Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Victoria Baths Manchester
17-20 October 2024
GNCCFonline Christmas: 7-8 December 2024
Now in its 17th year, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) is nationally renowned and is the place in the North of England to buy and commission exceptional handmade work directly from a selected line-up of professional designer-makers. Along with its Christmas pop-up GNCCFonline, we offer makers an unrivaled opportunity to put their work in front of an eager and savvy audience in a way that suits them and their buyers best.
“I’ve never participated in any other show that has been such a success for me and my practice.” GNCCF exhibitor
GNCCF returns to the stunning Victoria Baths in Manchester, opening with a Private View on the evening of Thursday 17 October, and then to the general public from Friday 18 October to Sunday 20 October.
“I finally felt like I had found my audience. I’m full of confidence now that my business is on the right track” – GNCCF Exhibitor
GNCCF is complimented by GNCCFonline Christmas editionin December which provides an affordable and accessible way to present and market your work under the respected GNCCF brand. It’s also attractive to GNCCF exhibitors as a reminder to visitors.
“Extremely well organised and professionally run show that helps to raise your profile on social media and create new customers.” GNCCFonline Exhibitor
Applications are now invited from new and established designer-makers and recent graduates, working to the highest standards in ceramics, glass, jewellery, metal, leather, wood, interior textiles, fashion design & accessories, mixed media, basket-making, product design, furniture, print-making and more.
For all our fairs, we welcome applications from diverse and talented makers from the UK and abroad, whatever their background or professional qualifications; we encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups in craft, including, but not limited to, those who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, neurodivergent, D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and working class. We’re also keen to attract makers whose contact address puts them in one of Arts Council England’s Levelling Up For Culture Places.
If you live with a disability or mobility issue, our application form offers you the opportunity to tell us how we can help you participate in the fair, and we will make reasonable adaptions where we can, within the scope of the venue.
For GNCCF 2024, we’re delighted to partner with the Radcliffe Trust to offer 10 bursaries of £250 to new makers and 2 bursaries of £250 to newcomers, whose contact address puts them in one of Arts Council England’s Levelling Up For Culture Places.
Interested makers can apply by completing the online application form available on our website www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk. The application portal opens 1st February and closes 29th February 2024.
All exhibitors are selected for their excellence by a panel of craft experts, based on their submitted images. Successful applicants will benefit from extensive marketing and promotion and a range of affordable stand packages, including subsidised stands and table top/display only options for new and graduate makers. In the event the live event cannot go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions, full refunds will be given.
Great Northern Events, is a not-for-profit organisation.
“A great event in a splendid setting with a very engaged audience.” GNCCF Exhibitor
“My favourite show to exhibit at, brilliantly organised with a great mix of visitors from new comers to serious collectors who make this an annual shopping event for craft!” GNCCF Exhibitor
“A well thought out and beautifully curated online show, GNCCFonline gave visibility to my profile and brought new customers. The entire process from start to finish was smooth. A fun and affordable way to put myself out there as a first time exhibitor.” GNCCFonline Exhibitor
#GNCCF Manchester & #GNCCFonline