Top 5 International Markets for Craft
How do you get your work out there? Carol Sinclair and Helen Voce recommend five international markets for craft.
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How do you get your work out there? Carol Sinclair and Helen Voce recommend five international markets for craft.
The International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects run by the Crafts Council at the Saatchi Gallery, London. Aimed at the high end collecting market, exhibited works sell for £500 plus. Makers are mostly represented by the world's finest craft galleries, but they can now apply to exhibit in their own Project Space. Private collectors are joined by representatives of public collections, acquiring items for national and international Museum collections.
Every November buyers and collectors of craft head to Chicago to purchase work by emerging and established craftspeople from 80 premier galleries and dealers from around the world. 35,000 people attend over three days. To sell work at SOFA you need to be represented by a gallery or dealer. Do your research into who's exhibiting and then get the gallery or dealer to find out how to approach them. Craft Scotland has showcased work by established contemporary makers from Scotland at the fair since 2012. Look out for their call for applications.
Showcases high end, skilled craft and design. Trade visitors and the general public head to Germany every March to see work exhibited in internationally recognised, special areas - Talente, Exempla, Schmuk and Meister der Moderne.
The bi-annual trade only exposition, formerly known as the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), attracts 35,000 buyers, distributors, importers and wholesalers from the US and overseas. Exhibitors of crafts, products and gifts feature in three Market Collections - Home, Lifestyle and the Handmade. It is a vast show with makers exhibiting in the Handmade Designer Maker showcase in the latter collection. A number of Scottish makers have exhibited at the event, so if you are considering a stand it is worth asking those who have been to share their insights.
The major European trade show for professionals working in the 'art of living'. That means buyers from interior design/architecture studios and stylists as well as buyers for stores, retailers and galleries. Designers from around the world exhibit at the show taking place in Paris every January/February. Maison&Objet have expanded their reach, showcasing high quality design and craft via trade shows in Asia and the Americas. To exhibit you need to apply.