate online user IDs, digital images, and application fees.
  • If there are multiple applications and only one is accepted, only work represented in that application may be exhibited. If both are accepted, the work may be exhibited in any proportion.

Invited vs. waitlisted

If one application is accepted and another is waitlisted, the waitlisted work may not represent more than one-third of the entire booth. Once the artist’s number on the waitlist is reached, the artist may include the waitlisted work in his/her booth in any proportion.

JURY CATEGORIES

Each application will be grouped into one of four jury categories. Each category will be scored by a separate jury of seven people. Each jury will consist of four current exhibitors and three art professionals. Jurors will review and score applicants remotely for one week in August.

  • Clothing and Wearable Accessories
  • Jewelry
  • Glass and Ceramic - Functional or sculptural work for interiors/exteriors
  • All Other Media - Functional or sculptural work for interiors/exteriors

JURY PROCESS

  • Jurors will view five images in a single application, simultaneously. All jurors are required to zoom in on and read the description of image 1. The descriptions of images 2-5 can be read at the juror’s own discretion.
  • Jurors score the applications on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 as the highest and most favorable value. Jurors are encouraged to use the full range when scoring. Each member records his/her score anonymously.
  • Average jury scores are tabulated by the digital jury system from the values individual jurors assign to each submission.
  • Each application receives one score and that score is what is applied to each show.
  • Invitations to exhibit are issued to artists in each material classification with the highest scores.
  • A waitlist in each media is created from the scores immediately following those invited to exhibit. The Council reserves the right to balance its shows through artists on the waitlist.
  • Individual scores are not released, and the Council does not provide an explanation of why an artist’s submission was or was not accepted.

COLLABORATION

  • Administrative requirements dictate that there is one “primary” artist on each application as the shows are organized by artist name. The application will also ask for other “secondary” collaborative partners. This means they will be listed side-by-side in the directory, booth signs, etc. unless the artist directs us otherwise. Primary artist or listed collaborative partners must be present at the show.
  • Artists working together may apply as one if they collaborate on every piece. If accepted, they may exhibit only pieces that are part of the collaboration.
  • Secondary collaborative artists are defined as being an integral part of the design and making of the work.
  • If two artists, having separate and unrelated work and operating separate businesses, wish to share booth space, both artists must submit images in their respective medium categories and be accepted individually. The minimum shared booth size for two artists is 10'x15'; for three artists, 10'x20'.

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS

The file that is submitted must be an accurate representation of the object as it was originally photographed. Acceptable manipulations include: size of the file, background, lighting, shadows, contrast, color correction, and/or adjustments that do not affect the object itself.

CONTACT INFORMATION

All information collected is used in show directories (artist name, partner name, company name, city, state, and/or email, phone number) and on show websites (name, partner name, company name, city, state, website). Please review this information carefully before submitting your application.

NEW ARTISTS

ACC encourages new and emerging artists to apply. An artist may choose to check this box on the application if he/she has not exhibited in any Council show. These exhibitors, if accepted, receive special signage and are promoted through marketing efforts as “New.”

EXHIBITOR OBLIGATIONS

  • Accepted exhibitors must agree to abide by the general terms and conditions of the American Craft Council shows as stated in this brochure.
  • Exhibitors must be full-time residents of the United States or Canada.
  • Exhibitors must be professional, capable of producing work of consistent quality, and responsible for fulfilling orders obtained at a Council show.
  • All work in Council shows must be original and created by the exhibitor or under the exhibitor’s direct supervision. Exhibitors must display only their own work, not work made by others.
  • All work must be original and handmade in the United States or Canada. Small studio production work under the direct supervision of the applicant is acceptable.
  • Exhibitors must present work consistent with the type and quality represented in the application submission. In addition, work of inferior quality or inordinate proportions of work not represented in the image submission are not permitted.
  • Exhibitors must attend their work in person for the duration of the show. Exhibitors’ employees may not substitute for the exhibitor. Sales representatives are never permitted.
  • Booth displays must remain intact until the show ends.
  • Exhibitors must be current members of the American Craft Council at the time they exhibit in a Council show.
  • Exhibitors must have a valid state sales tax permit from each state in which they are participating in a Council show. Exhibitors are responsible for collecting and reporting sales tax where applicable.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

The Awards of Excellence recognize as many as 18 participating artists every year at the American Craft Council retail shows in Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Paul, and San Francisco. Awarded by a changing roster of jurors selected for their contributions to their area arts communities, the Awards of Excellence are given in recognition of excellence in quality of work or for individual booth design. Past jurors have included curators, practicing artists, and scholars. Awardees receive monetary remuneration of $500 and automatic admission to exhibit at that show in the following show season.

For artists participating in our emerging artist program called Hip Pop, an additional Award of Excellence is presented by the ACC Board of Trustees to a participating Hip Pop artist at each show. Recipients receive automatic admission to exhibit at that show in the following show season.

