The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market 2023 - open call for makers
Join us on Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 November and Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 December 2023 when The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market returns. A preview event will take place on Friday 24 November 2023, 7-9pm, to coincide with the private view and opening party for our new exhibitions.
Please note, applications for the 2023 Festive Market are now closed.
We are delighted to announce that our popular Festive Market returns this winter, taking place in the newly-created event space at Tileyard North, the refurbished textile mill opposite the gallery.
Applications are welcomed from emerging and established UK-based artists, designers, independent makers and producers working in print, textiles, jewellery, homeware, ceramics, stationery, cosmetics and aromatics, plants and floristry, food and drink, and gifts for children.
The weekend will feature family activities and a festive offer in The Hepworth Wakefield shop and café to ensure a well-attended, vibrant event. Last year, we welcomed just over 10,800 visitors across the two Festive Market weekends.
Please read the frequently asked questions below before applying.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented within the arts sector.
The Hepworth Wakefield is Disability Confident Committed and we have pledged to ensure that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations within our organisation.
Please note, applications for the 2023 Festive Market are now closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the stall?
220 x 130cm, with optional 183 x 76cm wooden topped trestle table. Due to the layout of stalls, some stalls will be against brick walls or windows and others back to back in the centre of the space. Corner plot stalls may have two sides open to customers. Stallholders are encouraged to be creative with their stall display and make use of the space available.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, all stallholders must have Public Liability insurance to the value of £5 million. Successful applicants to our Festive Market will receive a discount code for 10% off the cost of Axisweb Network Associate membership, which includes free PPL insurance up to £5 million. This code will be offered on request to the first 40 successful applicants in need of insurance.
Where will the market take place?
The market will take place in the converted mill space adjacent to the gallery, part of the Tileyard North development. Stalls will be set up the day before the fair opens. Full details regarding set up and take down will be sent in advance of the event.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through Curatorspace only, via this link. You will be asked to send up to 5 images of your products and your stall at previous fairs. Please note, applications for the 2023 Festive Market are now closed.
What dates and times can I attend?
The Festive Market will take place over two weekends – Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 November and Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 December 2023. Opening times will be 10am – 4pm on all four days.
A preview event will take place on Friday 24 November, 7-9pm, to coincide with the private view and opening party for our new exhibitions.
Please select both weekends if you are available for both and we will make the selection based on overall availability.
Is there a fee to participate?
Yes. Standard stalls are £250 for the weekend period. Figures are inclusive of VAT. Fees must be paid in advance to guarantee a place. Makers selected for participation will be informed of payment deadlines. Fees support the running of the fair and The Hepworth Wakefield’s mission to create art experiences that inspire and enhance lives.
What press and marketing will The Hepworth Wakefield undertake?
Exhibitors will be prominently listed on The Hepworth Wakefield’s website and promoted through a variety of content on the gallery’s sector-leading social media platforms: Twitter (82k followers); Instagram (89k followers); Facebook (32k followers), as well as in regular e-newsletters sent to our Members, Patrons and subscribers.
In addition, the market will be promoted on prominent poster sites across Leeds and Sheffield; on digital screens at arts and cultural venues in Wakefield; included in Wakefield Council’s Doorstep Discoveries publication; and approx. 10,000 Festive Market flyers will be distributed across the region. Adverts for the Festive Market will appear in Yorkshire Life, Yorkshire Living, Living North and Yorkshire Post.
The Hepworth Wakefield has a strong track record of securing media coverage for its fairs and markets, offering a further opportunity to profile participants. Media coverage received for previous fairs included Crafts Council, Elle Decoration, The Guardian, Time Out, Wallpaper* and Yorkshire Post.
Will visitors pay for the market?
Yes, entry to the Festive Market will be £2 / Free for Members, carers and under 18s. A discounted exhibition ticket will be available for the event dates.
Stall holders will be offered free entry to The Hepworth Wakefield’s exhibitions.
Event partner
