Useful information, including T&Cs for applying to participate in Printfest 2024

The application process begins 1st October and closes at midnight on 7th January.

What information do I need to have ready?

When applying, make sure you have these items ready:
> four images in JPG format with your name and print title as the file name (see image guidelines below),
> your 100-word artist statement for use in social media and the website (see examples here),
> your 40-word artist statement for use in the exhibition catalogue,
> a brief CV,
> payment method.

How do I apply?

Applications can be made by using the on-line Google Application Form on this page.

What is the selection process?

There are two rounds to the selection process. There are 10 judges, 8 are the Printfest core Team and two are guest judges, one of them is the Printmaker of the Year. Round one is the anonymous round to review and consider the images and the 100 word statements (names removed). Round two is the meeting round in Ulverston to review, debate, select and confirm the artists. Last year 93 artists applied for 42 stands.

How much does a stand cost?

Main Hall Stand Fees for Printfest 2024 are:
Stand fee £320 when paying by BACS or Cheque.
Stand fee £330 when paying by PayPal.
The Main Hall holds 44 stands.

What is the payment method?

BACS: on-line payments are the preferred method, the sort code and account number will be found on the Google application form.
Cheque: cheques should be made payable to ‘Ulverston Printfest’ and posted to: Printfest, 3 Stockbridge Lane, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7BG. They will only be cashed if your application is successful.
Paypal: Click the Paypal button to pay using Paypal.

Do Printfest take commission on sales?

The majority of the funding comes from artists’ stand fees and admission fees. Printfest do not take commission on sales.

What sort of Printmaking do you accept?

We accept all types of original hand-made prints. We cannot accept mass produced reproductions, such as laser prints or giclée prints. From time to time artists ask about printing on to surfaces other than paper, which makes for interesting discussions. For types of hand-made prints see here.

Who will make the selection of artists?

Selection is made by the Printfest Team, which is made up of printmakers, artists, and art lovers, plus two invited guest judges; the Printmaker of the Year plus one more.

Are there any awards available?

Yes, there are several awards given out each year, you can read about the Awards here.

What format do the images need to be?

The four images you send need to be the best quality you can give in order for the selection panel to make the most informed selection. They should be JPGs, 300dpi and approximately 1MG file size for printing in the catalogue.

If you are unable to have your work photographed or scanned professionally, please follow these guidelines:
> use a tripod
> ensure that there is enough light available and that it is even
> ensure your image is squared up on the camera screen
> do not include the frame
> set the camera to auto
> avoid shadows

How should I label my images?

Please label your images with your name, the title of the work and the dimensions of your workeg. Surname-Firstname-Title-of-work-70x90cm.

How do I send my images?

Email: Send your images by email to printfest@gmail.com

What size is the stand?

It comprises of five white-painted wooden panels offering an approximate hanging space of 3.5m, New lights were purchased in 2019, they are LED and can be rotated, each stand has two. Plinths, tables, stools and browsers can be brought in by the artists provided they do not creep onto visitor walkways or neighbouring stands to avoid bottlenecks and allow visitors to view your work closely.

What is the preferred method of hanging?

We ask you to to screw directly into the screen. Mirror plates work well. With larger work that may also be heavier we advise you double the number.

What are Printfest’s promotional activity plans?

Flyers will be distributed to key sites in Cumbria, Manchester, Glasgow, the North East and the North West in key cultural and tourist locations. Mail Chimp campaigns go out regularly. Social media is on-going and picks up pace in March and April. Advertising takes place in the local press and tourism supplements throughout April. 1,000 catalogues are printed. We know that many visitors keep their catalogues year on year. The catalogue will carry advertising from local businesses and fellow arts organisations. A promotional kit will be sent to exhibiting Printfest Printmakers via email for use in your local area and on your social media.

Terms & conditions

1. All work must be original and created by the artist.

2. All work must be hand-made prints by the artist’s hand. Mass produced reproductions (giclée and laser prints) are not accepted. Works on alternative surfaces will be considered.

3. All work displayed must be for sale.

4. Artists must be in attendance with their work throughout the Printfest weekend.

5. Artists cannot sublet their space or any part of it to another party without prior permission. Artists wanting to share a stand must each be individually selected. If one artist is declined, the remaining selected artist can go ahead alone.

6. Artists cannot display the work or services of another party without prior permission.

7. Stands are non-transferable.

8. Stand fees must be paid in full at the time of making your application or by agreement no later than 7th January.

9. Payment from selected artists is non-refundable once selection has been made.

10. Your stand fee will be refunded if not selected.

11. Please note that your application is only confirmed on receipt of payment.

12. In the event of the Printfest Art Fair being cancelled your stand fee will be refunded to you, less any expenditure made on your behalf.

13. Artists are responsible for their own public liability insurance, and insurance of their own work. We recommend joining the A-N Insurance www.a-n.co.uk/about/insurance or the SAA Gold cover www.saa.co.uk/info/group-insurance.