In addition to the awards for individual work and booth design, the ACC is proud to partner with the Collectors of Wood Art, the James Renwick Alliance, the Society of North American Goldsmiths, and The Hambidge Center in the presentation of unique awards:

  • In Baltimore, the Award of Excellence in Wood Art is presented by the Collectors of Wood Art in recognition of an artist working in wood; The James Renwick Alliance Award of Excellence in Innovation is presented by the James Renwick Alliance in recognition of innovative work; and the SNAG Award of Excellence in Metals is presented by the Society of North American Goldsmiths in recognition of an artist working in jewelry or metals. Recipients of each award receive monitory remuneration of $500 and automatic admission to exhibit at that show in the following show season.
  • In Atlanta, the Award of Excellence Hambidge Center Residency is presented by The Hambidge in recognition of an artist’s connection to the unique natural environment promoted by the center, receiving a two-week residency and automatic admission to exhibit during the following show season.

40th ANNUAL BALTIMORE SHOW

BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

February 17 – 18, 2016 (Wholesale)

February 19 – 21, 2016 (Retail)

The Council’s flagship show is a must-attend event for wholesale buyers and the public. This is a highly competitive and prestigious show attracting artists across the United States.

SIZE OF SHOW

Wholesale-only section: 200 exhibitors

Wholesale/retail section: 350 exhibitors

Retail section: 300 exhibitors

MOVE-IN DATES

Wholesale and Wholesale/Retail sections: February 15 – 16, 2016

Retail section: February 17 – 18, 2016

BOOTH FEES

Wholesale Only* (two days)

10X 8 $960

10 X 10 $1,200

15 X 10 $1,800

Corner Booths: $300 additional

Perimeter Corner (corner booth on wall): $150 additional

Wholesale/retail (two days wholesale/three days retail)

10 X 10 $2,030

15 X 10 $3,045

20 X 10 $4,060

20 X 5 $2,830 (includes two corner fees)

Corner booths: $400 additional

Perimeter corner (corner booth on wall): $200 additional

Retail Section (three days)

10 X 10 $1,395

15 X 10 $2,095

20 X 10 $2,790

20 X 5 $2,195 (includes two corner fees)

Corner booths: $400 additional

Perimeter corner (corner booth on wall): $200 additional

*A $65 facility service fee will be added to each booth contract. (This is charged as a separate fee in order for all artists to pay an equal amount regardless of booth size; for facility services such as custodial and in-house building security.)

Notification will be emailed late September 2015.

SET-UP INFORMATION

Please note: There are three separate sections in the Baltimore show - Wholesale-Only, Wholesale-Retail, Retail-Only. Each is considered to be a separate portion of the show and should be applied to separately. Artists may apply to any or all sections of the show and are eligible to exhibit only in the sections to which they apply and are accepted. Note how many booths are available in each section of the show when considering your application choices.

27TH ANNUAL ATLANTA SHOW

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

March 10, 2016 – Preview Party

March 11-13, 2016 – Show

The Atlanta show is located in a beautiful venue situated near the affluent suburbs of Cobb County, with easy highway access and free public parking. It’s a very competitive show that draws a sophisticated audience.

Wholesale opportunities are offered for artists at our retail shows. The Council reaches out to buyer’s prior to the show inviting them to attend anytime throughout the show. Artists will be asked to check a box on the space reservation if they are interested in conducting wholesale business.

SIZE OF SHOW

230 exhibitors

MOVE-IN DATES

March 9 – 10, 2016

BOOTH FEES

10 X 10 $910

15 X 10 $1,365

20 X 10 $1,820

20 X 5 $1,510 (includes 2 corner fees)

Corner booths: $300 additional

Perimeter corner (corner booth on wall): $150 additional

Notifications will be emailed late September 2015.

30TH ANNUAL ST. PAUL SHOW

ST. PAUL RIVERCENTRE

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

April 7, 2016 – Preview Party

April 8-10, 2016 – Show

The Council’s only Midwest show, this small, established show attracts a loyal regional audience drawing from the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin, and is presented in a superb facility in the heart of St. Paul.

Wholesale opportunities are offered for artists at our retail shows. The Council reaches out to buyer’s prior to the show inviting them to attend anytime throughout the show. Artists will be asked to check a box on the space reservation if they are interested in conducting wholesale business.

SIZE OF SHOW

240 exhibitors

MOVE-IN DATES

April 6-7, 2016

BOOTH FEES

10 X 8 $730

10 X 10 $910

15 X 10 $1,365

20 X 10 $1,820

20 X 5 $1,510 (includes two corner fees)

Corner booths: $300 additional

Perimeter corner (corner booth on wall): $150 additional

Notifications will be emailed late September 2015.

41ST ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO SHOW

FORT MASON CENTER

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

August 5 – 7, 2016

Our San Francisco show is located on the waterfront between Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. This show serves a well-established audience of Bay Area craft enthusiasts, including a growing demographic of younger admirers of handmade goods.

Wholesale opportunities are offered for artists at our retail shows. The Council reaches out to buyer’s prior to the show inviting them to attend anytime throughout the show. Artists will be asked to check a box on the space reservation if they are interested in conducting wholesale business.

SIZE OF SHOW

225 exhibitors

MOVE-IN DATES

August 3 – 4, 2016

BOOTH FEES

8 X 10 $900

10 X 10 $1,125

15 X 10 $1,690

Corner booths: $400 additional

Perimeter corner (corner booth on wall): $200 additional

Booth fee includes electricity

Notifications will be emailed late September 2015.